WORCESTER Nomads will be celebrating their 75th anniversary in style this weekend.

The club was formed in 1927 and have long been established as one of the leading club sides in the area. The event will be celebrated at their headquarters in Bransford, both at the ground itself and at the Bear & Ragged Staff restaurant.

Today (Friday), the day believed to have seen the club established, the celebrations will be centred around an invitation match during the day and a summer ball in the evening.

At 11.30am, the Nomads will entertain an invitation XI from the Gentlemen of Worcestershire, at the Bransford ground, and the fixture is intended to be concluded by 6pm. Past members, friends and former players are all warmly invited to come and watch all or part of the game, and to renew old friendships.

In the evening, the highlight of the celebrations will be a summer ball, to be held in the marquee in the grounds of The Bear & Ragged Staff restaurant opposite. Tickets have been on sale for some weeks now and there are still a few available. It is recommended though, that anyone still wanting a ticket should contact club secretary Malcolm Jones urgently, on 01905 429701. Sales are already around the 200 mark and numbers are restricted to little more than 220.

Club president Richard Greig will welcome members, guests and friends, and will introduce the evening's special guest, former Nottinghamshire and England batsman, Derek Randall.

Following the dinner and the speeches, local band Business As Usual will provide the entertainment through until around midnight.

Available on the evening and over the weekend will be the updated history of the club. Nomads published a volume of its history some years ago, but club secretary Malcolm Jones has researched extensively through the club's records, scorebooks and the memories of its' members, to produce an updated work.

Statistics, anecdotes and photographs illustrate just how far the club has developed since its formation in 1927. The volume will be available, priced £5, from Malcolm on 01905 429701. The club has also produced a commemorative crystal glass, either a tankard or a whisky tumbler, with the club's logo and dates engraved on Dartington Crystal.

Orders should be directed to Dave Pearson on 01905 456586.