Cricket club celebrates 200 years

Purton Cricket club will mark its bicentenary with a friendly match against the Marylebone Cricket Club.

The friendly match will take place at Purton Cricket Ground on Sunday 29 August and will be the centrepiece of a day of fun at the club

Founded in 1820, Purton Cricket Club (PCC) is the oldest club in Wiltshire, and one of the oldest in England.

Callum Wright, Club Chairman said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the club and celebrate a major milestone in our history. We can’t wait to welcome our members, sponsors and the local community to the event which we believe will be a fantastic family day out.” 

Founded in 1787 the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laid down the first laws of cricket and play at Lords cricket ground (home of Middlesex County Cricket Club). One of their most famous players was Dr W.G. Grace. It now has 18,000 full members and 5,000 associate members who not only own the Ashes Urn but can represent the MCC on the field of play. 

There will be a limited number of tickets available so the club recommends reserving them early. People should email [email protected] and indicate how many adult tickets will be required and how many children will be accompanying the adults.   

Club Secretary, Ian Bailey said: “During the day we there will be games and competitions for children to participate in, both on and off the field. There will be stalls, a BBQ and bar. After the match has ended, we will have a hog roast in the evening, and we will round off the day by laying on some live music too.”

PCC says nets at the club will be open for practice and some games. The event will have toilet facilities and there is said to be parking for approximately 50 cars. There is no inside space so the day's activities will be held outside. The club recommends bringing a chair or a rug and soak up the atmosphere and sunshine of what will be a quintessential English village scene.

Joe Gardiner who is club archivist and has occupied most roles in his over 59 years service to the club said that if James Sadler, who gifted the ground to the club in 1912, was alive today he would be delighted to see so many players coming through the ranks and enjoying the sport and discipline that cricket offers.

Mr Gardiner said Mr Sadler would certainly have been proud that his “Gift for all time” was being celebrated to this day.

Craig Miles of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and former Purton player, said “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent my formative cricket-playing years at Purton.

"The biggest thanks should go to everyone who has been involved with the club from its beginnings, throughout its history and to the present day.”