This weekend saw past, present and future Swindon CC members and associates come together at the Swindon CC County Ground to celebrate the clubs 175th anniversary, which places us among the oldest clubs in the country.

With three different events held across the two days we had something for everyone. This was reflected in the excellent turn out across the events, the different groups of people they attracted and the fact that we had guests flying in from as far away as Perth (Australia, not Scotland!) and Florida.

The events started on Saturday lunchtime, with over 70 ‘older’ members meeting at the club to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. The guests were expertly looked after by Sarah Aubrey, who’s teas were given the seal of approval by ex-tea ladies who were in attendance. The guests were also taken on a trip down memory lane, with photograph boards and memorabilia displayed around the pavilion, including a note from the committee to current President Randy Roze, reminding him that he had not paid his membership fee of £4.50 and was being penalised £1 as a result! Following the afternoon tea it was great to see many of the guests sat outside on our new patio area, soaking up the sun, watching the league game and recalling tales of (possibly exaggerated) cricket performances.

As the day gave way to night the volume cranked up with the evening crowd entertained by local band False Gods, who played so hard we were left with a broken drumstick as a 175th anniversary memento. Alongside the band ‘Ultimate Occasions’ provided a delicious hog roast with all the trimmings and the drinks were flowing. Special thanks goes to local brewers Hop Kettle Brewing Company for their kind donation of some of their ales to help keep our revelers thirst quenched.

After a late night came an early morning clear up operation, with the pavilion then set up to cater for another 70 guests, including many of our friends from Swindon Rotary Clubs. The guests were treated to a delicious two course meal by Graham of Dotty’s Café and stories of the clubs history by local historian and Rotarian Dick Mattick (who also gave details of how to pre-order the 175th year anniversary book). Following the meal a raffle and auction were held to help raise funds for the Rotarians chosen charity – End Polio Now – with over £800 raised for this great cause and a donation made to SCC. Thanks goes to Richard Deacon (Club Vice President) of Deacons Jewellers for his work in putting together the auction lots and raffle prizes, as well as his generous gift of wine to accompany the meal.

Following the meal those in attendance were treated to a thriller of a T20 match between a Swindon XI and a British Railways XI, which proved that you don’t need high scores to have an entertaining game. The game was commented on from the side-lines by Kevin Emery, who provided a good mix of humour and advice for those in the field. A full match report will follow separately in the next few days.

I cannot end this report of the weekend without extending ‘thanks’ to a number of people on behalf of all at Swindon CC. Firstly, we would like to thank everyone that made the effort to attend one or more of the events and we hope that you had a great time reminiscing about the past and catching up with old friends. In addition, thanks must be extended to the following:

• Our current sponsors Coe Capital Wealth Management who’s support allows us to keep pushing the club forward.
• Randy and Carina Roze for their tireless efforts in contacting ex members and getting them to come along to enjoy the celebrations.
• Hop kettle Brewing Company for their kind donation this weekend.
• Richard Deacon (Club Vice President) of Deacons Jewellers for his donation of wine to accompany the meal, raffle and auction prizes and the ‘175’ cup.
• Sarah Aubrey who practically lived at the club over the weekend, wearing many hats, including tea lady extraordinaire.
• Sal and Lara who looked after the bar across the weekend, ensuring all our guests were all kept hydrated.
• Kevin Thompson for his continued work on the ground as well as all other aspects of club life.
• Dick Mattick for his time an efforts in documenting the clubs history.
• Alex Kill for his work in driving ticket sales and organising the activities.
• All others that ‘lent a hand’ when asked to do so. The help we receive, no matter how small, allows us to continue to host these large events.

We have set up a picture gallery for the weekend here: https://www.swindoncricketclub.co.uk/photos/175-anniversary-celebration-weekend-900323.html

If you have any images you would like to share please send them through via Pitchero or our social media pages.

Here's to the the next 175 years!