Dave Little honoured for 50 years’ service

June 28, 2023

DAVE Little said he was ‘blown away’ after receiving five different presentations to mark his 50 years’ service to Ipswich & East Suffolk CC.

A celebration to mark his half century took place at the club’s Chantry Park ground on Sunday, which included a Past versus Present T20 match that was attended by around 120 people.

IES President Paul Freeman conducted the presentation ceremony during the tea interval before assembled guests, who included 14 other past captains of the club.

Dave was presented with a memento by Suffolk Cricket, given two corporate hospitality tickets to next month’s Suffolk versus Surrey Showcase fixture at Woolpit CC and Life Membership of Suffolk Cricket.

He received two tickets from Essex Cricket to a forthcoming 50-over match and the honour of ringing the bell at the start of play as well as mementoes from the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship and Ipswich Tigers, the Bangladeshi side who hire the ground.

There were also two presentations from the club itself – a club shirt with Little 50* on the back and a framed caricature drawing of him.

The 75-year-old is currently bar manager, groundsman, head coach, secretary, treasurer and welfare officer.

Little, who was born in Bishop’s Stortford, played for Essex Young Amateurs for two seasons between the ages of 16 and 18 alongside future Essex cricketers David Acfield, John Lever and Stuart Turner.

The side were coached by Keith Fletcher, who went on to captain both Essex and England.

He moved to Suffolk in 1969, and three years later took up a new post as a PE teacher at Copleston High School in Ipswich and joined IES.

As a player he was an all-rounder who captained IES 1st XI in Division One of the Two Counties Championship.

Little, who told the assembled guests he was ‘blown away’ by the gifts he had received, said: “I was very surprised, but it’s nice that people recognise the work that you do.

“People have travelled from far and wide to come here, including ex-players and Colts who have come back to make it a special day, and you do feel honoured by the effort people have made and you do appreciate it.”

Pete Drain, Chairman of Ipswich & East Suffolk CC, said: “Since I moved back to the area and the club some 15 years ago Dave has held all the committee posts every year apart from Chairman and President.

“He is simply the Club. Mr Ipswich & East Suffolk. Nothing happens that he is not involved in or has organised or driven. He would have organised today had we told him about it!  As it is, he has prepared the wickets for the weekend and stocked the bar.”

As well as bringing up his half century with IES, Little was a founder member of Coplestonians FC in Ipswich, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

He received The FA 50-Year service medal in October 2021 for his lifelong involvement in football.

Suffolk Cricket Media Manager Nick Garnham, who made the presentation on behalf of the county, said: “Dave Little’s achievement of giving 50 years’ service at one club in two different sports is extremely rare, if not unique, and he should be very proud of that.”

Dave Little (right) is pictured receiving his memento from Suffolk Cricket Media Manager Nick Garnham (left) at Chantry Park on Sunday.

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