22 September 2009

DBWPS has recently benefited from a generous legacy from Dennis Greenslade. Dennis lived alone and very much kept himself to himself, but with the help of Dave Jenks, Dave Norman and Mike Langman, who remember him, Paul Stubbs has put together this appreciation.

“Dennis lived in Torquay and worked as a dental mechanic. He spent his twilight years in Park
House Residential Home For The Elderly, passing away in August 2008 after suffering from dementia in the latter stages of his life. He died leaving no next of kin.

He was a very keen birdwatcher and photographer and an active member of the, now defunct, Torquay RSPB Members Group, as well as the DBWPS. His photo of a Starling was used on the cover of Devon Birds magazine in September 1971, which also included an article written by him on the species. One of his favourite birdwatching sites was Hope’s Nose, and he gave many talks, illustrated with his own slides, to the local RSPB group. He also submitted many records to the county recorder.

Another of Dennis’s interests was model-making. He concentrated on ship models, not made from kits but built from bare wood, to a set of plans. Some were three to four feet in length and were constructed from individual planks of wood in the structure!

He joined the DBWPS on 17 February 1968 and remained a member until his death. Not only did he support the Society during this time but, with foresight, ensured that he would support it following his death. Along with another twelve clubs, societies and charitable organisations, DBWPS was named as a beneficiary in his will. His extensive portfolio of investments was sold and the proceeds divided equally between the organisations. Accordingly, DBWPS has benefited greatly from his estate, to the tune of £12,271.60.

At the moment, the Society has no plans to use the legacy in any particular way. However, it may be that some members knew him well and might have some recommendations for a fitting way in which the money could be used for an appropriate conservation project, in memory of Dennis. It would be fitting for the Society to ensure his generosity is marked by something tangible. If anyone has any ideas, then I’d be very pleased to hear from you.

I’m currently close to finding out the whereabouts of his photographic collection. If I’m successful, then we hope to publish an article showing some of his work in a future issue of Devon Birds journal.

The Society’s gratitude has been passed to the solicitors who were the executors of Dennis’s
estate, but it is pleasing to now be able to express it in this, more public, appreciation, of which I hope Dennis would have approved.”

Paul Stubbs
Hon. Treasurer