PARK LIFE ON CALM WATERS

The coastal north Essex town of Harwich has a rich naval history. 

- Andy Schooler

Most famously it was to Christopher Jones, captain of the Mayflower, the ship which took the first European settlers across the Atlantic to the New World of the modern-day USA.

home The town's football club has also been on quite a journey since its formation in the 1870s and a major part of its history will be celebrated this coming weekend.

The Shrimpers, as they are nicknamed, played their first game on the 'Royal Oak' on 10 September 1898 against a team from the Coldstream Guards, meaning they will mark 125 years at what is the second-oldest senior football ground in the county behind Saffron Walden Town's Catons Lane.

With the actual anniversary of that opening game - one which ended in a 2-2 draw on the Sunday, the club will celebrate at Saturday's home Eastern Counties League game against Haverhill Rovers.

A player reunion is planned with as many as 100 ex-Shrimpers set to attend. A special souvenir programme, detailing the Royal Oak's history and the greats who have played on it, will be on sale on the day too.

Silverware