20/10/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of one of our founding members, our friend, and one of our own, Dave Joddrell.
Dave proudly served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from 1969 to 1976, and after discovering Veterans in Communities through a friend, initially joined our Art Group. What began as a way to connect soon became a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans and serving his local community.
Over the years, Dave became a stalwart member and volunteer of VIC. He brought with him a remarkable range of skills, endless creativity, and a willingness to help others. Countless veterans benefited from his support, encouragement, friendship, and practical knowledge.
Many people across Rossendale and beyond will have seen Dave's work without ever knowing the man behind it. His creative talents contributed to numerous community projects, including the wicker Concorde sculpture at Manchester Airport, sculptures for local schools, and the First World War tank sculpture in Whitworth. He also played a significant role in the Whitworth Memorial Garden dry stone wall project and many other initiatives that helped strengthen and enrich our local communities.
To try and list everything Dave achieved would be almost impossible. His contribution was simply too great to capture in a few words.
Perhaps it is best that Dave tells a little of his own story.
Dave appeared in the VIC documentary short film, co-created with Anglia Ruskin University, alongside veterans Darren and Steven. The film explored how creativity helped them transition from military to civilian life and went on to be screened at locations across the UK and internationally, including the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen.
More importantly than his achievements, Dave was a friend. He was someone who gave his time freely, shared his talents generously, and made a lasting difference to the lives of so many people.
Our thoughts are with Dave's family, friends, fellow veterans, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you for your service, Dave. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for everything you gave to VIC and our community.
Rest easy, mate. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Veterans in Communities 💔🌺
"A life measured not by what was taken from it, but by what was given to others."
On Wednesday 24th April Return, Belong Prosper – the VIC documentar...
