It is with great sadness that I write about the death of my friend Dave Hicks. Dave was a member of Crook Morris for 15 years, and served for 2 years as squire.
I met Dave and his wife Jan when they joined Crook Morris 15 years ago. Dave and Jan met whilst at University at Leeds, and became involved with the Morris and folk scene there. After University they moved to Oxfordshire, where Dave joined Oxford City Morris and Jan co-founded Mason’s Apron. Opting out of the “rat race”, Dave and Jan moved up to Cumbria to settle in Raisbeck, a small hamlet near Penrith, where Jan established a small-holding breeding angora goats, and Dave pursued his loves of orienteering, fell-walking, cross-country skiing, membership of the mountain rescue, and, of course, Morris dancing.
Dave brought many things to Crook Morris. He was a superb Cotswold dancer, light-footed and sure of step, always ready to take his place when a dance was called or to play the melodeon if needed. He was also an accomplished clog and rapper dancer, although he did not show off his skills unless pressed to do so. His quiet, self-effacing presence hid a sharp and subversive sense of humour, and he could always be relied upon for a wry aside or comical comment.
Dave led the side as squire for two years. He did not seek office, but did not object when we asked him to take on this largely thankless task, and he steered us with a calm and competent hand through his time as squire. His skill and experience in the Cotswold traditions meant that he was also able to step in and deputise for the foreman if required.
Dave developed leukaemia 6 years ago, but, typically, did not tell anyone for some time. He did not want anyone to treat him differently, and he wished to continue enjoying all his sports and pastimes normally. Crook only became aware of his problem 2 years ago, when his health took a downturn and he needed a course of chemotherapy. Six months later Dave returned to the side and, without fuss, resumed his place amongst the dancers and musicians. He continued to enjoy good health until October last year, when the leukaemia became aggressive. His immune system had become weakened both by the disease and the drugs used to treat it, and he was unable to resist infection. He was admitted to Cumberland Royal Infirmary in December 2008, and died in the Intensive Care Unit on Tuesday 6th January 2009.
Jan wanted Dave’s funeral to be “the biggest bun fight ever”, in celebration of his life and interests. Crook turned out in force, resplendent in kit at Jan’s request. It was lovely to see representatives from Hexham and Carlisle Morris also in kit, and representatives from Silhill, Ryknyld and Oxford City Morris. Also present were the massed ranks of the Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue team, all wearing their distinctive red jackets. There were many staff and pupils from Kirkby Stephen School, where Dave worked in the IT section, and old friends from Leeds and Oxford. Together with the family, we filled the crematorium to overflowing, and it was “standing room only” at the back.
The service was a simple one, conducted by Chris Taylor (a fellow Crook dancer as well as a C of E minister) who knew Dave well. Jan had chosen the music and readings to reflect the many facets of Dave’s life, and the mixture of evocative songs and humorous and touching readings produced laughter as well as tears. Dave was “sent off” wearing his Morris kit, with his hat and rag jacket on top of the coffin, and at the end of the service the Crook musicians played some of Dave’s favourite tunes as the mourners left the chapel.
We will all miss Dave in many ways. We will miss his graceful, elegant dancing, and his skill on the melodeon. We will miss his quiet strength, and his ability to sort out a problem with the minimum of fuss. On a personal level, I will miss his wicked sense of humour, and his contentment with the simple pleasures in life. I will miss his company out walking the fells and opposite me in the set. I will miss his presence at festivals, in the smallest tent in the world, brewing up his cuppa in the early morning sunshine.
Most of all, I will miss my friend, Dave.
Claire Duplock, Crook Morris
January 2009.