ONE of the great and much respected characters of West Devon's cricket has a double reason to celebrate this week. The ever youthful Tavistock Cricket Club president Stuart Munday marks not only his 70th birthday but a remarkable 50 years with the moorland club. Stuart, whose enthusiasm for the game is as unquenched as ever, began his cricket career with Whitchurch Post Office in 1958, which later become Whitchurch Wayfarers. He later joined Tavistock CC in 1965 alongside his old school friend Jack Davey. Although living in Bristol for a period of time he was able to play for Tavistock most Saturdays, also playing for the Mendip Acorns who played on Sundays at the county ground in Taunton. During his 50 years at Tavistock he has filled every role from chairman, secretary, treasurer, social secretary, colts' secretary, captain and now his present position of president. Over his many years with the club he has raised many tens of thousands of pounds to improve the facilities at the club, something he plans to continue working towards. He now captains the Devon Over 60s who have been very successful over the last couple of years and were beaten by Kent in the National final two years ago and by Hertfordshire in the semi-finals last year. When asked if, at the age of 70 not out, he considers retiring his reply was 'I'm a long time old and a long time dead – so no.' Andy Jarman, chairman of Tavistock Cricket Club, said: 'Stuart is held in much affection by all of us and his achievement of 50 years is a wonderful reflection of his loyalty to the club.'  Chris Pearson, on behalf of Yelverton Bohemians Cricket Club told the Times: 'Congratulations to Stuart Munday on notching up his 'half-century' with Tavistock CC from the committee and members of Yelverton Bohemians Cricket Club.  We wish Stuart all the best in his 50th season. When one considers that many cricketers frequently change clubs during their playing careers, spending 50 years associated with one club is some feat. Graham Curson on behalf of Whitchurch Wayfarers, added: 'Well done Stuart. Many congratulations on your double landmark.'