Bovey Tracey's man of many roles dies aged 79 | David Elphick was the voluntary worker 'par excellence' | Club flag flown at half-mast as mark of respect

The pavilion flag fluttering at half-mast as a mark of respect for David Elphick, who has died aged 79

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BOVEY Tracey’s pavilion flag flew at half-mast during the game against Plymouth and Sunday's Devon Cup final between Bradninch and Exmouth to mark the death of former vice-chairman David Elphick.

Elphick, who was 79, was a retired businessman who moved to the town from Kent in the late 1980s.

He hooked-up with the local club and served it as an umpire, vice-chairman and bar chairman for more than two decades.

Elphick was also the founder chairman of the South Devon Youth Cricket League when it got off the ground in its current format in 2000. Wife Ronnie acted as competition treasurer.

“When I was first club chairman around 20 years ago David was one of the key people who helped me run the place,” said current president Nigel Mountford.

“David ran the bar, his wife Ronnie was the second team scorer and sons Nathan and Ben both played. 

Elphick was a man of many interests. Away from cricket he served on Bovey Tracey Town Council for 25 years and was mayor in 1999. He had been a wrestler in his younger days and took up sailing and bowls later in life.

David Elphick is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter Stephanie.