Maldon Rugby Club 75th anniversary events

Maldon Rugby Club will mark the landmark occasion by inviting the community and past and present players to join the event.

It will take place on Saturday, September 3 from 12pm until 10pm at the club at Drapers Chase.

There will be a BBQ, touch rugby, live music, a tug of war, volleyball, inflatables, go karts and more at the event.

James Degiorgio, the mini, midi and youth chairman, said: “We are encouraging anyone from the Maldon community to come along and join us for the day.

“We also want to use the day to encourage new players to our club, we have space for anyone who wants to get involved, including our growing girl’s section.”

The club has a huge history in Maldon dating back to a group of ex-servicemen in the 1940s.

The club was formed in the summer of 1947 when Welshman Tommy Harris, who ran The Kings Head Holstery in Maldon, called together a group of mainly ex-servicemen who played rugby.

They met at the Blue Boar Hotel and formed the rugby club.

James said: “Many of the group were Welsh or had strong Welsh connections.

“The first game was against Ipswich in September 1947, the result unfortunately is not recorded and was probably forgotten soon after the game, as Maldon from the very start created a reputation for social activities which still strongly exists today.

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“It was not until 1984 the club moved to its present headquarters at Drapers Farm; at this stage the league systems, which are still in place, were introduced.

“The Nineties was the era that Maldon Rugby club began to play some enterprising rugby.

“With organised coaching and regular training the club climbed swiftly from Eastern counties 3 to London NE3 this was due to great players, the likes of Dave and Jack Redfearn, Don Pearce and the Legend Sean Cullerton, they were of course ably supported by many others.”