Tributes paid as Burghfield community stalwart Dave Godwin dies

Tributes have been paid to a parish councillor, hailed as a community stalwart, who has died.

Dave Godwin has been helping run events across Burghfield for more than three decades.

They included supporting the annual Burghfield May Fayre for 30 years, and acting as its organiser for 15 years.

He also spent 25 years as a governor at Burghfield St Mary’s School, and supped the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance events.

He also served on the Burghfield Residents Association (BRA) as chairman, which helped share the proceeds of the May fayre with charities, good causes and sportspeople across the village.

A note on its social media pages said: “The BRA Committee are deeply saddened by the passing of our long term Chairman and friend Dave Godwin.

“He will be missed by all of us that knew him and the whole Burghfield community for the huge amount he contributed towards the many organisations he worked with.”

Mr Godwin was also part of the Burghfield Santas fundraising team, which organises regular Pub In The Park Friday night gatherings in summer months on the Recreation Ground, as well as festive events in the village. This included their annual cycle ride, as well as September’s Burghfest, raising money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

On their social media the Burghfield Santas said he was a cherished team member.

“Dave was a phenomenal human being, whose kindness and dedication touched countless lives,” they wrote.

“As a Burghfield Santa Dave was famed for his expression ‘Leave it with me mate’. Nothing was too much trouble to make community events a success, and once the phrase had been uttered – it was guaranteed to be done, down to the smallest details, including the Fire Extinguishers serviced and available to buckets of sand for cigarette butts outside the marquees.

“His incredible contributions and unwavering spirit will be sorely missed as a true unsung hero of our village. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

This was echoed by people responding to the post.

One said he was “an awesome chap”, while another said he was “an incredible man who would do anything to help”. A third said he was “one of the best” who was “always wanting to help and make people happy”.

And he also served for 14 years as a parish councillor.

In their tribute, Burghfield Parish Council wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Burghfield Parish councillor Dave Godwin.

“Dave served on the council for over 14 years and was also an ever-willing contributor to all the events we held over those years.

“His commitment to our local community was truly magnificent.”

They continued: “It is not just as an organiser, a volunteer, a fundraiser, our go-to sparky, or as the first person to help set up events and the last person to finish clearing up, that he will be remembered.

“He was also a great friend to many and while facing his dreadful disease with such fortitude, a truly inspirational example to all of us.

“Dave, you are much loved and will be greatly missed.”

His funeral will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, September 10, at West Berkshire Crematorium, Bath Road, Thatcham.