New Hosiery Mills scoreboard to remember club stalwart Trevor

Marlene Hodgetts raises a glass of Mount Gay in memory of her husband Trevor, who was a former player for Mansfield Hosiery Mills Cricket Club and in whose memory Marlene funded a new scorebox and digital scoreboard. The new board displayed his year of birth, 1945 and his age when he died, being 68.

The scoreboard has been bought for the club in his memory by his widow and fellow club stalwart Marlene (67), who performed the official plaque unveiling ceremony.

Trevor was a former player, groundsman and loyal committee member for many years and a huge part of the club along with Marlene, who has been a loyal tea lady and a cleaner at the club for many years also and remains a part of the set-up, which has given her tremendous comfort since her husband’s death at the age of 68.

The new ‘Trevor Hodgetts Scoreboard’ has seen the entire face replaced with a brand new ‘state of the art’ electronic LED scoreboard and clock in memory of Trevor.

“He would have loved this,” said Marlene. “He won’t be forgotten down there. He has a plaque on his scoreboard and a clock with his name on it which we put up on matchdays and take down afterwards so it doesn’t get pinched.

“He also had a seat with his name on it down there, which one or two families of people who have passed away have also done.”

She added: “The club has always been in the family. Trevor’s father and our accounts man, Stephen Brown’s father were there when it started in 1947.

“Trevor was already playing cricket when I met him. He was 18 and I was 15. I thought if this relationship is going anywhere I am going to have to get involved with cricket. We were together for 50 years and married for 44 years after six years of courting.

“I liked cricket from the start and got more involved, making cups of tea, then making sandwiches, then sit-down salad teas. I was always doing something.”

The Hosiery Mills family has been a great help to her in her loss.

“I don’t make the teas any more, but I have carried on doing some cleaning for them and staying a part of it,” she said. “I am glad I stayed with them. When Trevor was very poorly I was going to give it up and really look after him.

“But we managed to get some care help and all that and I am glad I carried on working down there. I needed that. They have always been good to me down there and always thought a lot of Trevor.

“Craig Gould said they needed sponsorship for a new scoreboard, new indoor nets and some new carpet.

“Trevor was always outdoors down there so I said I would buy the scoreboard and everyone agreed.

Craig Gould, a current player/senior cricket co-ordinator/committee member at the club, said: “This is a matter which has been close to the hearts of the players and members of the cricket club.

“Since his passing in 2013, Marlene has continued to support and take part in all things associated with the club they have both loved over the years, and has now has gifted the club with a large amount of money to invest and replace our scorebox.

“It looks fantastic and has been fully paid for by Marlene in memory of a loving husband and true Mansfield Hosiery Mills Legend. Trevor is one of the ‘original Millers’ and the new scoreboard will be a fitting tribute. It is a true dedication to a great man.”

The scoreboard has been installed by Durant Cricket and a large number of club members were present for the official opening on Friday.