Tragic death of founder member, Dave Church

It is with deep sadness I am writing to say that Dave Church, a founder member of Hamsterley Trailblazers, died on Boxing Day in an ice climbing accident at Cautley Spout, near Sedburgh.

Dave was an experienced climber who was also a climbing instructor at the Newton Aycliffe climbing wall. Dave was leading a climb up the frozen waterfall which, for the last few weeks, has been a popular destination for ice climbers. Trailblazer’s Ollie Graham had gone with Dave and was at the bottom of the climb at the time. Ollie attempted CPR and summoned help from other climbers. The Kirby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team and ir Ambulance attended, but Dave was found to be dead at the scene.

Dave’s contribution to Trailblazers over the years has been immense. He was Trailblazer’s first Treasurer and was always ready to help at trailbuilding, coaching sessions and organising events.

Always cheerful, good fun to be with and unfailing kind, Dave was a great outdoor enthusiast with climbing and mountain biking being two of his favourite sports. He was one of those people who really made the most of every minute and his loss is devastating.

Dave leaves a widow, Corinne (also an active Trailblazer supporter) and a son, Anthony. Corinne has asked me to let Trailblazer members know what has happened.

On behalf of all Committee members and the whole of Trailblazers I would like to send our deepest sympathy to Corinne, Anthony and the rest of their family. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday 11 January at St John’s Church, Shildon, DL4 1ND followed by cremation at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon Road, Coundon, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8PE and refreshments at the Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Jubilee Road, Shildon, DL4 2AL.

Corinne would very much like as many Trailblazer members as possible to come next Tuesday. If you are able to come, could you email me so I can pass on likely numbers for refreshments?

Many people have emailed to express their sadness over Dave’s death and I have passed these messages on to Corinne. Many people have also expressed a wish to see some sort of permanent memorial to Dave from Trailblazers and suggestions have ranged from a trail named after him, a seat or other form of memorial, planting a tree, or holding an event in his name. I know Corinne has been extremely touched by the suggestions and would very much welcome something along one of these lines. I will include this for discussion at the next Trailblazer’s meeting and all suggestions from members would be very much appreciated.

Vicky Chilcott
Secretary, Hamsterley Trailblazers