Dave Sewart - Obituary

Dave was well known to TARS members in the early 1990s, playing many vital roles in the establishment and development of the Society. Amongst other services, he helped to establish and develop many of the Society's publications, including Despatches, which he rapidly gave a unique style of his own. He also organised the distribution of publications to a growing membership for several years, in addition to acting as the Society's Membership Secretary. In this latter role his cheerful and enthusiastic welcome letters greeted many a new TAR.

Eight years ago Dave became a Literary Executor to the Arthur Ransome Estate, where he made a significant impact. Amongst his many accomplishments he undertook the solitary and painstaking role of reviewing the texts of all twelve Swallows and Amazons books in order to remove the numerous small errors that have crept in over many years. 

Dave had many strings to his bow beyond his interest in Arthur Ransome. These included a long term commitment to Therfield Chapel in Royston. In addition he was a skilled engineer and renowned and valued by his friends and colleagues for his cheerful ability to understand Apple Mac Computers.  

Dave's funeral at Therfield on 20th May was attended by some 200 friends. TARS is indebted to Christina Hardyment, Dave's friend and colleague, for altering her plans to come to Falmouth, where she gave a worthy appreciation of Dave's many qualities, as well as the services he performed for the Literary Estate and TARS.