From the Right: Dave Head, Les Coe and the Late Steve Moran, at the entrance to Paddington in June 2012.

We were sorry to receive the very sad news that our good friend and colleague, Dave Head, had recently passed away. The Trustees and volunteers of FoWT send their thoughts and condolences to Dave’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Dave was one of the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels original members, having attended the first meeting of concerned people, wanting to save the tunnels. Dave and Steve Moran became partners in the struggle to save the tunnels from the very beginning, by providing the inspiration, drive and passion that helped the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels grow and succeed. FoWT’s Achievements, and milestone’s, such as the discovery and emptying of the Paddington chambers followed by the chambers beneath Williamson’s House, are, in part thanks to the drive and passion of Dave (and Steve), in those early days. Dave was a visionary, he had great ideas for the future of FoWT and the tunnels, for example, he drew up plans for an Urban Farm on the Stable Yard. Dave became a Trustee in 1997, whilst also playing a big part in the important research of Joseph Williamson and his tunnels. He was also a very keen amateur Archaeologist, so working on Paddington was his dream.

FoWT Trustee Bill Douglas recalls: “Dave was like an encyclopaedia of the Williamson tunnels. He knew long forgotten conversations, obscure anecdotes and had an expert’s view of every aspect of them. He’d already been researching the tunnels for a year before pulling a dozen of us together to form FoWT in late 1996. We’ve lost a clever man but also a good man and a dear friend. He’ll long be fondly remembered.”

Outside of Tunnel activities, Dave was a very kind and thoughtful person, becoming his elderly parents sole carer for several years. Dave’s other happy place was when he was in the pigeon loft in his back garden, with his many birds.

We are grateful for knowing Dave and all that he did for FoWT and the tunnels over the years.

R.I.P. Dave, sleep well

A selection of images through the years: Dave during the first above ground dig at Paddington, Dave and the late Steve Moran in the pit that would later become the entrance of Paddington, Dave looking around the newly discovered Paddington, and Finally, Dave showing Maria Eagle around Paddington.