Wokingham Cricket Club (WCC) rang in its bicentenary season on Saturday, May 3, with the help of an England cricket legend.
Club members past and present gathered at the club’s Sadler’s End home for a gala dinner and keynote address by former England captain and Ashes winner David Gower OBE.
Gower, who led England to Ashes success in 1985 and has more than 8,000 Test runs, had the whole room captivated with tales of his long and distinguished career, finishing to huge applause across the room.
Those in attendance included 17 life members, 15 winners of the prestigious George Law Trophy (given for outstanding club service), seven former first XI captains, four trustees, and two presidents.
Glasses were raised in a toast as the clocks struck midnight to start WCC’s 200th birthday, having been officially founded in the Rose Inn, Wokingham, on May 4, 1825.
“It was a truly fabulous evening,” said Martin Wilson, club president. “To reach such a landmark is testament to those that have gone before, especially highlighting former club president Leslie Sears who held the position for 35 year and whose contribution is still instrumental in the club’s continued success to this day. Also, Simon Goddard, who is the clubs current longest serving member at 72 years!”
Wilson continued: “Cricket is a wonderful, uniting sport and we are looking forward to continue to grow and embrace the local community spirit as we reset for the next century and continuing sustainable growth for our next generation of cricketers.”
The next big celebration event will see Wokingham CC take on an ‘England Legends XI’ selected by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) on Friday, July 11.
Any interested in hospitality – including having lunch with an England Test legend – or sponsorship should contact 200years@wokinghamcricketclub.co.uk.
