David 'Tatty' Muirhead, Cadgwith Singers tributes paid

David Muirhead, leader of Cadgwith Singers, also known as Tatty, has died aged 71 at Roscarrack House in Falmouth.

Mr Muirhead was also the former chairman of Helston Marine Conservation Group, chairman of Cadgwith, Helford and District Fishermen's Society, one time secretary of the South-west Handline Fishermen's Association and on the Sea Fisheries Committee.

Old boy David Muirhead at the 2019 Falmouth Grammar School reunion

In 2008 he was awarded an MBE for tireless work in supporting Cornish fishermen.

David grew up in Budock Water. His grandad was Colonel J.C. Annear a very successful business man.

Colonel Annear literally built all Commercial Road in Penryn and one of his businesses was importing coal. He sold building supplies and owned several quarries around Long Downs, Rame and Mabe.

He owned a large block works at Long Downs as well. J.C. also owned most of Budock Water including several farms. He had chauffer’s and built the impressive Trewen House in the 1930s.

David was a leading light in the Cadgwith Singers

David was known as a 'super character' and often the "life and soul" of any gathering. He was a leading light of the famed Cadgwith Singers and played rugby for Falmouth and Helston and Cornwall. "I doubt there'll be another like him. A true gentleman," said Keith Rashleigh.

In a statement issued by Falmouth Rugby Club, Mark Hichens said: "I first met him, not at our club, but when my family got involved in the Falmouth working boat fleet. We sailed against him as he helmed the Victory.

"He was a skilled helm and boatman, one of many strings to his bow! I was lucky enough to sail with him on Victory on a few occasions and got to know him more after I met my wife whose Dad (and family) were great friends with him.

"I found out through my father in law that Tatty played rugby for Falmouth. Having not been around then I’m sure many others could pass a more informed comment but I understand he was a great player who captained the successful Falmouth side of the mid to late Seventies, arguably Falmouth’s greatest ever team. He also played for Cornwall during the peak of his career.

"As I said earlier, he had many interests but particularly a love of the sea having been a fisherman for a large part of his life. He was so passionate about this that he represented the inshore fishing industry holding a number of positions including Chairman of Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee, ultimately being rewarded for his work in this field with an MBE for services to fishing. 

Mr Muirhead pictured with his old chemistry teacher Bill Hunt at the 2017 grammar school reunion. 

"Tatty’s other greet passion was singing. He was a great singer, helping to lead the singing for working boat and gig fleets alike as well as leading the Cadgwith Singers. I understand that he, and many others at that time, would also sing after rugby games. I remember being in awe of the number of songs that he, along with my in-laws, (great singers as well from Cadgwith) could recall. You never heard the same song twice. 

"He also turned his hand to the legal profession holding a position in a firm in Helston, one time being instructed by my grandparents on a legal matter (nothing nefarious on their part!). What a small world it is!

"A very proud Celt with a mix of Cornish and Scots who became a Cornish Bard. He will be a great loss to his family and also to a local Cornish community who held him in such high esteem. 

"Tatty was a true gentleman, a special friend to many and so will be very much missed by all who knew him. 

"Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.

"Fair winds our friend."

He also played for Helston Rugby Club

Helston Rugby Club also issued a tribute online say:  “It is with deep regret that we see the passing of a true club legend David Muirhead. Regarded by many as one of the finest to wear the Helston RFC shirt. Our thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends. RIP David.”

Friend Stephen Long said: "David (tatty) Muirhead, not just a local, but a true Cornish legend, known throughout the whole Duchy, tireless worker for the fishing industry, and also the singing communities, in the whole county. RIP Dave, 'Tatty,' fair winds and calm seas my friend."

Paying tribute Dave Martin said: "How bloody sad. I raced with David on Cerula and then Jemalda as well as playing behind him as the best number eight I had.

"He used to moor in front-of my house with his crabbing boat. we would see him going out and used to look out for him coming back. I have grown up with one of nature’s true gentlemen."

Falmouth Cornwall Councillor David Saunby said he was very sorry to hear of Mr Muirhead's death.

"I knew David 'Tatty' Muirhead from the late 1960s when he played rugby for Falmouth Rugby Club, and also playing No.8 for Cornwall.

"He was also a member of the Cadgwith Fishermen's Choir, and always up for a sing song.

"Lovely man, always had time for a chat, whenever we met in later years.

"Falmouth and Budock has lost another great character, who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

"My sincere condolences to his family and friends."