Dave Aroskin our Club Secretary died on Monday 1 March 2010. He was a close family man and I am so pleased to welcome Sandra, Alex and Jack here today to be with his club, at this ground he did so much to create.

To his family he was a loving and caring husband and father. The joy and pride you brought him was apparent in all he did and was always evident in conversation when he would talk so warmly about you all. To you Sandra, Alex and Jack we give our heartfelt condolences, and our support.  You may be assured that we will maintain and cherish this club, his club, and that his legacy is safe with us.

From the wider rugby community a friend captured the essence of Dave perfectly when he described him as a beacon-like man who gave so much to rugby and his Club; he concluded we have undoubtedly been robbed of a true rugby gentleman.

To many here Dave was a true friend, the best. He was a founder of the Club, playing positions from scrum half to prop. In his playing days he captained the team and kept rugby going in some very lean years. He was coach and mentor to a whole generation of today’s adult players.

He started the youth section with four children, now there are over sixty. I know his work with the children meant a great deal to him. Described by one little girl as her ‘Rugby Father who she will remember forever’, this sums up perfectly the impact he had and the great affection he was held in.

Off the field as our Secretary, and in a myriad of other club appointments, Dave shaped Pewsey Vale Rugby Football Club. The tangible results of his labours are here in this ground, for all to see.  The spirit of the club came from him, and is his greatest gift to us.

Now as we think of Dave, here at his ground you may see him in your mind’s eye - running the line, listen and you may hear him shouting out instruction to the team. See him in a game of touch going through the gap, having thrown his very dodgy dummy to fool some young buck; or boshing the ruck at training with a tackle bag because it was done idly - more I think because he enjoyed the boshing.

I am convinced he was the model for our club badge, designed by Sandra, and if you could remove Alfred’s beard and moustache I’m sure Dave’s face would shine through. 

Dave Aroskin was Pewsey Vale Rugby Football Club. We are all better for knowing him and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget him.

A life to be celebrated - in the best rugby style please put your hands together and applaud this son of Pewsey Vale Rugby Football Club.

Tribute given by Mick Haynes on Satuday 6th March 2010.

I have just heard through D&W RFU of the sad loss of Dave from our midst. Please pass on my condolences to his family and those of our club, Supermarine RFC. Having met Dave a few times with the 2nd team it was clear that he was a man with a passion for the game and a true gentleman. I am sorry that I will not be able to share his company again.

 From Hywel Rees, Chairman of Supermarine RFC

Coachy, great words to a great man. I’ve never met a more committed man to the game than Dave and I’d like to thank Dave for all his help and advice over the years, I will truly miss him. He was a great friend and mentor to many including myself.I can’t say anything that Coachy hasn’t already said but my condolences go out to Sandy, Alex and Jack and I’ll be thinking of them at this very sad time. To the rest of the boys stick together and good luck in the up coming games

 From Nelly (Neale Adams)