Tavistock Aug 14 2013_Layout 1 13/08/2013 12:00 Page 35
Ken (Ben) White
Ken White,
(commonly known
as Ben in his playing
days, and the man
behind the very
successful Ken
White Signs, was
born on May 14,
Blast
FROM THE
past
Ben
was one of
several youth
team players
promoted to
the senior
first XI the
following
year and in
1942.
He started playing
football (at right
back) for his school
team (see picture right).
his first season (1960-61) the then 18-yearold topped the scoring charts with 35 goals.
He followed this with 30, 42, 30, 21 and 21
goals. He won two Exeter & District League
titles, three East Devon Senior Cups (scoring
in the 1963 final) and the Devon Senior Cup
in his final game for Tiverton.
When he left school in 1957 he played for
the Elmore Youth side. However, the side
were disbanded the following season.
In 1959-60 Ben played in the Tiverton
Town Youth side that reached the final of
the Devon Youth Cup, played at Plymouth
Argyle on Saturday 14th May 14, 1960.
Ben duly celebrated his 18th birthday by
scoring both goals as Town won 2-0.
Ben helped to build the new changing
rooms and played at Tiverton Town for
seven seasons before joining Elmore in
1968.
At Elmore he helped to build the new
clubrooms and continued playing for
another 10 years.
He says the highlight of his playing days at
Elmore was winning the 1972 East Devon
Senior Cup, beating firm favourites
Dawlish at St James’ Park.
Elmore, managed by Irish International
Dermot Curtis, were losing 2-0 at halftime, but came storming back to win 3-2.
Ben hit a double to bring the scores level
and then Rod Stone hit the winner.
Ben stayed involved with the club
committee for many years after hanging
up his boots and was honoured to be a
trustee for over 30 years.
He still runs the Wednesday skittles team
at Elmore.
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