This coming weekend, Hoddesdon Cricket Club proudly invites members, supporters, and guests to join us for a very special occasion as we celebrate President’s Day on Sunday 13th July at Lowfield. In what promises to be a day of cricket, camaraderie and commemoration, we are thrilled to announce that we will be serving a new ale at the bar: ‘Gandon’s’ Pale Malt Ale – brewed exclusively in conjunction with our long-standing brewery partners at Greene King.

Crafted in memory of Nick Gandon, our beloved Club President who sadly passed away earlier this year, this unique brew honours a man who gave over 40 years of service to Hoddesdon Cricket Club. A limited-edition commemorative pint glass, embossed with Nick’s image, will also be available – and can be purchased as a keepsake to toast a true club legend.

Gandon’s Pale Malt Ale – Brewed in Memory, Enjoyed in Celebration
This carefully curated ale is both a tribute and a toast. Drawing inspiration from Nick’s warmth and character, ‘Gandon’s’ Pale Malt Ale is a finely balanced, easy-drinking beer that will be dispensed exclusively at Lowfield on President’s Day.

Tasting Notes:
A sweet malt character leads the palate, courtesy of the pale malt base, while crystal malt adds a smooth toffee warmth. A touch of roasted barley lends a subtle edge of astringency, giving the beer depth and complexity. A special yeast contributes delicate fruity esters, while classic hop varieties, Northern Brewer and Chinook, deliver clean herbal notes, resinous undertones, and a crisp, moderate bitterness. It’s a nod to tradition, with a finish that invites the next sip.

ABV: 4.1%
Malt: Pale, Crystal, Roasted Barley
Hops: Northern Brewer, Chinook

A special ale, for a special man.

A Legacy Etched in the Heart of Hoddesdon
Nick’s connection to Hoddesdon Cricket Club began in 1972, when he and his older brother Andrew were encouraged to join by their father, Reverend Percy Gandon, who famously declared:
“I am vicar of Hoddesdon, and you boys should play your cricket for Hoddesdon.”

From that moment, Nick became an indelible part of the club's story. He captained the First XI with distinction, steered the club through crucial years as Chairman for over a decade, and most recently served as President, a role he carried out with dignity, humour and deep affection for all those involved in the game.

Nick’s passion for cricket went far beyond the Lowfield boundary. As a key figure at the Cricket Foundation at Lord’s, he helped to launch the Chance to Shine programme – an initiative that has revolutionised access to cricket for thousands of young people across the UK.

His impact extended further still. In 2013, Nick founded Aureus Social Ventures, a platform to support charitable work – including for organisations tackling homelessness in London. At the very heart of the game, he served as a member of the MCC since 1992, and in more recent years sat on its prestigious Main Committee.

Nick’s vision, humility, and boundless energy inspired all those who knew him. Even during his final illness, he displayed remarkable stoicism and positivity – a true reflection of his character.

The Match: Hoddesdon CC vs President’s XI
The centrepiece of the day will be the annual President’s Day fixture, which this year will take on a poignant tone as Hoddesdon CC’s First XI face off against a specially assembled President’s XI – a team drawn from Nick’s many friends, family and cricketing associates.

Expect a fiercely contested match played in the finest of spirits. The President’s XI promises a blend of talent, nostalgia, and a few old rivalries revisited. It will be a joyful celebration of the friendships forged through cricket and the enduring impact one man had on so many lives.

We invite everyone connected with Hoddesdon Cricket Club – past and present – to join us on Sunday 13th July to raise a glass (or two) of Gandon’s Pale Malt Ale and to celebrate the life, legacy and love for cricket that Nick brought to our club and to the wider game.

Let’s make this President’s Day a fitting tribute to a man whose influence will forever echo around Lowfield.

#GreenMachine