It is with great sadness that EAGCC announces the death of David Merriday, perhaps better known as DJM.  

David was the heart and soul of The Green for decades.  Whenever something needed doing,  it was often David who volunteered and did it.  He was very, very funny and every game with him was a laugh, win or lose.  His tales of adventures from the previous night at The Affair or Windmill were legendary. 

DJM played twice a weekend, every weekend for most of the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s.  At various time he was Captain of the 2nd XV (or Stiffs as he preferred to call them), Club Secretary for 9 years (1978-86), Bar Manager, Social Secretary, Groundsman and Youth Manager.  He was heavily involved in both clubhouse extensions and coached North Essex Youth too.  Very few people will have put in more time at The Green than David. 

David’s first award was in 1977 for 1st XI Performance of The Year.  Most of his career was bowling left arm over off one pace in the 2nd XI.  He won the 2nd XI Bowling Cup a record six times in 1985, 1986, 1989, 1995, 1997 and 2003.  In 2007 he was 2nd XI Player of the Year.  David was made a Life Member in 1999 and was awarded Clubman of the Year (the one that matters) five times in 1980, 1984, 1987, 1998 and 2007 – a record that is unlikely to be beaten. 

David was good looking with a shock of blond hair and whilst he never married always had a stunning girlfriend in tow.  He was a master of nicknames as ‘Rake’ Rowson. Gerry ‘Atric’ Daldry and others will attest.  An utterly unique,  total tourist, night-clubbing, mick-taking legend, David never lost his sense of humour despite several long battles with cancer. 

The Green will not be the same without him.  It is an understatement to say he will be missed.