Dave Middleditch (aka Cherry – something to do with his Gloucester heritage?) is addicted to volunteering, having been persuaded to become the senior club fixtures secretary at Olney RFC 12 years ago, successfully liaising with the teams, clubs and referees ever since.

During this time he has set up and now coordinates the East Midlands Vet’s Cup encouraging more and more clubs to take part. In addition, he has recently said yes to become the secretary of the Northampton Rugby Alliance. A club stalwart in every sense, when available will do whatever is asked of him. He has been known to play but equally happy to referee when short.

‘I’ve been fixtures sec for around 12 years since Trigger resigned and when no-one stepped forward, Silver Fox sort of threatened me into doing it with an angry looking finger wag. I immediately introduced technology and now all the fixtures secs in the east midlands use e mail to communicate, quite revolutionary for 2005 and lead to some upsets (Kettering got the hump as the fixture pool went out of business immediately, why do it by phone when you can e mail 50 clubs instantly). I’ve been doing fixtures for the men’s teams ever since which means confirming the opposition teams, rearranging the games when they drop out, inviting alacadoos to the lunch and booking the referees. I’m allowed one cock up per season by [Keith] Plummer’s rules, so bad luck if you’re the team who turn up to find no opposition (1’s away at Wallingford, No ref for the Lewis Shield or referees turning up to games that have been cancelled…).’

‘I still play for the Vets or Nissan when I’m not broken. Vets tour next month is the target for this season having shattered my finger in my only other game, but available to referee if I can’t play. I’m addicted to volunteering, and my aim is to beat Stan from Long Buckby who was fixtures sec for 50 years……’

Thank you Cherry for your hard work and support for Olney RFC.