John Dewing, one of Norfolk's best known auctioneers, a great character in the local cricket world and a devoted family man, has died aged 69.John first got the taste of the exciting auction scene at the tender age of 10 in his home village of Bradenham, and later worked for nothing for three years in return for being trained in the profession.

John Dewing, one of Norfolk's best known auctioneers, a great character in the local cricket world and a devoted family man, has died aged 69.

John first got the taste of the exciting auction scene at the tender age of 10 in his home village of Bradenham, and later worked for nothing for three years in return for being trained in the profession.

He went through hard graft to make his name and then for about 50 years became an institution as the man with the gavel at the regular sales at Dereham's Memorial Hall.

Whether it was a stuffed boar or a piece of antique furniture or old football programmes from his beloved Norwich City, John loved the fascination of his job and the banter with buyers and sellers and enjoyed every day at work.

Having worked for Case and Gamble, he was at the heart of forming Case and Dewing estate agents and auctioneers in 1979 and the business is still based in offices on the corner of Church Street and Quebec Street, Dereham.

As well as the regular Dereham auctions, John also ran many sales for charities including a popular annual one at Bradenham.

For many people John was “Mr Auction” - but for others it was as a great sporting servant that he will be remembered.

A steady and careful opening batsman is perhaps the best description of John's cricketing attributes at Bradenham - the club for which he served in many ways and continued to play well into his 50s.

He always fondly recalled his one and only century, which he made in June 1976 against Riddlesworth, when he carried his bat for 110, including 17 fours.

As well as his service on the pitch, John was a an influential figure in the running of Norfolk cricket.

He was on the Norfolk Alliance management committee for more than 20 years. He was chairman from 1993 to 1997 and more recently was chairman of the disciplinary sub-committee, a role he also carried out for the Norfolk Cricket Board.

It was John's deep passion for cricket to be played in the right spirit that inspired him to put so much time and effort into the off the field side of the sport.

John Tythcott, chairman of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance, said: “He was a most forward thinking man as far as protecting standards was concerned, especially in terms of player behaviour.

“He was a great help to me when I took over as chairman of the league and he was also keen to see the youth competitions taken forward. He had a few years of seeing his grandson play in those competitions which I know also made him very proud.

“He played cricket and he knew the game. He loved his cricket and in all that he did demonstrated the utmost integrity, common sense and good humour.”

John was a former Norwich Exiles hockey player and ardent Canaries supporter, with about 40 years as a Carrow Road season ticket holder.

John also played a big part in community life around Dereham.

He was clerk to Shipdham Parish Council in the 1970s and later served as a councillor, including spells as vice chairman and chairman.

John never got ruffled and had a great knowledge of procedure which helped fulfil his public service.

He was a long time Dereham Rotary Club member and past president, ex Dereham Young Farmers' Club chairman, was on the Thomas Bullock Trust and a keen performer with the Bradenham Drama Group.

John married his wife Sue in 1964 and he was deeply proud of his whole family, which also includes his son Patrick, daughter Juliet, daughter-in-law Joanne, son-in-law Brett and grandchildren Hannah and William.

*John's funeral service is at Shipdham Church on Friday May 9, 1.15pm.