By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

ENGLAND cricket legends Andy Caddick and Sir Alastair Cook were guests of honour at Topsham St James’ 150th anniversary dinner.

The club, founded back in 1875 at Exeter St James, has a range of celebration events planned to mark its milestone anniversary.

To get the celebrations well under way, the club staged a gala dinner at Winslade Manor, which is just a long-hop away in nearby Clyst St Mary.

Sir Alastair, who skippered England in 59 of his 161 Test appearances, accumulated more than 12,000 runs during a 12-year career. He is the national team’s all-time, leading run maker.

Diners had the opportunity to quiz Sir Alastair about cricket at the highest level during a question-and-answer session.

Another highlight of the evening was an auction of cricket-related and local prizes conducted by former Somerset and England fast bowler Andrew Caddick. All proceeds from the event will be shared between Topsham’s youth coaching programmes and the Lord’s Taverners.

Matthew Williams, the chairman of Topsham St James, said the dinner got the anniversary celebrations off to a fitting start.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together,” said Williams. 

“We were joined by people who played for the club over many decades, together with those passionate about cricket and supporting our local community. 

“It was an unforgettable occasion, during which we honoured our history and also looked to the future to ensure we continue to support future generations of our club.

“By supporting the Lord’s Taverners we’re also giving back to the game we love."

Caddick, who appeared in 62 Tests and 54 one-day internationals between 1993-2003, will be back at St James on June 22 for a family fun day. He will captain a Lord’s Taverners’ XI against the club in an anniversary game.

Club members, cricket lovers and local residents will all be welcome at the anniversary fixture.