David Wain – from the IWA Bulletin

SAD NEWS – DAVID WAIN

We are saddened to report the death of IWA vice president David Wain at the age of 91.

IWA National Chairman Ivor Caplan said “David was a real gentleman and he always had a kind and supportive word for everyone.”

David was one of the pioneer hire-boat operators, taking over the helm of the firm ‘Inland Cruising Association’ (founded in 1935) on the death of his father, Geoffrey Wain, in 1956. After building the business up to 23 craft by 1972, he sold the firm, and a year later set about establishing a visitor centre and waterways museum at Llangollen. David ran that business until selling up in 1987.

In 1962, David became involved with the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators and served in various roles, including secretary and chairman over the next 12 years, and was much involved in the 1968 Transport Act. That Act established the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council as government’s advisor on inland waterways matters, and David was a founding member, and eventually became its chairman for over 15 years, a period during which his influence on the inland waterways scene was immense. David had a long and supportive involvement with IWA, particularly in his local area in the North West, and was an IWA vice president for over 25 years. His services to the waterways were recognised with an OBE.