PAST, present and future members and associates of Swindon Cricket Club came together at the weekend to celebrate the club’s 175th anniversary.

With three different events held across the two days at the club’s County Ground home, there was something for everyone which was reflected in the excellent turnouts.

Celebrations started on Saturday with a meeting for older members, which included afternoon tea.

The volume then cranked up as the evening crowd were entertained by local bands alongside a hog roast.

On Sunday, guests were treated to a two-course meal provided by Dotty’s Cafe alongside stories of the club’s past by local historian Dick Mattick.

Following the meal, a raffle and auction were held to help raise funds for Swindon Rotary Club’s chosen charity – End Polio Now.

More than £800 was raised, which will be trebled by the Bill Gates Foundation.

Following the meal, a T20 match between a Swindon XI and a British Railways XI took place on the County Ground pitch to round off proceedings.

Swindon first-team captain Marc Williamson said: “We had a good weekend of partying. Everyone who came really enjoyed themselves.

“There was a sit-down evening meal on Saturday and then an old boys T20 match on Sunday, which was very well attended.

“It was a really good weekend and great to see some of the old faces again.

“When you get to anniversaries like likes, it is always important to celebrate the people who have gone before you and made the club what it is today.

“It was great to have them back and make them feel part of the club again.

“The club is in a really good place at the moment. All four teams are doing well on the pitch and it is really great to be part of it.

“Overall, it was a really great weekend.”

Swindon Cricket Club would like to thank sponsors Coe Capital Wealth Management, Randy and Carina Roze for contacting former members, Hop Kettle Brewing Company for their donation, Deacons Jewellers’ Richard Deacon for his donation of wine alongside raffle and auction prizes and the 175 Cup, as well as Sarah Aubrey, Kevin Thompson, Dick Mattick and bar staff Sal and Lara for all of their help in making the event such a success.