Farewell to Dave Ball

7 December 2023

Today is the last working day for Dave Ball (staff photo at left by Ash Mills) who retires after more than 19 years as the go-to maintenance man in College.

In his farewell tribute this week, Principal James Woodward described Dave as ‘decent, deft, diligent and discerning’.

Dave knows these buildings inside and out. We will miss his friendly and open manner.

Here are a few pictures of Dave over the years, some with carpenter Howard Chivers, who he has worked with on various projects throughout his time at Sarum.

Prior to the pandemic, the College hosted art exhibitions. Dave was key to the set up and had mastered the art of hanging art during his time at Sarum.

Whatever needed doing around the College, Dave sorted it – almost always cheerfully (with the possible exception of PAT testing – we won’t go there).

Dave has repaired and painted most of the College’s windows. He and Howard worked on the East Wing windows together. Below the two of them in 2009 (photo by Peter Langdown).

We wish Dave a very happy retirement – he will be missed!