Doncaster business celebrates its centenary with socially-distanced bash

Dobson and Hodge have just celebrated their centenary for the business, which was established on June 18, 1920.

Paul Stokes, Director of Financial Services, said: “We were set to have a big bash at the Doncaster Deaf Trust to celebrate the birthday but then coronavirus meant that we had to downscale.

“We were due to have a large garden party with live entertainment.

“There was going to be a commemorative tree planting and even a time capsule to celebrate our part in Doncaster's local history.

“Instead we had a small get together and cracked open some champagne in a socially-distanced celebration.”

Dobson and Hodge specialise in financial advice and business insurance.

They were founder members of the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce in 1941 and founder members of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Doncaster since 1931.

Paul said: “We have been trading in Doncaster for 100 years, initially at St Sepulchre Gate and then moving to Scott Lane before moving in 1979 to the present location at Thorne Road.”

The business was started by two army officers who served together in the trenches of World War Two.

George Hodge served in the first world war but died in 1924.

Wilfred Dobson served in two world wars and was decorated with the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Allied Victory medal.

Paul said: “In the early days, Mr Dobson would ride his horse to meet clients travelling as far as Calver in Derbyshire to meet a boot and shoe manufacturer there.

“He would stop cars when they first emerged and advise the drivers that they should have motor insurance.”

Like many businesses, they have made the switch to working from home throughout coronavirus.

“These are unprecedented times and we are facing challenges but functioning as best we can,” he continued.

“We have long-standing connections with many clients, often over decades.

“We have at least one current client who can recall visits from our founding Director, Wilfred Dobson.”

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