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David Trickett - Chesterfield Canal Vice Chair Passes Away

The Chesterfield Canal Trust was devastated by the untimely death of David Trickett on 4th November, aged 64. He had fallen ill soon after the Canal Festival in July.

David joined the Trust in 1997. He quickly became involved in many activities, including the Volunteer Work Party doing physical restoration of the canal. He was on the tripboat crew and was one of the group who installed many new milestones along the full length of the canal.

Having been made a Trustee in 1999 he was appointed Vice-Chair in 2001; a position he had held ever since. In discharging his responsibility for Grants and Sponsorship, he secured many funds to further the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.

If there was an event taking place - be it a meeting with a potential funder, a festival or a barn dance - David would be there. If there was a last minute need for a crew member or someone to help with the promotional trailer, he would answer the call.

Many organisations have such stalwarts. What marked David out was the calm support that he would give to fellow supporters. He always looked for the best in people. He was modest about his own achievements and generous in his praise for others. This is the reason why he was held in such high esteem by all the members of the Trust and why his loss will be felt so keenly.

Typically, in his last days he was insistent that his loving wife Rachel should write a cheque to donate some bricks for the Staveley Town Lock appeal. The fact that David never lived to see the full restoration of the canal will spur on the members to ensure that it is achieved in his memory.

Chair of the Trust, Robin Stonebridge said “David’s boundless energy and passion for the canal runs through everything the Trust has done for the last decade. His knowledge and understanding will be greatly missed.”

The funeral will take place on Thursday 18th November. There will be a service of Thanksgiving at the United Reform Church in Holymoorside at midday, to which all are welcome. His family have asked people not to send flowers, but rather to make a donation to either Marie Curie Home Cancer Care or McMillan Cancer Support.

Our thoughts go out to Rachel and the rest of the family.