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David was our first ever Chairman of West Chiltington & Thakeham Cricket Club between the merger in 2000 and the AGM in 2009 when he handed over to Neil “Windy” Miller.  David’s drive and determination to never accept no for an answer, both from committee members and “other dignitaries”, ensured that this club took on many challenges and usually overcame them.  Under his tenure the Club raised money to:

·        extend and improve the pavilion which we share with the football and croquet clubs

·        build three fine nets near the tennis courts

·        extend the square on many occasions as the playing numbers grew

·        provide sponsored playing kit for all age ranges

·        a bowling machine

He was fortunate to have some keen foot soldiers including Jim Gee and Brian Jefferies whose links to Sussex CCC have been invaluable down the years.  However it was his vision that pushed through many of the changes.  By his own admission, David took his eye off the ball in his last couple of years.  This was partly down to him liking the start-up phase with projects and partly because he seems to have several business ventures on the go which required his attention.  He's also got re-married.

On the playing side, David became the 1^st XI wicketkeeper soon after merger and his keeping & runs have been key factors in the success of the side.  He has also turned out occasionally for the Sunday side in the middle of the decade.  Again his business ventures have seen him distracted in recent times meaning his contributions both on and off the field have again been fewer.  Nevertheless he has exceeded 100 games for the cricket club so even if we discounted all the off field achievements, he's certainly been one of our biggest contributors on the field of play.

David spent many years playing cricket at Englefield Green near Egham in Surrey which is what he used as his model for bringing change here.  “If they could do it there”, he argued, “why not at West Chilt?”  An avid Man Utd fan who's actually spent time in Manchester, David loves all sports although he would probably say that skiing is his favourite.  He’s certainly a useful squash player and tests racing cars for a living.

The man is awarded the status of living legend because without his drive, the Club would not have progressed in the manner that it has since merger.

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