My friend David Waterhouse, who has died aged 86, had a significant career in the British Council and, after retirement to Shrewsbury, Shropshire, was influential in developing local cultural activities.
David towered over many of his friends, but he was a big man in other ways too. He was outgoing and confident with an engaging laugh. He had a loud voice and was a good singer. In his youth his physique contributed to his skill at rugby and shot put – he beat the Oxford University freshman’s shot-put record by more than 4 feet and was later selected for the England athletics B team. He had a genuine interest in all those he met and enthusiastically embraced different ideas, cultures and people.
