As the Brixton Town Centre Team Leader for Youth and Play it was my pleasure to work closely with David who at the time managed Max Roach Adventure Playground. Here he created an oasis of calm, creativity, cultural identity, and a space that rang with laughter and fun. Artwork filled the building; he built a music studio, there were fierce battles on the dance mat and a mural of Max Roach on the doors. I loved the place so much my two boys would spend their summers there, allowing me to work with the knowledge that they were safe and having fun. Here they made strong friendships which still exist today - thirteen years later. David was intelligent, funny and a total genius in understanding the importance of play and the creation of safe spaces – he will be sorely missed. Julia