MANNINGHAM Mills, founder members of the Bradford League, are holding a 150th anniversary celebration this summer.

It will be held at their Scotchman Road headquarters on Saturday, July 11 (7.30pm), when a hot supper will be provided.

Past players and friends are all welcome to attend and further information is available from Andy Shepherd on 07812-141657 or Gill Lancaster (formerly Gunn) on 07984-238229.

A raffle will be held during the evening, with proceeds going to the Bradford Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit.

Manningham Mills were established as a branch of Listers Mill Sports and Social Club in 1865. Between 6,000 and 7,000 employees of the mills made weekly contributions from their wages towards their recreational club, which provided them with facilities to take part in various activities including football, cricket, tennis, table tennis, snooker, bowls – and even ballroom dancing.

The cricket team were founder members of the Bradford League in 1903 but, after the Second World War, they played in the Bradford Central League until 1972, when their higher ambition was revived and they rejoined the Bradford League in 1974.

Mills were Priestley Cup winners in 1977 and Division Two champions in 1984 and 1986 before being voted out of the Bradford League two years ago.