Once again, it is with a heavy heart that I announce, on behalf of the Aycliffe Branch Labour Party, that we are all shocked by the sudden passing of Dave Hardaker. I personally had not known Dave long but got to know, in that short space of time, exactly the kind of man he was, unassuming but a true embodiment of both the party he belonged to and what it means to be a public servant. A true trade unionist, an active town councillor and campaigner for people’s rights, the exact principles of what we should all be aiming to represent.
From his tireless work as a volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau, endless hours of work as part of his love for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway including the Newton Aycliffe Ramblers to representing Great Aycliffe Town Council at Stockton and Darlington Railway to a story I’ve only just heard, that during his time at the DWP, where he was tasked with finding people who had been overpaid, he would often find people who had been underpaid and would take great pleasure in ensuring they got what they were owed. Always keeping true to what he believed and living a life anchored in caring for those around him.
It would also be doing Dave a disservice to not mention the group of friends and family he was surrounded by who have lost a true character, a true friend and a huge part of their lives. As more than just your fellow members but friends, we will do our best to carry your spirit of care, solidarity with those worse off and those in need for future generations. I think I can speak for everyone in the party when I say we’ll have a pint in your memory when we are together again, something unique and we’ll all take note of the percentage and strength in your honour.
The funeral for Dave will be held at St Clare’s Church on the 21st of October at 11am, friends have been asked to meet at the Church.
On behalf of fellow members of the Labour Party,
Simon Hocking
Aycliffe BLP Chair