01/06/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Kaleidoscope’s former Finance Director, David Pritchard, has passed away.
Kaleidoscope Patron Martin Blakebrough reflects on David’s life, sharing fond memories and the lasting impact he made on the organisation ❤️
David Pritchard was often mistaken for a close relative; as a result, I frequently referred to him as “Uncle Dave,” which did little to dispel that particular myth.
David joined us to modernise our approach and quickly became a vital member of the team as our services and revenue grew. His attention to detail earned him the respect of colleagues and commissioners alike. At every contract review, David would arrive carrying a formidable bundle of financial files. Often entering just a little late, he would set them down with careful emphasis. A subtle but clear statement: his figures were thorough, carefully prepared, receipts in perfect order.
To my mind, David was something of an early “keyboard warrior.” He could write a withering email and always expected high standards from others. I recall him once explaining, in considerable detail, how opting for a more expensive brand of squash over its basic equivalent could, in theory, undermine the organisation through unnecessary spending. It was classic David - precise, principled, and wholly committed to doing things properly.
David was a very visible presence, and that set him apart. Those who met him could not help but warm to him. He was extremely kind, with a smile that conveyed both humour and a hint of mischief. With interests ranging from sport to travel, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
He was deeply valued by Kaleidoscope’s staff and service users alike. If someone was in difficulty, David was often among the first to offer support. When approached with a problem, he responded with genuine care, patience, and kindness.
Although David did not come from a social care background, he had an instinctive compassion for those facing disadvantage. He was particularly fond of Caring Hands, the Newport-based soup kitchen, and he approached people who used drugs without judgement. While he held strong views on many issues, he never judged individuals for their personal struggles.
David had a natural instinct for what us cockneys call “ducking and diving” - a quality I especially appreciated. He was enthusiastic about social enterprise and recognised its potential to support Kaleidoscope’s mission of helping people into work. The development of Hunky Dorys, a vegetarian café in the city, was one example of this vision. While it was not a major financial success, it represented an early step into co-production, something that is now central to who we are. David was always driven to push Kaleidoscope beyond conventional boundaries.
He was also tremendous fun and was at his best during the annual staff away days. I remember one occasion in Henley when he appeared dressed rather like Crocodile Dundee. Needless to say, any local crocodiles would have stood little chance. On such days he threw himself wholeheartedly into every activity, and his competitive spirit was always evident, particularly during the traditional game of rounders.
Above all, David was a devoted family man. He spoke often and with great pride about his wife, Pat, and his daughters. His sense of family extended naturally to Kaleidoscope, and he truly saw himself as part of our family too.
Martin Blakebrough, Kaleidoscope Patron
