STAND Cricket Club, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2003, is appealing to ex-players who turned out against some of the greatest names in cricket history to return to the Hamilton Road ground to recount their moments of glory or ignominy.

Club chairman, Mr Ken Holt, said: "Over the years, Stand has been graced by such giants of the game as West Indians Gary Sobers and Frank Worrell, Lancashire and England players Cyril Washbrook and Brian Statham, and the great Hedley Verity.

"Footballers Phil Neville and Andy Goram have scored centuries here and Lulu and Paul Nicholas starred in a showbusiness match.

"We appeal to anyone who played in -- or watched -- such games, to call in and share their memories. If they have photographs or scorebooks to bring along, so much the better".

Ringed around the Stand pavilion are memories of 150 years of cricket history. Photographs from yesteryear, many sepia, others long faded, show championship and cup-winning teams and scenes of the ground dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

Stand Cricket Club was founded in 1853 and early matches were played on a field on the nearby Dales estate. A pavilion was erected on the present Higher Lane ground in 1888 and the old bar, now a high- tech score box, went up some years later.

The tennis section was founded in 1887.

The cricket team originally played in the South Lancashire League. In 1915, it joined the newly-formed Lancashire and Cheshire League then, in the early 1990s, the Central Lancashire League.

On the field, success came to Stand during and after World War Two with an unusual sequence of championship wins every seven years -- in 1941, 1948, 1955 and 1962. The remarkable run ended in 1969 when they were runners-up.

During that period, and earlier, a close relationship developed between the club and the former Stand Grammar School who held their sports days on the ground.

In the early 1960s, an annual charity match was played against Radcliffe, before packed houses. On one occasion, the visitors' professional was Gary Sobers who was to become probably the world's greatest all-rounder.

Despite his best efforts, which included batting, bowling fast then spin, and subsequently keeping wicket, Stand still managed to win the game.

Over the years, Stand has groomed players who were to move on to become star performers themselves.

Warren Hegg, son of club president Glenda Hegg, was snapped up by Lancashire as its first team wicket keeper, later playing for England in Australia. He is the current Lancashire captain.

And who can forget the brothers McVicker, five local lads who all turned out at Hamilton Road. Bill, who played for the club for 50 years before hanging up his boots a couple of years ago; Norman, who went on to collect championship medals with both Warwickshire and Leicester; David, Sam and Jim.

Stand's present crop of promising youngsters are knocking on the door of the first, second and third teams, and with more than 50 or so eager trainees from the local community being coached each week during the season, the cricketing future of the club looks to be assured.

In its 150 year history, Stand has had it fair crop of characters. None more so than groundsman John Yates, who each week, would harness a horse named Jenny to the club roller.

According to local legend, he sported a magnificent mop of hair. This, he swore, was due to positioning his cap at the rear of the animal whenever it lifted its tail. The cap, and contents, was carefully replaced on his head, resulting in luxuriant hair growth!

Memories of Jenny live on to this day, a tombstone standing on her burial plot beside the pavilion. There is a simple inscription: "Jenny. Born 1905 -- died 1931. A faithful servant".

Another much-missed character and bachelor is Walter Whipp. A club member for more than half a century and 20 years a player. He ran the bar single-handedly for almost 40 years.

"In all that time I never saw him lose his temper," recalled vice-president Councillor Jack Walton. "And during his entire playing career I never saw him question an umpire's decision".

Added chairman, Mr Holt: "This club has a long, illustrious history and is poised for a great future. The new extension will increase our capacity from 70 to 125, enabling us to attract more outside bookings such as birthday parties, wedding receptions and christenings.

"We are looking forward to our year of celebrations and hope the local community will join in".

Anyone wanting to contact the club may do so on 0161 766 6793.