Club Chairman's shock death

Newquay AFC chairman Graham Drew, aged 68, has died suddenly after falling ill on Thursday last week.

Mr Drew was renowned in local sporting circles and was heavily involved with both Newquay Cricket Club and local badminton clubs as well as his association with Newquay AFC.

He first joined the football club as secretary in 1996 before leaving and then returning as chairman three years ago.
Newquay AFC manager Jim Hilton said he was still coming to terms with the news. "I am completely shocked by his sudden death. He was the driving force of the football club," he said.

"He had so many qualities and always had time for me if ever I wanted to have a chat about something.

"He was an excellent communicator and had an excellent knowledge of all local sport.

"I first met him in the mid '90s when we were both involved with Newquay Cricket Club. He was very serious about local sport and had a real dogged determination about him.

"When I was first team manager, Sandra and Brian Biggin approached me about Graham and everyone was very excited about bringing him to the club

"I am still coming to terms with losing a friend and he is going to be irreplaceable as chairman of the club."
Bitter blow

The news comes as a bitter blow to the club, which is still coming to terms with the death of "Mr Newquay Rugby" president Brian Biggin, who died in August, aged 73.