Sir Trevor McDonald named new Lord’s Taverners President

We are delighted to announce that Sir Trevor McDonald OBE has accepted our invitation to be the next President of the Lord’s Taverners, succeeding fellow broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson CBE who has enjoyed a successful three years in the role.

Sir Trevor began his broadcasting career in the 1960s as a producer and journalist and has been a regular on TV screens for nearly three decades as presenter of the ITN news and hosting Tonight with Trevor McDonald - along with a series of other in-depth current affairs documentaries from around the world. He was knighted in 1999 for services to journalism. 

Sir Trevor will become the 39th 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 enhance the lives of disadvantaged and disabled young people through sport and recreation.

On his upcoming role, Sir Trevor McDonald said: “I am immensely proud to be the President of the Lord's Taverners. The charity has a great tradition of its love for cricket and the importance of charitable work connected with this great game. I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of all the great Presidents before me, including Sir Michael Parkinson, who served with such distinction.”

Outgoing President Sir Michael Parkinson commented: “I had a wonderful and fulfilling time as President of the Lord’s Taverners. Up until becoming President I had rejoiced in my membership first, many moons ago, as a member of the cricket team and then upon retiring from the game, taking part in the various social events which the Taverners organise so well. 

“The Presidency gave me a chance to appreciate the wonderful work done by our charity particularly among those who need most help; children with special needs and particular requirements. The patience of the teams of volunteers looking after these young people is also something to witness and to feel proud of. 

“My term of office was made all the easier and happier by the helpful and wonderfully pleasant people I dealt with at HQ. Paul Robin and his team, and in particular Chris Cowdrey, never failed to be supportive and attentive and made my job both easy and enjoyable. 

“I would also like to welcome Sir Trevor McDonald as the next President. He has a deep love and understanding of cricket and his career as a broadcaster has been a distinguished and fascinating one. I hope he enjoys the task as much as I have.”

Lord’s Taverners Chairman David Collier OBE added: “We are deeply grateful to our outgoing President Sir Michael Parkinson who has been an outstanding President and Ambassador for the charity. The charity could not be more delighted to announce that Sir Trevor McDonald has agreed to become our President.

Sir Trevor holds a passion for the sport of cricket having served as President of Surrey County Cricket Club and host for the launch of the ECB strategy for the sport 'Building Partnerships' prior to the memorable 2005 Ashes season. He is a national treasure whose presence and experience will be invaluable to the charity as we seek to expand our support of disadvantaged and disabled young people during his Presidency. "