DC Portfolio: Ken Gardner Speaking

I was in need of a feature for my portfolio. Although I had a lot to choose from that I'd already written, I wanted to challenge myself and do something that was important to me. As it allowed a more relaxed, personal account, I decided to do a piece on my father. It was hard to write due to striking a balance between journalistic worthiness and giving my Dad the justice he deserved. This is probably the most difficult article I've had to write, so I hope you enjoy it.


My father is rarely seen away from the dining room table. Now showing occasional wear, the table is less of a home to food than it is to daily newspapers, letters, crosswords and minutes from various meetings. Aside from Sunday lunchtimes and briefly on evenings, it serves as a base of operations.

If working, the only times he will leave the table is if the phone rings - a seemingly perpetual phenomenon - to help out one of his many acquaintances. Each time he utters a question-cum-greeting that many who know him will instantly recognise: “Ken Gardner speaking?”

Ken, 66, is no stranger to the Cleveland community. Involved in the local NHS, Police and industrial sectors, his work ethic has inspired me to follow his footsteps.

Although his interests and work have taken him around the North-East regularly, Ken is best known in his home town of Hartlepool, a place which gives him a keen sense of pride.

“I have always been proud of spending all my life working and living in this town - I have no reason to live elsewhere.

“It has had a somewhat chequered past, but it has a ‘buzz’ and an ‘edge’ and is a much improved place to live.”

Ken is perhaps mostly associated with sport. Passionately involved in the local cricket scene for nearly 50 years, Ken received a Northern Echo Local Heroes Award for Lifetime Services to Cricket in 2004, an award presented to him by then-manager of Sunderland AFC, Mick McCarthy.

Ken attributes his love of the sport to the climate of the 1950s and ‘60s.

“From schooldays I always played cricket and football, as did the vast majority of other young people. Golf was too expensive so playing at a young age wasn’t an option.”

It began a 34-year playing career for Ken, in which he made plenty of connections to the local community. “As games last for around six hours, you get to know people very well and make long-lasting friendships,” he said.

“I always believed that cricket was a technical game - the more you played, the more you enjoyed it.”

As Ken’s love for the sport grew, so did the importance of his role in Hartlepool Cricket Club. After three years as vice-captain, Ken captained the side between 1976-77. By 1982 he had become Chairman, and then President two years later, playing alongside this role until 1991. In 1996, Ken stepped up to take the job as President of the North Yorkshire South Durham League, a post he would remain in until 2003.

Ken was again chosen to be Chairman of HCC in 2007, and continues this alongside his post as Elected Director at Durham County Cricket Club, which celebrated a lot of success this year, including a trophy win at Lord’s.

“My love of the game has never diminished since I played at Junior School and it continues to be an important part of my life, and also my family.

“Being a Director at Durham CCC seems to be a natural consequence of my involvement in the game for almost 50 years.”

Ken’s working career was to prove even more fruitful. Entering into the world of employment in 1957 as an apprentice engineer at a famous Hartlepudlian firm, Richardson’s Westgarth, Ken was promoted several times before entering Reeds Corrugated Cases in 1968, where in 1970 he was to become Personnel Manager - a job that he would be dedicated to for 28 years.

“It was my favourite job,” says Ken. “Results mattered, profitability was important and the ability to motivate others was imperative.”

Ken’s people skills were a major part of his job description, and he understood that role’s necessity.

“People always respond when they know what is required and can then work as part of a team.

“People are the most important resource of any business and should be treated with courtesy and good manners. In return, staff then feel wanted.”

It was for this attitude towards his career that Ken would receive his greatest award. After 23 years as Personnel Manager at Reeds Corrugated Cases, he was honoured with the MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.

“It never crossed my mind that this would happen nor did I consider that I was worthy of it,” said Ken.

I had always seen my father as a modest man in this sense. Nationally revered in the eyes of the Honours List, he does not display his certificate nor his medal. Stored away safely, Ken prefers to continue his work quietly at the dining room table.

Ken also supports a major cause in the area, another contribution which he accepts modestly as a duty - the National Blood Service. In 2005, Ken received the Diamond Award after giving his 100th pint of blood.

“I have given blood since 1959,” said Ken. “It is good for the community but the reduction in donors over the years means there is always calls for people to regularly attend every four months. I’m glad I’m one of those people.”

And what about the future for Ken? Longing to stay at Durham County Cricket Club and ultimately become President, as well as continuing his work with the further education sector, Ken modestly summarises his aspirations.

“I will keep my involvement in the community as long as I and others feel that I have something to offer.”

I have always been accustomed to my father’s working life. It was only until I took a step back and asked him about it properly that I realised just how worthy the man is of praise. I know that even if I were to work half as hard in life as my father, I am set for both a tough but rewarding task.

His advice to others, however, is simple: “Never give less than 100% in anything you do.” As my father’s son, I intend to do exactly that.