13. T. H. PLATT 1904

Thomas Henry Platt of the splendid 'handlebar' moustache lived at Combe Martin. a large house on Hurst Road. Now demolished. He established a firm which became one of the main manufacturers of gas mantles in London. From 1909 to 1910 be represented the Queenhithe Ward on the Council of Common Council. the body responsible for the administration of the City of London. The photograph was taken at the time of his election to the Council.
The Platts had four sons who played for Bexley. Sydney was 1st XI captain in 1907. The previous year he had distinguished himself by playing an innings of 173 for the Club. He was invited to play for Kent but his father said he had the business to look after and could not have the time! He moved to Bromley just before the first world War and joined Bickley Park. Cricket Club. After the War he used to bring a team from Bickley Park to play in Cricket Week; his mother, Mrs T.H. Platt, used to give all the teas for this day and server them herself.
Two other sons. Glyn and Clifford were listed as wounded in action in the War. Glyn and the fourth brother, Eric continued to play for the Club in the early 1920’s, Eric being Hon. Treasurer in 1921.
Sydney and Eric carried on the family business after the death of their father in 1923; sadly Eric was killed in action in 1944.