Ted Bensley’s Memories

Ted initially joined Margate during the Arsenal ‘nursery’ years in the 1930’s and was Margate’s leading goalscorer in the 1946/47 season…

Ted in 1947

What is your full name and date and place of birth ?
Edward Arthur Cecil Bensley, 27th August 1914, Margate.

What is your marital Status?
Widowed.

Do you have children ?
One daughter.

Did / do any of your family play football ?
Father, Edward Alan Bensley played.

Where do you live now ?
Margate.

What is your occupation now ?
Retired.

What was your occupation during your time with Margate ?
Printer.

How did you come to join Margate ?
Invited to join by Arsenal FC as Margate were Arsenal’s ‘nursery’ club.

How much were you paid during your time with Margate ? Was this every week of the year ?
Five shillings per match when playing.

What do you remember about your Margate debut ?
Going into the dressing room and seeing all the kit hanging up – waiting to be put on.

Who was the best player you played with at Margate ?
Charlie Walker.

Do you still keep in contact with any of your old Margate team-mates ?
Not now because I think they have all passed away.

What was the best stadium you played in during your entire career ?
Colomb Stadium in Paris.

What ground(s) did you most enjoy playing at during your time at Margate ?
Maidstone.

Who was the best manager you played under (and at which club) ?
Charlie Walker at Margate.

Who was the biggest influence on your football career ?
Alex James.

What was your favourite / best Margate goal?
Playing for Margate at Ashford – the first goal I scored.

Do you keep an eye on Margate’s progress / results and if so what do you think ?
Yes – playing well.

Did you have a nickname during your career / time at Margate?
No.

What honours did you win during your career ?
Kent League Winners 1946/47, numerous amateur medals and played for England Workers team.

Do you ever watch Margate now or if not, when was the last time you saw them ?
Don’t watch them now, saw last game 3 or 4 seasons ago.

Can you recall any funny moments from your time at Margate ?
All the players having to get into the bath together at the end of the match.

Do you have any regrets about your football career ?
No.

What do you think about being featured on a website or the fact that a Margate History site exists ?
It’s nice to pass the history on to all that are interested.

Ted in 2003

Added to the site in 2002. Ted died on 20th June 2011 aged 96.