Tenby Sailing Club Race Results.

          With several members taking part in the Redwing National Championships at Fishguard and Saundersfoot Regatta, club sailing did not take place last Sunday. Watch this space for news of the Redwings next week. Unfortunately, this week's barbecue had to be cancelled - the chef was committed elsewhere. However, back to normal next week. Regulars please note.

          GP14

          As reported last week, David Gwion Thomas died in a tragic swimming accident on Tuesday, August 12, on the North Beach in Tenby. He was the only son of Owen 'Tot' Thomas and the late Ethelon Thomas.

          A native of Tenby, David was educated at Greenhill School and went up to Oxford where he obtained a B.A. (Biochemistry) in 1987 and he returned to Oxford to read for his M.Sc. (Computation) in 1991.

          In his late teens, David developed epilepsy and thereafter kept it under control with medication. Despite his problem he was determined to live his life to the full and did not allow it to inhibit his enjoyment of life in any degree. In the progress of his short life he travelled to many parts of the world both on vacation and in the course of his employment. At one time he worked in the World Trade Center in New York. His passion was the sea and he was an active member of Tenby Sailing Club all his life.

          He possessed a keen intellect and was an avid seeker of knowledge on a wide and diverse spectrum of subjects. He could never pass a book store without taking time to peruse the stock and usually ended up acquiring yet more books. In common with many other highly intelligent people he did not always suffer fools gladly, but he always relished an exchange of rationalised viewpoints, irrespective of the subject matter. David, at times, was painfully honest, but he was also extremely loyal both to his principles and more importantly to his friends.

          The funeral, held at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on August 20, was conducted by Rev. Canon David Jenkins, with Dr. John Harrison as organist.

          The bearers were his lifelong friends: Capt. Ben Jones, Dr. Mike Wall, Mr. Rolly Squibbs, Mr. Alex McDonald, Mr. Mike Stace and Mr. David Bleines.

          The well-attended service was followed by interment at Tenby New Cemetery.

          The principal mourners were Owen 'Tot' Thomas (father); Julie Clarkson (close friend); Alan and Pamela Jarvis (cousin); Suzie Jarvis (cousin); Penny Davies (cousin) and close family friends Jane Gwyther, John Griffiths, Wyn Griffiths, Pat Matthews and Margaret McDougall.

          There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu being made to the RNLI (Tenby branch), c/o Mr. John Hunting, 18 Nyth Gwennol, Saundersfoot.

          The funeral arrangements ,were in the capable hands of Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.