David Gower named new Lord’s Taverners President

Former England test captain Gower will become the 40th Lord’s Taverners President and he joins a stellar list of sporting and entertainment personalities in the presidential seat who have led the charity in its work to break down barriers and empower disadvantaged and disabled young people to fulfil their potential.

Gower, who played 117 tests for his country and scored 8,231 runs, has been a long-term supporter of the charity having joined as a member in 1983 and was part of the Taverners fundraising cricket tour to South Africa earlier this year.

On his upcoming role, Gower said: “This is a huge honour and I’ve supported the Taverners since the very early days of my international cricket career and more recently, I’ve become a lot closer to the fantastic life-changing work of the charity.

“The work of the Taverners is crucial and to see the progress that has been made since I first became involved is remarkable. Programmes like Table Cricket, Wicketz and more recently Super1s are vital in using cricket to build links between communities and develop life skills.

“I’m very excited about the role and to be able to do whatever I can to support the charity and build on what we have achieved while aiming to support even more of the most marginalised and at-risk young people in the UK.”

Outgoing President Sir Trevor McDonald commented: “I have enjoyed my two years as President of the Lord’s Taverners. It has been a privilege to find out more about the life-changing work the charity does to help disabled and disadvantaged young people through the provision of sport. 

“In David Gower, I cannot think of a better person to take over the presidency. David played the game with flair and distinction; I am sure he will take a similar approach to this prestigious role.”

Lord’s Taverners Chairman Tim Luckhurst added: “We are deeply grateful to our outgoing President Sir Trevor McDonald who has been an outstanding ambassador for the charity. We could not be more delighted to announce that David Gower has agreed to become our President. His presence, experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the charity as we seek to expand our life-changing work with disadvantaged and disabled young people.”