GLOWING tributes have been paid to Bovey Tracey Town Councillor David Elphick, who died last week.

A long-standing councillor of some 25 years, in his time he served on every committee and was town mayor in 1999.

During that time he campaigned for safer roads in the parish and was a keen supporter of youth services, helping initiate the facilities for youngsters in Heathfield

Fellow Heathfield councillor Stuart Light said: ‘In a way he was my mentor. He’s the reason I became a councillor and guided me through the early days.

‘He was a friend as well, living only a few doors up from me.

‘You could say he was the voice of Heathfield.

At council meetings he always fought for his ward’s corner, reminding fellow councillors Heathfield, though sometimes overlooked, was an integral part of the parish

Cllr Sheila Brooke, mayor of Bovey Tracey, said: ‘David was a committed member of the town council representing the ward of Heathfield.  

‘He made significant contributions over many years. David was extremely well liked by his fellow councillors and we will all miss his kind and practical approach at council meetings’. 

One of David’s sons, Nathan, said: ‘His death will leave a big gap in Heathfield. He became a councillor because he was big believer in giving back.’

Born in Woolwich 79 years ago, he moved with his family to Norfolk in his youth, then returned to the Tunbridge are for some years before moving to Devon in the late 1980s.

Here he led a varied succession of careers, running a taxi firm, a bus and coach company, and with his wife Veronica ‘Ronnie’ running the former Glen Lynn Garage on Bovey Straights, living on site in the cottage many locals will recall.

A keen artist, he would paint portraits, but his favourite subject was transport, cars and trains particularly. This prompted him to also opened an artists’ gallery in Bovey Tracey, selling the work of fellow local artists.

His other interest was sports, he loved sailing and more locally was a valued member of Bovey Tracey Cricket Club and the bowls club, serving on their committees for many years.

Bovey’s longest serving councillor George Gribble knew David both in the council chamber and as a local sportsman. He said: ‘David was a great friend who always spoke up for Heathfield.

‘He was passionate about youth facilities and was instrumental in setting up the cabins next to Sparkworld.

‘As a committee member of the cricket club he was there when we won the Devon League. He and I were umpires and he was still umpiring this year. His death means a great loss for Heathfield and Bovey Tracey.’

David is survived by his wife Ronnie, their three children Nathan, Stephanie and Ben and their six grandchildren.

Son Nathan summed up David’s significance to the community: ‘Since the news got out we have received so many messages of support and sympathy. We didn’t realise the effect he had on so many people’s lives. It’s been humbling.’