Gwynne was a hugely influential member of the club for more than three decades and we know that all club members and the wider cricket community will be saddened by his death.

Having joined the club in the mid 80s Gwynne played a crucial part in the club’s rejuvenation through the mid 90s and beyond. In the early 90s Gwynne played as a batsman in the club’s 2nd XI, but as a number of colts began to come through the rejuvenated junior programme Gwynne played a crucial role on the pitch as he took on the captaincy of the 3rd XI and helped introduce a number of young players to senior cricket. His enthusiasm, man-management and tactical nous helped to ensure all of those who played in the side enjoyed their experience, and it is a mark of Gwynne’s work that many of those young players are still members of the club today. As the club expanded Gwynne dropped down the sides, but whatever team he played in, they benefitted from his wisdom and experience. Even into his seventies Gwynne was still playing for the 6th and 7th XIs when needed. At times he would turn his arm over or take the gloves for some keeping, but it was with the bat that he enjoyed most success, and his famous calling in his broad Welsh accent when batting with his good friend Tony Richards will be remembered by all those who played with him.

Off the field Gwynne had just as big an influence on the club. He had held a number of roles on the committee before taking over as Chairman midway through the 2010 season. He held that role until taking a well earned break from official duties at the end of 2015. As Chairman Gwynne was always forthright in his views but at all times considered the implications to the whole club when making any decisions. He was always keen to ensure that the club encouraged its young players and did everything he could to make sure they were given the chance to progress through the sides.

As well as fulfilling many formal roles, Gwynne was also famed for his speeches at the club’s Dinner and Dance and other events, where his wit and humour would entertain those in attendance. And for many years he worked alongside another Life Vice-President, John Sutton, as they put in many hours of work together on the Upminster Park square to make it one of the very best in the Essex League. Gwynne was a three time winner of the Club Member of the Year award, the only person to win the award on three occasions, and was made a Life Vice-President of the club in 2015.

Gwynne was not the only member of the Mack family to make a mark on the club, and at some stage during his playing career he was fortunate enough to take to the field with each of his four sons, David, Rob, Jeff and Steve. All of his sons have represented the club at different levels over the last 35 years and between them have all contributed to the club’s recent successes. They have also followed in Gwynne’s footsteps with their off-field work and willingness to take on various roles around the club with Rob having been the club’s Secretary for many years. Gwynne was always supported throughout his time with the club by wife Jackie. Jackie has always been a huge supporter of the club, and very proud of Gwynne and her sons involvement, and would always be in attendance with Gwynne at events such as the Dinner and Dance and the Benefit Matches with Essex.

Today Upminster Cricket Club is in a strong position with over 100 senior playing members and 250 junior members, and it is thanks to the work of those such as Gwynne that this is the case.