A CHAMPION of the Worcestershire waterways is continuing to promote the river, despite passing away last month.

A memorial event is being held for local luminary Dudley Matthews, known as Mr Avon, at which the new Avon Navigation Trust guide is to be launched.

And it was his wish before he died on August 12, aged 95, that this happened.

The lifelong promoter and protector of the river left strict instructions to his son, ANT general manager Clive Matthews, to make sure the celebration of his life would also embrace the new River Avon Navigation and Visitor Guide, which helps raise much-needed funds for the Trust’s work.

It seems, Mr Matthews, known as Dud, knew what he was doing and son Clive Matthews has already had more than 100 requests to attend the event.

The list includes ANT patron Timothy West, river users who are grateful for the work he did and representatives from national organisations.

“It is a great comfort to know that my father was so well thought of and that his work and reputation reached so far,” said Mr Matthews.

Long-time volunteer Mr Matthews and his late wife Enid, who lived in Wolverhampton and moored their boats at Wyre Piddle near Evesham, were also behind the original Trust Guides.

This year’s, which includes the new feature Avon Canoe Trails, was the first he’d not been involved with.

Ever since he helped a friend build the 24ft motor cruiser Gauntlet in the 1940s, Mr Matthews was a champion of the waterways.

He joined the IWA and the Lower Avon Navigation Trust in the 1950s, was involved in the restoration of the Lower Avon and then the Upper Avon.

His long list of achievements include being ANT’s founder member, director, President Emeritus and Chairman of Reach Masters and Associates.

Tony Hales, chairman of Canal and River Trust, said: "Dudley Mathews was a giant figure in the movement for saving our waterways for future generations.

"The people around the Avon owe Dudley a particular debt. His influence lives on through his work and his family. We are all thankful for, and celebrate the life of, a great and loved man."

The memorial and celebration event will be held on Friday, October 3, at the Wyre Mill Club, which Mr Matthews helped to found and where his boats were moored.

The guide is available from the ANT by emailing, office@avonnavigationtrust.org, or from local bookshops.