Yorkshire CCC vice-president and former long-serving committee member, David Drabble, died on Thursday, October 17, aged 82, after a long illness.
Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, and Yorkshire CCC chairman, Robin Smith, were among those to pay tribute to David who, along with his father, George, formed the Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society in 1960.
David’s outstanding service to cricket was recognised by the ICC in April, 2010, when he received the ICC Centenary medal from president, David Morgan.
It was just over half-a-century ago, in the spring of 1969, that David was elected to the Yorkshire committee as a Sheffield district representative and he gave 22 years continuous service before stepping down under the rules of the Club and then being elected a vice-president in recognition of his work.
He began by serving on the grounds and membership sub-committee, becoming its chairman in 1985. He was also a member of the public relations sub-committee for several years up to 1980 and from 1986-1990 he was a member of the powerful seven-man management committee.
Following its formation in 1960, the Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society became one of the most prominent cricket societies in the county with its regular meetings attracting a variety of speakers from all over the country.
In the early days of the Society, David planned and organised cricket tours all over the country and abroad. “He was a remarkable organiser with a photographic memory and was meticulous in everything he did,” said Society chairman, Dave Longley.
“He also did a tremendous amount of charity fundraising and although he was never pushy with people, if he asked you to do something you felt it right that you did,” he added.
Dorothy Betts, who succeeded David as secretary when he was in failing health, said: “As well as in Sheffield, his passing will also be felt in the corridors of power at Yorkshire CCC where he was a well-known member and friend of the Club.”
Michael Vaughan, who was brought up in Sheffield and whose prodigious talents at cricket as a schoolboy were first spotted by Yorkshire when he was playing on the outfield at Abbeydale Park during the interval of a Championship match, tweeted: “Such a sad day…David did so much for cricket in South Yorkshire.”
Yorkshire CCC president, Robin Smith, said: “As well as serving Yorkshire with great distinction he was a leading figure in cricket in South Yorkshire and he will be much missed throughout the county.”
David leaves a widow, Anne, a son and daughter and six grandchildren. His funeral service will take place at Dronfield Parish Church, Church Street, Dronfield, S18 1QB, on November 4 and 1.0pm. Mourners are requested to wear a white rose. Family flowers only but donations in lieu may be made to Yorkshire Air Ambulance or Cavendish Cancer Care.
DAVID WARNER
