I first met Dave at an Ebbw Vale game, a good few years ago.
Naturally we discussed the game and it was obvious from the start that he was very passionate about Rugby and particularly Ebbw Vale.
It turned out we had many things in common, Ebbw Rugby and the village
of Victoria. Dave was from Hall Street
and me from Queens Street. Dave had also played Football, for Victoria Rangers with my Uncle Fred, a Winger, who provided pinpoint crosses for Big Dave up front to score. Not only that but Dave knew my Father.
Many Ebbw games followed, both home and some away. Dave’s. humour and banter (and some
choice words), were a constant and hilarious thing.
His knowledge and passion always shone through. We formed a Rugby family on the Bank. Dave, Ann, Allan & Craig Pratten, Gordon Hopkins and myself.
Dave absolutely hated it (as we all did),whenever Ebbw lost and invariably he blamed the Referee.
One of Dave’s proudest moments was
when his grandson, Anthony, played
some games for Ebbw Vale RFC,
back in 2015/6. Playing in the
Second Row. This, continuing the sporting pedigree in the family. Dave excelled in Rugby, Football and Cricket and coached various teams in Football.
I got to meet Dave’s wife, the lovely
Avril and Karen her daughter.
Avril became good friends too, with my wife, Jan and I. Dave and Avril always making us very welcome whenever we visited. Nice cuppa and a chat.
We always had a boisterous and very friendly welcome from dogs, Charlie and later on, Shane. Dave and Avril idolised them.
As Dave’s health deteriorated, Avril’s daughter Karen was very supportive and got them through some tough times. That support was to the very end.
I will always remember Dave as a passionate and highly principled man.
Honest and generous and above all a
really nice man and a real character.
I am proud to have been his friend.
Rob Barnes
23/09/2025
