As posted on the Huddersfield FC website: original link.
A new area for remembrance and reflection opened by Huddersfield Town
– Memorial Garden opened at John Smith’s Stadium
– Area open to all Huddersfield Town supporters
– Comments from Chairman Kevin Nagle
We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Memorial Garden at the John Smith’s Stadium, giving Town supporters a dedicated space to visit and remember those Terriers who are sadly no longer with us.
Inspired by the passing of Huddersfield Town fan Daryl Hopson in 2022, fundraising was begun by ex-Chairman Dean Hoyle and his wife Janet, who cycled the 211 miles from Huddersfield to Wembley alongside a small group in memory of Daryl ahead of the 2022 Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.
Opened in a ceremony overseen by Club Ambassador Andy Booth and Club Chaplains Dudley Martin and Phil Gedye, the official ribbon was cut by Daryl’s sister Chelsea, with family members, loved ones and colleagues attending of those who have been initially named on our wall of remembrance. Alongside a plaque honouring the memory of Daryl, his name is joined by:
– Emma Jayne Calderwood, 1987-2019, a member of Huddersfield Town retail staff
– Eleanor Haigh, 1995-2022, a member of Huddersfield Town’s Communications team
– Lacie O’Brien, 1987-2023, a receptionist at the John Smith’s Stadium
– Jacquelyn Sykes, 1963-2024, a member of KSDL Catering staff
Overlooking our home at the John Smith’s Stadium from a wonderful vantage point by the river path leading up to the St. Andrew’s Road Car Park, the path is located opposite the Players’ Entrance on the Core Stand Lower Tier.
An enclosed space open to all on both match days and throughout the week, the garden is secluded by a metal instalment that reads: “Once a Terrier, Always a Terrier”.
Huddersfield Town Chairman Kevin Nagle commented:
“I’m so pleased to see our Memorial Garden at the John Smith’s Stadium complete and open to our supporters. Since arriving at the Club, this has been on our agenda to finish, so it’s really meaningful to see the space in its final form right next to our shared home.
“The sense of community at Huddersfield Town struck and enticed me instantly, and this is just further sign of that – we don’t forget anyone who we recognise as a fellow Terrier, whether they’re by our side or no longer with us. I hope this area gives peace and comfort to those who need it most.
“Begun by Dean and Janet Hoyle, I would like to thank them for their grace in allowing us to complete the project, and as I’ve said in the past, it speaks to who they are as people that this initiative was born from them, and I’m glad to have continued this work. I was disappointed to miss the opening, but I know I will be stopping by for a quiet moment of reflection the next time I’m back in my adopted home in Huddersfield.”
Having worked with several local businesses during the project, the Club would also like to thank Garry Scott Groundworks, Landscaping and Maintenance, One17Design and TaylorBros for their work and support throughout the construction and completion of the Memorial Garden.
Supporters can add plaques of their own to our Memorial Garden through the Club, with the brass installations costing £56 each. Able to display 3-5 lines of text that include no more than a total of 20 words, submissions should be directed to the John Smith’s Stadium reception for the attention of Anna Young. Alternatively, please contact us by phone on 01484 484 151, or email reception@ksdl.org.uk.
