I knew Dave mostly through English Language A level where both he and I were coursework moderators for the JMB [latterly the NEA].  When I was appointed as Principal Moderator, I was asked to nominate someone to be my Assistant Principal; I had no hesitation in choosing Dave.  He was the rarest of combinations, in that he was a meticulous moderator with a natural grasp of the required standards and an exceptional set of communication skills which allowed him to pass his knowledge and understanding both to assistant moderators and to teachers in general when he was called upon to run meetings to  inform them of the latest developments in the course.

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But he was so much more than just an outstanding member of the assessment team;  being an examiner involved more than just endless rounds of assessments – we were sent off around the country, to Manchester York and London normally to discuss assessments, train new moderators etc, and this often involved time spent in hotels and meeting rooms. Dave was always fantastic company – friendly,  sociable and genuinely interesting and gregarious: he certainly helped make long evenings away from home something to look forward to.
I will miss Dave as a consummate professional who made my job much more straight forward, and a valued colleague whose advice I appreciated and could always rely on – but more than that – as a friend whose company I always enjoyed.  Rest in Peace Dave  – the world is a lesser place without you

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