Tributes paid to 'wonderful' session guitarist and music teacher who has died

Tributes have poured in for Dave Speakman, a versatile musician who died at 44 after a long mental health struggle. A gifted session guitarist and teacher, he inspired generations at Middlewich High School, St Ambrose in Altrincham, and Sandbach, while also running a community guitar school at the Kings Lock Inn. His career spanned Europe, with work on BBC radio and appearances in top jazz clubs; he also taught at Manchester Metropolitan University and performed with acts including The Hot Jazz Biscuits and Kristyna Myles. Funeral details show a June 5 service at Holmes Chapel Methodist Church, with donations requested to The Prince William Trust in lieu of flowers.