Local Face: David Mercer

David Mercer’s face is not only seen in Wendover; BBC Television Sport and other networks beam it nationwide and internationally and his voice is heard on the radio.

David did not start life in Wendover, he has not even spent most of his life in Wendover, but he was pleasantly surprised when he discovered Wendover and has enjoyed living here since 1999.

Tennis is one of David’s favourite sports. He was a great success at Dynevor School in his home town of Swansea and won the Welsh Junior Doubles title in 1968. He then went on to captain the Nottingham University tennis team in 1969. After graduating in law, David qualified as a solicitor in 1973 and began practising back in Swansea that year.

He also started umpiring at Wimbledon in 1973. This was a successful “hobby” and in 1983 it led to David taking charge of the Men’s Doubles Final. He was well known on the circuit including as a neutral umpire for Davis Cup ties and many other tournaments. David was also a member of the committee of Management of the British Tennis Umpires’ Association from 1982 to 1984.

At the same time, David was also building a political career standing for Local Government seats and Parliamentary seats in Swansea, making great gains for his party in an area traditionally held by another party. During the 1983 General Election he assisted in the Prime Minister’s Political Office which gave him a special insight into politics, but by then a different career change was happening.

As well as his professional life in law and these two other interests, David found time to enter a competition organised by BBC Wales and in 1979 he was offered a weekend contract broadcasting on sport. By 1982 his law job was in Public Relations with the Law Society. Umpiring is not really compatible with commentating: one requires impartiality and the other should be more personal and critical. David’s umpiring went out on a high: the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe in 1984.

He had been working under contract to BBC Radio Sport from 1984 and moved to BBC Television Sport in 1992. His international work includes ESPN Star Sports of Singapore and Dubai TV.

David had lived in London since 1982 and in the mid-90’s met up again with another umpire from Wimbledon days. Sue was widowed, lived in Wendover and introduced David to our often forgotten County. In 1999 they married and David left London, delighted to discover that Wendover has a terrific train service to London and Heathrow is easily accessible. He loves living here, especially during respites between commentating. He is surprised and pleased, in equal measure with the variety and number of birds which visit their small garden.

For David, the facilities in the village are great – Banks, Post Office, Wendover Business Centre, not to mention the pubs and restaurants. David and Sue enjoy going to the Red Lion on a Friday night with friends and then on to eat, all within flat, easy walking distance, very relaxing.

Unfortunately, playing competitive tennis at a high level is no longer possible for either David or Sue but they have moved to the pleasures of golf instead. David has applied for membership of a local club, and is allowed to playa round with Sue who has been established there for some years.

Wendover News introduced David and Sue to regular theatregoing. He is sure he goes more often now than ever he did when he lived in central London because the bonhomie and convenience of an organised coach as well as economies of scale from buying tickets as a group means the whole experience is easy and enjoyable.

David and Sue are also enjoying their membership of The Wendover Society. They can keep in touch with local developments, currently proposals for the Princess Mary Hospital Site. The involvement in local problems brings him full circle. David enjoys being part of the local community.