For over 20 years David Lloyd was almost synonymous with the Shrewsbury to Chester railway. But his well-known dedication to, and enthusiasm for, our local railways should not allow us to forget the many wider contributions he made to the life of the community - in Oswestry, across Shropshire and further afield.

I met David because of our mutual and over-lapping interests in railways, geography and local government. David and his family moved from Northern Ireland to Whittington and he became the Head of the Geography Department at Moreton Hall School. There he brought geography and railways together through his enterprise in establishing a mini travel agency at the back of the geography room and engaging girls in the study of local railways, including proposals for re-opening stations on the line. He also led them in the running of an annual special train from the line to destinations far and wide until escalating costs made this unviable. This work was to blossom into Moreton Hall Travel, and then Severn–Dee Travel when the current building at Gobowen was occupied. But long before that David had been engaged in campaigns to improve services on the line and to re-open stations including Whittington. He was the founding Chairman of our Association and continued in that role for 20 years; an incalculable contribution because he was a very hands-on Chairman. Further afield David contributed to the work of the Severn Valley Railway as a signalman and more recently was a very active volunteer as well as being founding Chairman of the Cambrian Railway Trust.

David first became involved in local government by becoming a member of Whittington Parish Council. Although he then went on to become a member, and Mayor, of Oswestry Borough Council and a member of Shropshire County Council he continued his dedication to the grass-roots of local government by remaining on the Parish Council. Indeed his commitment to and hard work for the people of Whittington was demonstrated by their response in re-electing him with large majorities. By now David had retired from teaching but his unbounded energy and enthusiasm enabled him to not only play major parts in local government but also to lead the evolution of Severn-Dee Travel into a highly respected and appreciated community business, including spending much time (notably the early shift!) in the booking office.

David was able to link local government and railways through the creation of the Shrewsbury–Chester Line Liaison Committee and the Community Rail Partnership, and he played a major role in both. He also became a school governor but still continued to find time to be an active member of the local Church including maintaining his involvement in bell ringing. Somehow he also managed to squeeze in being a member of Oswestry Rotary Club as well as a husband, father and grandfather.

David was diagnosed with cancer over 5 years ago but this and the treatment hardly seemed to slow him down and he was soon back to his usual energetic self. He became increasingly involved with the Cambrian Railway Trust's plans to re-open the line from Llanymynech to Oswestry, including the practical developments at Llynclys. I spent many happy and stimulating hours in David's company but one memory is perhaps the strongest. Celebrating Gobowen station winning the Small Station of the Year Award in 2004 has to come second to riding with David on a class 101 diesel set at Llynclys early in 2006. He fell ill again shortly after this but I will always remember the joy and enthusiasm that he demonstrated that day.

These few words cannot do justice to David's contribution to the world. He was one of those rare people who really did make a difference and he has left us a legacy which will live on.

Malcolm Kimber