He remained region chairman until standing down in 1991, but took up office again in January 1993 as his successor had to stand down when London Branch divided into three and became a region, as his successor was in the new region. Dave served as region chairman until April 1995. Having taken early retirement, he then stood in as (paid) temporary office supervisor at IWA’s then Regent’s Park Road office for the summer of 1995. Dave was a keen supporter of WRG, often working with London WRG at weekends. He awarded a Richard Bird Medal in 2002 in recognition of his work for IWA over many years. He also set up and chaired the friends of the London Canal Museum.

Throughout this period, Dave was ably supported by his wife Mavis, and daughters Judith and Alison, with the whole family providing wide-ranging support for the Association. Judith became a regular WRG Navvy, eventually marrying Mike Palmer (WRG chairman), and becoming an IWA trustee and national treasurer.

Following Dave’s retirement, he and Mavis moved to Staffordshire and Dave became a keen supporter and marketing manager for Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. He was also an active trustee for six years. In other interests, Dave was an avid collector of historical canal cards and a prominent figure in the Canal Card Collector’s Circle. He was also passionate about Thames Sailing Barges and volunteered with the Norfolk Wherry Albion in his time.

Mavis predeceased Dave in 2018.

[The photo, right, by John Fletcher, was taken at the presentation of Dave’ Richard Bird Medal at the 2002 AGM at Chester.  Tony Hirst, IWA Vice President, who also died in July 2022, is in background]