THE official launch of the Legends Wall at The Cooper Associates County Ground has taken place in Taunton  and was attended by more than 100 people who had all contributed to the occasion by purchasing a commemorative plaque, writes Richard Walsh.

The Legends Wall has been created as part of the buildup for the 150th year celebrations, and replaces the Hall of Fame to create a fitting memorial to the greatest ever players who have appeared for the Cidermen. And there have been plenty of them, including some world-class.

Among those in attendance at the launch were special guests Anya Shrubsole and Marcus Trescothick, two of Somerset’s finest players, who went onto make their names on the international stage. 

Both of them talked about their careers and what it meant to be named as part of Legends Wall when they were interviewed at a reception in the 1875 Club by Spencer Bishop who hosted the event.

The assembled company then made their way down to the Legends Wall which is situated to the rear of the Somerset Stand where the England duo performed the official unveiling.

Following the unveiling Marcus said: “It was really nice to see everyone’s reaction to the wall and see everyone reading their plaques. That is what’s made the occasion so special. It will be exciting to see Legends Wall progress and to see all the names eventually go up. It’s important to recognise the players who have impacted people’s lives during their time at the county club. As players, we take cricket for granted but it is special to know that you have made an impression with the members and supporters.”

Anya added: “I played all my cricket here from the age of about 11 and Somerset played a big part in me getting to where I got to in my career. Being one of the first five among four incredible players is a real honour. Hopefully, this will inspire some young girls to take up the game or push a bit harder.”

Minehead Cricket Club stalwart Stuart Tudball who is a lifelong supporter of Somerset County Cricket Club is one of those whose name appears on one of the Legend Wall plaques which is appears just above Marcus Trescothick’s picture.

Stuart, who is an upholsterer by trade in Minehead, has also made a collection of chairs all dedicated to Somerset Legends which are due to be auctioned in the near future to raise funds for The Somerset Cricket Foundation and Prostate Cancer.

You can secure your place at this celebration evening by purchasing your Legends Wall plaque now by logging onto www.somersetcountycc.co.uk