David Collingwood Bearne (Ch. 45 - 51)

The Club has recently been informed of the death of David Collinwood Bearne who died on 25th December, 2020.

David joined the Headmaster's House in 1945 and then moved to Chudleigh where he became Assistant Head Commoner, then Head Commoner and House Prefect in 1950. He attained his School certificate in 1950 and was an active member of the school's CCF attending camps in Warminster and Bourley.

After doing his National Service David held a number of sales roles in the food and agricultural industries. He married Janet Higgins in 1960 in Leeds with sons Paul and Robin arriving a couple of years later. The family moved to Southend on Sea and David opened Bearne's Delicatessen, a specialist retailer of imported food and produce.

David was active in the local and regional Chamber of Commerce, representing independent retailers and served a term as President of the London Chamber of Commerce. During this period he also represented independent retailers on the Retail Wages Council. Until his retirement in 1998 David continued in retail management for a range of outlets, selling roast chickens to dry cleaning!

Outside of work, David was a Scout Leader for the 10th Finchley Scottish Scout Group and in retirement was a keen gardener and beekeeper.