Not very nice to be the bearer of bad news, but for anyone who wasn't already aware, Dave Matthews passed away earlier this week in his sleep.

Bit of a shocker for most of us - although I wasn't at the Welsh Championships last week, plenty of people had the usual banter with Dai, shaking hands with him the day before he passed away.

For the last three years we've invited Dai and Jean Matthews to our annual award presentation as guests of honour. All year round they were a friendly face when our boys from the North and Mid-Wales venture to South Wales, and ever present at our own nationals up here and we loved to have them both with us at the end of the year.

I class myself as about one third Welsh, but Dai Matthews was one of the blokes that sort of made you want to be more Welsh, an old coal miner with a brilliant sense of humour and bounds of energy.

Deepest sympathy to Jean.

I'm not sure if there is any official announcement knocking around somewhere, so apologies if this duplicates anything, but I thought that the ones who knew Dai would want to know so they get the opportunity to attend the funeral if they wish.

The funeral will be at 3.30pm on Wednesday 29th Nov at Morriston Crematorium, Swansea.

Flowers from family.

It almost seems wrong not to put a smilie in here somewhere because whenever I was involved with Dai, there was always a laugh and a smile to be had. I'm sure if there's no trials scene in that great quarry in the sky, that Dai will be getting something going pretty soon. You made your mark down here Dai, you'll be sorely missed.

Thanks Bikespace - I think you speak for all of us Welsh riders.

I have sent out an official ACU announcment and I have placed some words in T MX.

A sad week for Welsh MotorCycle Sport

im gutted

possibly one of the nicest people i have ever met,always made me laugh. cant belive i shook his hand on sunday andld me to get my bloody entry for the welsh experts becuse he was secretary. The welsh championship will not be the same with out him being there. a big loss to everyone.

rest in peace dai

Attended the funeral today. Although it's a crying shame it had to happen, it's fair to say the old bugger got a good send off.

I don't know how many people were there, but the crematorium was full, seating and standing, and the crowd flowed out down the steps and outside.

Stood in the pouring rain it sounded like a male voice choir had turned up, and I suppose it's very possible that they did.

A tribute to the man.

Peace Dai.