It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death on Thursday, 4th October, of David Ashby, the club’s longest serving member.
Dave joined the club at the age of 19 in November 1948, and was soon making his mark. Within 3 years he was elected to the committee and during 59 years as a member, he provided leadership, impetus and continuity to the club. Dave was still playing League table tennis until March 2007; indeed, he finished the season with a winning average of 38% in Division 3 playing at number 3. One achievement really tickled him: apparently, in 1953 he lost to Alf Chadwick in the final of the Southport Closed championships, but avenged that defeat last season, winning 3-2 in a close-fought game. Always a very sporting player, Dave was good company and a much loved team-mate.
He will be greatly missed by all of us.
His funeral took place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday, 11th October.
Privileged to have played with Dave in the late 1990′s and enjoyed every minute of it. Proud. Great Man as well as great Table Tennis Player (and that’s whats important after all).
Mike G Australia