It is with much sadness that South Oxfordshire CAMRA reports the passing of Dave McKerchar, one of the founding members of the Branch, back in the early 1970's. Dave had been ill for a number of years and had had many rounds of chemotherapy. He died on 8th April in Royal Berks Hospital.

Dave will be remembered as a larger-than-life character with a great wit and sense of humour, forthright in his views and opinions and great company.

Dave held many positions on the early Branch Committees, including Chairman, and was highly instrumental in establishing the CAMRA Real Ale tent at the Woodcote Rally in 1977, which continues, very successfully, to this day. He was also Brakspear Brewery Liaison Officer, and co-editor of the first "Real Ale in Oxfordshire" books in 1975 and 1977. In the late 1970's Dave became Regional Organiser and then a member of CAMRA's National Executive, but he also continued his involvement with the South Oxfordshire Branch for many years.

A more complete article on Dave's involvement with the Branch will be published in the next SoxonAle Branch Magazine.