Ulley Country Park stalwart in holiday tragedy

Dave Haswell (64) was in Madeira with wife Di when the tragedy struck last week.

The retired geography teacher, of Osborne Avenue in Aston, was chairman of Friends of Ulley Country Park.

Mr Haswell was also a Todwick Ramblers leader and involved in amateur dramatics with various groups.

He was a keen Rotherham Titans fan who performed fourth official and match announcement duties in recent years.

A spokesman for Sheffield’s Notre Dame High School, where Mr Haswell taught for 27 years, said he has been a much-loved friend and colleague.

He added: “Though recently retired, Dave continued his association with the school, often taking field trips or covering for absent teachers.

“He is remembered with great fondness by countless students, past and present, and will be greatly missed by all in our school community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Di, son Chris and daughter Claire.”

Friends group secretary Barbara Littlewood added: “Dave has been a wonderful chairman and instrumental in many park developments.

“He led a very full life and his enthusiasm, devotion, expertise and humour will be greatly missed by all.”

A statement from the Friends added: “Although deeply shocked and saddened by the recent sudden death of our chairman, we have decided that the monthly café on Sunday the 14th will be held in his memory.

“As previously agreed, additional funds raised on this occasion will be donated to Rotherham Hospice.

“We hope as many people as possible will be there to support this joint venture with the hospice.”

Rotherham Rugby Club chairman Nick Cragg said: “Dave was an important part of the Titans match day operations, combining fourth official duties with the match day announcements.

“Dave will be sorely missed at Clifton Lane and we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Dave’s wife Di, his son Chris and daughter Claire at this most distressing of times.”

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