All of us at Furness Tradition are deeply saddened by the passing of local activist and community champion David Wood who was the driving force behind Ulverston Live Music, Furness Refugee Support Group and many other local community groups.

He was also at the heart of dozens of events in Ulverston and raised thousands for local food banks and charities. It was only a few weeks ago when he started an online petition to curb parliamentary excesses and restore faith, trust and honour in our democracy. You may choose to support this – https://www.change.org/…/uk-parliament-restore-faith-in…

 We will always remember his beaming smile and boundless enthusiasm for all music. His taste in music was broad, testified by the wide range of music at Ulverston Live Music. He always made everyone feel most welcome as part of this eclectic mix; it’s great that he readily hosted local musicians as well as booking acts from further afield. Dave will be very sorely missed by the local cultural community: We are
left with happy memories of a culturally engaged, kind and generous man. 

Yvonne Patterson, who owns Shine Theatre Company in Barrow, worked with Mr Wood on her production about a group of Syrian refugees who overcome multiple culture barriers to integrate with the community. She described him as an ‘amazing human being’ who radiated ‘kindness and compassion’.

She said: “He was always so lovely and grateful we were doing a play which highlighted the plight of refugees. He was instrumental in helping refugees resettle in the town and helped them with every step of the way. Instead of talking about doing things, he did them.”

Mark Wilson, Ulverston Town Councillor, said: “He was a strong community figure who was very strong-minded and always looked outwards. He always strived to find ways of how to do things better.”

Dave Crossley of Another Fine Fest described him as ” someone who really cared about people and wanted to make a change for the better – for everyone – he put his money where his mouth was and invested so much time, energy and passion to improve people’s situations – a true inspiration who will be sorely missed…”

David Wood sadly died after his long-term battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife Linda and family. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother to the Wood families. We extend our deepest sympathies to them at this time.

Ulverston is a poorer place without him.