David Hodgkiss Bar and Terrace unveiled at Emirates Old Trafford
Lancashire Cricket proudly unveiled the David Hodgkiss Bar and Terrace in the New Development before Day Three of the Fourth Men’s Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday.
The area, which is the central point of the Club’s New Development situated by The Edge Restaurant, is a tribute to the Club’s late Chairman David Hodgkiss OBE who sadly passed away at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 – aged 71.
Members of David’s family including wife Shirley were in attendance as special guests of the Club for the unveiling - while David’s daughter Alex Nesbit, Chief Executive Daniel Gidney and long-standing friend Michael Atherton gave speeches before the plaque bearing David’s name was revealed.
David served over 20 years at Lancashire Cricket Club as Committee Member (1998 - 2003), Treasurer (2003 - 2013), Vice-Chairman (2013 - 2017) and finally Chairman (2017 - 2020) and was instrumental in completing the re-development of Emirates Old Trafford.
Speaking at the unveiling, Chief Executive Daniel Gidney said: It’s great to be here today to recognise the contribution and celebrate the life of David Hodgkiss OBE after over 20 years’ service to this club.
“This New Development building is the culmination of the £75 million development of Emirates Old Trafford, none of which would have happened without David and his experience in the construction industry - this ground would not be here in the way that it is now without him.
“David was an amazing friend, mentor, father figure and boss. And, as Chief Executive of Lancashire Cricket, I'm immensely proud that we're here today to recognise the unbelievable service with all the things that he did for the club."
David’s daughter, Alex Nesbit also spoke at the unveiling and commented: “Firstly, we want to thank Daniel and everybody at Lancashire Cricket for having us at Emirates Old Trafford today. On behalf of David’s family, it is such a pleasure to be here.
“It's with overwhelming gratitude that we stand here on a terrace bearing my father’s name at Emirates Old Trafford, a place which he adored, and knowing that thousands of people will tread these floorboards really does make all our hearts sing.
“David loved being here and his interactions with the players, the Board and especially the fans all drove him to making the best contributions he could for the Club. He would be tickled pink, or maybe Lancashire red, by the thought of people meeting for a pint or two at the David Hodgkiss Bar and Terrace before watching the action on the pitch.”
Michael Atherton, David’s long-standing friend, also added: “I don't think there's anywhere David would rather have been than at Emirates Old Trafford today watching the Ashes, here at this great cricket ground over which he had such an influence at during the last 20 years of his life. This place has been absolutely transformed and rejuvenated - and David played a major part in that.
“He really believed that life was for living and squeezed every last drop out of it. It's an honour and a great privilege to open the Terrace and Bar today and to remember a man of great warmth and generosity.”
