Dave came to Dorchester Rugby Football Club in 1993, shortly after our move from Weymouth Avenue to Coburg Road, and stayed with us until June 2000.
Dave was the consummate professional having had many years of experience in the licensing trade at the Park Hotel and the Royal Standard, Weymouth.
Having a professional manager to run our club was a major step in the club’s development. Prior to the decision to go down this route the clubhouse and bar had been totally run by a volunteer bar committee, made up of players. Who could ever forget the green cash box, which frequently was mislaid or just left at the club, or the rounds which always seemed to come to £1 or £5, and where there was never any change!!
Dave, together with the assistance of his wife Sheila, ably supported by his daughter’s Dawn and Jane brought professionalism to the clubhouse which was crucial in assisting the club in its bid to attract and encourage sponsorship, which was then in its embryonic stages. Dave was also instrumental in attracting businesses to use the club as a training venue during the week and hosting many outside functions, particularly weddings during the ‘off season’.
Dave always had a smile and a warm welcome, he quickly knew everybody at the club by their first name and he made each club member and visitor alike feel valued and respected.
However, David’s greatest virtue was that he was an absolute gentleman, he was kind, considerate, always immaculately dressed and a person of total integrity, he epitomised all that the term ‘gentleman’ means.
DRFC will always be grateful for the massive contribution David gave to us during our transitional period; he will forever live in our hearts and we will remember him with fondness and love.
David’s funeral will be at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 30th March at 3.20PM
DRFC extend their heartfelt condolences to David’s family at this most difficult period.
Dorchester Rugby Football Club
