HEADLEY Cricket Club is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

The club was formed in 1872, and games were originally held on Rectory Field behind the Hollybush pub.

The club played friendlies to start with, but in 1901 Headley were founder members of the I’Anson Cup – now the oldest continuous village cricket league in the country.

Some of the original founding clubs have fallen by the wayside but Headley continues to this day in the league.

In the 1950s Headley switched to a new ground with better facilities in Mill Lane, where some of their sides still play.

Four years ago – following the continued growth of the club – an agreement was made for Headley to use the beautiful new ground at the Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club (BOSC) in Bolley Avenue, Bordon.

The Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company built a state-of-the-art new ground on the site of the former Bordon Officers Sports Club with a pavilion incorporating a restaurant, function room and bar.

There are two drainage systems for the outfield together with an irrigation grid which means that no game should be lost to the weather.

For this season Headley will be running three senior Saturday league sides and a Sunday side for all abilities.

As well as the club’s junior section, Headley uses its Saturday third team and Sunday games to give youngsters their first introduction to senior cricket.

The club has organised a programme of events throughout the summer to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The objective of the fixture list is to include all members of the club in the celebrations.

On Sunday, May 15 a Headley XI will play against an I’Anson representative XI at Headley (1pm start).

On Sunday, June 19 a Headley XI will play against a Headley Alumni XI at BOSC (1pm start).

On Sunday, July 17 Headley first XI will play against Lashings. Lunch will be held at midday, and the cricket starts at 4.30pm.

Lashings – a team of former international Test cricket stars – will bring their unique brand of entertainment to form the centrepiece of the anniversary celebrations.

A gala four-course lunch will be held with entertainment, auctions and interviews, followed by a Twenty20 match.

The BOSC restaurant and bar will be open, and there will be a barbecue and a variety of other stalls. There will also be opportunities for photos and autographs with the stars.

On Sunday, July 31 a Scoot Theatre production of a cricket-themed A Midsummer’s Night Dream will be held at BOSC (2pm start).

Headley’s President’s Day will be held on Sunday, August 7, and on Sunday, September 11 Headley’s first XI will play against REME.