THERE was praise aplenty for a man who has given 60 years of service to Crediton United Football Club at a special Day of Celebration held in his honour.

Dave Blanchford, currently the club’s president, played for Crediton United FC from July 1964, was captain of the first team and since then, fundraiser, committee member, vice-chairman and eventually chairman, a position he held for 22 years.

Dave Blanchford received a tankard from Crediton United FC from Dave Pike, left. AQ 7941
Dave Blanchford received a tankard from Crediton United FC from Dave Pike, left. AQ 7941 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dave Blanchford, centre, with Crediton United FC and a Crediton Youth team, before the match started. AQ 7973
Dave Blanchford, centre, with Crediton United FC and a Crediton Youth team, before the match started. AQ 7973 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

He became president while the team still played at Newcombes Meadow and oversaw the move of the club to its present home at Lords Meadow.

The Day of Celebration began with a finger buffet for sponsors, club members, Dave’s family and friends in the clubhouse.

Dave Blanchford walking onto the pitch with one of his grandchildren. AQ 7963
Dave Blanchford walking onto the pitch with one of his grandchildren. AQ 7963 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dave was presented with an engraved trophy on behalf of the SW Peninsula League and an engraved tankard on behalf of the club.

Then followed a match between Crediton AFC First Team and an Exeter City FC Academy side.

Dave was honoured to walk onto the pitch with one of his grandchildren and a Crediton Youth FC side watched by 300 spectators.

Crediton in possession during the match v Exeter City FC Academy side. AQ 8004
Crediton in possession during the match v Exeter City FC Academy side. AQ 8004 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dave thanks all who made the day such a success and he also thanked sponsors, supporters and those who donated draw prizes.  The day was in aid of ELF, Hospiscare and the club, Dave adding that the amount raised to-date was in excess of £6,000.

Crediton in possession during the match v Exeter City FC Academy side. AQ 8003
Crediton in possession during the match v Exeter City FC Academy side. AQ 8003 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Match officials for the Crediton v Exeter City Academy game. AQ 7958
Match officials for the Crediton v Exeter City Academy game. AQ 7958 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Dave thanked his wife Monica and his family for their support over the years.

“It was a wonderful day, it mean’t the world to me,” Dave added.