After a decade of playing First Class Cricket for Worcestershire the club have great delight in awarding Matt Mason a Testimonial year in 2012.

	THE DIAMOND BALL On August 18th at the fabulous Spring Grove House in the grounds of the West Midlands Safari Park, Matt Mason Testimonial and Peplow Jewellers of Worcester present the Diamond Ball. This event is in support of two fantastic local charities in The Worcester Breast Care Unit Campaign and St Richards Hospice. Guest's will enjoy a drinks reception and a wonderful 3 course meal. There will be a charity auction and raffle with fabulous prizes to be won. The night will then move down to the stunning Cellarz Bar beneath Spring Grove House where guest's can dance and party to live music. A return courtesy coach service will be available from Worcestershire Cricket Club to Spring Grove House for those who require it. For details or to book your tickets please contact mattmasontestimonial2012@gmail.com or Alison.pickerill@peplowjewellers.co.uk Tickets £65 per person or £650 for table of 10

During the year Matt will also be helping to raise funds in support of his chosen charity the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign. The charity is very poignant for Matt and his wife Kellie as one of their very dear friends fought hard to overcome breast cancer and has now gone on too be a patron of the charity as Matt hopes to do.

Matt has been and continues to be a very loyal servant to Worcestershire County Cricket Club and thoroughly deserves his Testimonial year in 2012.

"I was sad to learn that Matt had decided to retire from playing the first class game. Throughout his time at Worcestershire, he was a wonderful bowler and a great servant to the Club. How much we enjoyed seeing Matt steaming in to bowl with his characteristic action exuding his enthusiasm and commitment.

It is remarkable now to think back to Matt's initial hesitancy to come to county cricket. We must all be extremely grateful that in 2002 Tom Moody persuaded him that it was the right move - something that I am certain all Worcestershire supporters would agree has since been proved many times over.

Few batsmen will have enjoyed facing Matt, especially during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons when he was able to deliver so consistently. Or in 2006 when he returned his career best figures of 8 for 45 against Gloucestershire. Indeed, we as spectators were treated to many fine spells of bowling from Matt. Sadly, no more.

But we need not be downbeat. Matt's shoulder has earned a well-deserved rest. And we can hope now that Matt will be able to continue improving the other bowlers from the position of coach. It is an important role. There are many good young players at Worcestershire and if the bowling can come good over the next couple of seasons then the prospects are very bright.

We are fortunate that Matt's seamless transition to the position of bowling coach means that Worcestershire will be able to benefit from his commitment and good humour for, I hope, many years to come. I am honoured to be the Patron of Matt's Testimonial Year."

Governor of The Bank of England, Matt Mason Testimonial Patron