Alan Hodgkinson

19/03/2007

 

 

 "If they get pleasure out of what I do then I'm happy".  As the Groundsman of Mytholmroyd Cricket Club, Alan Hodgkinson is a man who clearly sees the importance of his role in the club's recent success on his proudly maintained ground.

   

     Fitting every physical stereotype of a groundsman wearing green Wellington boots and a bright red raincoat, I greet Alan as he inspects the boundary of a newly grown square at Mytholmroyd. After a brief welcome he ushers me inside the brand new pavilion to discuss his role as the groundsman.

    

      An experienced groundsman in the area Alan Hodgkinson has looked after cricket grounds for around 15 years at both Todmerden and Walden Cricket clubs prior to his work at Mytholmroyd but having worked at the club for 3 years, Alan is quick to assert his praise for the people at the club and the work they do to ensure success.  

   

    At 62 years old and with 15 years of work as a groundsman and 3 different grounds under his belt it is obvious that Alan's vast knowledge is both crucial and well received. He is a man who believes in individuality, citing that "no two cricket grounds are the same". Bearing that in mind, it is obvious to see that Alan is a man who likes to keep himself to himself and is comfortable in the company of his cricket ground. Alan has never really openly involved himself in club functions but is evidently proud of the achievements of the club over the past three years, not least the praise that the club and the ground received for holding the Crossley Shield final last season which Mytholmroyd fittingly won.

      

       Alan is involved in the club to do just what he can not for glory or trophies and even though the success gives him enjoyment his importance at the club does worry him and at times he feels like hiding away from it but he is quick to mention that his role is far from completed . Although he does not see himself carrying on as the groundsman for years to come he, feels that he benefits from the exercise and fresh air and the as long as the club benefits from his work he is happy and is more than willing to remain as part of the club whether it be as a spectator or as an advisor to those who carry on his outstanding work. His long term aim is to ensure that there is a wealth of people who are committed, as he is to keeping the ground maintained to the highest standard to ensure the continued success and happiness of those who play there, even if it is difficult to keep cricketers constantly happy.

 

       As a groundsman, Alan knows what is required of him, he knows what is good, what is bad and what is indifferent and he also knows the importance of cricket to local communities, getting children involved and keeping community spirit alive.

   

      Alan is an outstanding groundsman whose knowledge of and commitment to cricket grounds is unsurpassed and although he has never played cricket he has always had an interest in it and continues to become more interested. His love lies with the grounds, not the game (he also mentions his slight passion for golf) and is comfortable in his own company and he is kept happy by the serenity and beautiful surroundings of a quaint cricket ground on a sunny day in Yorkshire.