It is with much sadness that Durham Cricket report that Joe Sherrington passed away on 16 August 2026 aged 92 years. Our thoughts are with Joe’s wife Alice, son David and Granddaughter Jenna.
Joe helped the Club on a voluntary basis for over 35 years and was a Board Director from 1992 to 2004.
He had a pivotal role in the spectacular development of the now Banks Homes Riverside that saw it develop from a dog walking area and football pitches to an International Cricket Stadium in 7 years from 1993 ground planning permission to a June 2000 England v West Indies match.
Joe had a distinguished career in the Building Industry and as Construction Director for Yuill Heritage Homes delivered many major projects.
He had a lifelong interest in cricket and served Horden Cricket Club as Secretary where his son David played as wicketkeeper.
When the Yuill Heritage Brand took the sponsorship of The Jesmond based Northumberland Cricket Festival at the time Durham was applying for First Class status, then Durham Chairman, Don Robson became aware of the considerable construction experience that Joe could bring to the Durham First Class Project.
He became a Board Director in 1992. In the early years, when first-class matches were played at local cricket grounds, his planning and logistical expertise proved invaluable.
Joe coordinated the development of the ground. The first phase of laying of the playing surface, the construction of the pavilion and dressing rooms, a state-of-the-art electronic scorebox, corporate facilities and seating was completed for first class cricket to be played in 1995.
The Second Phase continued at the same amazing pace and delivered an additional Members Pavillion, further corporate facilities, Austin’s Bar Bistro, more permanent seating and international standard practice nets.
The Riverside had developed from first-class County standard to international standard. A successful bid was made for One Day International Matches. On the 15th June 2000 England played West Indies at the Riverside.
This historic day meant that Durham was the first new International Venue outside the traditional Test Match Grounds of Lords, The Oval, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and Headingley.
This alone is the massive legacy that Joe and his Board of Director Colleagues has left for the North East, an International Stadium staging international fixtures on a regular basis.
Third Phase of the Ground Development continued with Joe’s involvement to move it up from International standard to full Test Match standard. This delivered a new Media Centre, further corporate facilities and additional permanent seating. The first Test Match was held in 2003.
International One-Day matches and Test matches continued at the Riverside, culminating in the 2013 Ashes Test.
Joe retired as a Board Director in 2004 when the Club corporate status changed but continued to be involved advising on the ground development and hosting visiting team board members. The story of the ground development was of enormous interest to visitors.
This remarkable story of ground development owes much to Joe Sherrington’s pivotal contribution.
Cricket fans across the North East will remain deeply grateful to Joe and to his family, whose support enabled him to devote so much of his time to Durham’s ground development project.
The details of the funeral will be posted later.