Birmingham Welsh RFC 1936 - 1997
While there is anecdotal evidence of Welsh Rugby team in Birmingham from as early as 1908, the formation of Birmingham Welsh RFC is well documented as July 1936. There was a large population of Welsh expatriates in the Midlands, largely made up from unemployed miners, and teachers. Both of which brought with them their love of the game of Rugby Union. A band of supporters sought the formation of a Welsh club in the second city, to emulate the already prestigious London Welsh RFC.
Lacking a home ground did not deter the Club�s progress � all matches in the first season were played away from home, including a win in their first game against Austin Apprentices. The first season contained a full fixture card, and many more wins than defeats. The second season saw the acquisition of a home ground at no.605 County of Warwick Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron (now a Castle Vale housing estate).
The through the fifties were a successful period, the club relied ever more on Welsh teachers posted in the Midlands, and latterly Welsh undergraduates at Birmingham University, so much so that they often struggled to field strong side during the school holidays! By 1960, however, the committee had come to the conclusion that the club needed to purchase their own ground � no small feat considering the club bank balance sat at �12. None the less, a hosted of fund raising schemes were devised, some of them successful, and by 1965 the kitty stood at �2000. With the help of a few grants and loans, the club were able to purchase a plot of land of their own in Bickenhill � the site of the current club�s home.
Since the purchase of this land, the facilities have gradually improved from a small army hut with a communal paddling pool bath, to permanent bar, clubhouse and changing facilities. This was achieved, despite lack of funding, the Department of Trade objections, and many planning permission rejections, due to the labour and persistence of many members. However, into the mid 1990s, it became apparent to club members that it was necessary to find a solution to the dwindling playing staff and finances, which brought Birmingham Welsh and Birmingham City Officials to a true merger, and the formation of the Birmingham Exiles � Forward in Unity!
-- Summarised from 'Half A ton of Welsh, Richard Williams, 1987