DID you ever play cricket for Chelston? If you did then Ian Western would like to hear from you.

Western, now a respected umpire on the Devon League circuit, was a permanent fixture in the Chelston side for more than 25 years.

He moved on to South Devon and later Torquay, but the ties that bind him to Chelston remain strong.

And that is why Western is putting on a re-union night for former Chelston players, where else but at their old watering hole, the Drum Inn just a six-hit away from the club’s ground at Cockington.

Western already has a target list of around 50 former players to contact – and hopes to find a few more who played between the club’s formation in 1949 and the early 1990s.

“I don’t have contact details for a everyone I would like to invite and am relying on those I do have to spread the word to as many old boys as possible,” said Western.

The word has already reached ex-player Richard Clements, and his wife Elaine, who live in retirement in France and are planning to come back for the bash.

Other players contacted so far include Tony Loosemore, John  Gerrard, Terry Vincent, Terry Treleaven. Dave Chick, Alan Coombe, Brian Edwards, John Lawrence, Pete Socha, Dave Street, Pete Griffiths and the Helliers, Lawrence and Bob.

The big night out is Thursday, March 23 with a start time at 7pm.

All players and their other halves are welcome. More details from Western on 01803 327248.