Again, I first met Dave on the recommendation of a model shop's owner when I asked for help to learn to fly. I had just built my first glider. Dave duly coaxed me into flying with some dodgy advice, a sense of humour and a lot of luck. My wings acquired their characteristic leading edge shape when he landed it between his legs.

Over the years I progressed until I was at his level (never of flying) at eating long lunches, drinking treacly coffee and filling plastic bags with assorted balsa and foam bits. But I could never match his sense of humour and I'll really miss the old bugger. We had some lovely times.

Of course he had his ambulance work and I had met some of Snuff's friends through my own work. I later went on to work with him on the SEADOC car shifts.

He was also a very accomplished metal worker and belonged to a local steam railway club.

What now for a Thursday? Why, go flying of course!