We were saddened to hear of the death of Life Member David Elderfield, on 20th April. David had not been well for a few years now, and spent his last couple of years in Clelland Lodge.
David was born in England, and could recall participation in dramatic activities from the age of five, when he played the Mad Hatter. He was fortunate to be chosen to attend Christ’s Hospital School in London, whose pupils wear the most amazing uniform, of a long blue coat and yellow stockings. After time spent in Africa and back in the UK, David and Maggie emigrated to Australia, choosing Nowra because of, not only a Bridge Club, but the Nowra Players.
This excerpt from our book Nowra Players, The First Fifty Years sums up his contribution to the Players. “Since joining the Players, David has made a huge contribution. He has been involved in over sixteen productions, directing, among others, the very successful Stepping Out and Lend Me a Tenor. He has produced plays and Old Time Music Halls, and has taken charge of publicity on several occasions.
David was President from 1992 to 1995 and served as secretary for several years. He was a Committee member until May 2001. When his award was announced, the then President Wendy Moffat spoke of David’s gift, his ability to speak the language of the people he is with, to get in and get things done. An extremely hard worker, David is the master of negotiation, both face to face and in writing superb letters. It is largely because of David’s efforts that we have the beautiful theatre that we have today.”
Our sympathies go to Maggie, to his daughter Tilly and son Simon, and their three grandchildren.
