Almost 600 mourners turned out on Monday at St John’s Church, Levens, to express their affection and respect for David Knipe, who died following a quad bike incident last month on his farm at High Carlingill, Tebay.
A man who touched many lives, he was known across a wide area, particularly through his business activities as a poultry producer and trader at farmers’ markets, and also his keen support of young farmers’ clubs and other rural causes.
Born at Kendal in July, 1959, he was the second of three sons of Richard and Eileen Knipe. His older brother was Richard and his younger one Marcus.
The family were National Trust tenants at Cinderbarrow Farm, Levens, where David spent a free-spirited childhood riding ponies, doing farm chores and exploring the countryside.
He attended Levens Primary School and Longlands Boys’ School, Kendal, before studying agriculture at Newton Rigg College, Penrith.
He did farm work at Ulpha, in the Duddon Valley, and went on to become an animal nutritionist for Preston Farmers, initially in Lancashire, before taking over a patch covering the South Lakes.
Having joined Kent Estuary Young Farmers’ Club at a young age, he involved himself fully in everything the YFC movement had to offer over the following years — from quizzes, sports and dancing to stock judging, drama and debating.
His favourite competition was the brainstrust, in which his quick wit, extensive knowledge and speaking abilities led to many successes at district, county, area and national levels.
He also served as chairman of the Cumbria YFC southern district and was invariably the first to volunteer for any task, constantly encouraging others while ensuring fun was always had.
It was the YFC movement which brought together David and his future wife, Christine Wilson — initially as rivals from competing clubs, since she was a member of Cartmel YFC.
Kent Estuary’s 40th anniversary celebrations resulted in their first date and they went to to become husband and wife in August, 1985.
He continued to take a keen interest in YFC matters and loved to see his club, district and county thrive. He served at various times as Kent Estuary’s president and leader and remained an advisory member of the club.
It was in September, 1995, that David and Christine started a milk round business based at their Levens home. Out and about from 3am, six days a week, David became an excellent “Neighbourhood Watch-er”, spotting a couple of burglars, establishing the county’s Dawn Patrol service and even rescuing an 88-year-old customer from her burning house — then dashing back in to fetch her slippers because her feet were cold!
In 2003 he was was crowned National Milkman of the Year. He was especially renowned for the rhyming poetry which featured on his customers’ weekly milk bills — although some of the rhymes were somewhat dubious.
David was immensely proud of his children, Bethany and William, who helped out with the family business as soon as they were able, greeting customers at the door or on the phone and helping with deliveries at weekends and during school holidays.
David demonstrated great commitment to his local community. He was a Levens parish councillor for many years, for nine of which he served as its chairman, and chaired the village institute committee.
He helped at school with PE lessons and after-school football clubs, all of which were immensely popular with the children. Despite the local FA saying “no”, he insisted football was for everyone, including the girls.
A dedicated fundraiser, he was involved with most village activities — family fun nights, quizzes, whisky nights, book sales, rounders matches, a sponsored head shave and even a parachute jump.
In April, 1999, Cumbria’s first farmers’ market was held at the Asda store in Kendal, with David as one of the three initial stallholders. It later relocated to the town’s marketplace. Others markets followed across Cumbria, with David involved in establishing most of them — including at Orton, Brampton, Carlisle, Milnthorpe, Brough, Pooley Bridge and Cockermouth. David remained a director of the Kendal and Orton farmers’ markets.
The Knipes initially sold home produced eggs, but later began to rear free-range poultry, with chicken and duck products extending their product range.
In 2009, David’s lifelong ambition was realised when he and Christine purchased High Carlingill at a public auction. Unconventionally, he stuck his hand up to make the winning bid, unbeknown to his wife and even their bank manager!
The Howgill fells quickly became home, with David and his family working hard to develop the house and farm to what they are today. It was the heart-shaped wood above the farm, visible from the M6, which inspired the name of their business, Heartwood Poultry.
David joined Westmorland County Show’s social committee around 40 years ago and helped raise thousands of pounds to support the show society and other charities. He was elected to the show’s management committee and became its honorary publicity officer — a position he held for almost 25 years.
He also served as vice-chair then chair of his beloved food hall committee. During his tenure, the hall doubled in size while remaining true to the ethos of promoting local produce.
David was particularly proud to conduct visitors around the food hall, including members of the royal family, and enjoyed showcasing Cumbrian producers, presenting hampers of local produce to the distinguished guests.
It was father-in-law Allan’s influence that began David’s involvement with Cartmel show. At first he helped with the sheep section, later taking over as chief sheep steward and becoming an active member of the show committee.
He was elected show vice-chair and then became chair. In this role he was determined to maximise involvement by the community, particularly the younger generation, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time in office.
Passionate about agricultural shows and their role in promoting public education, David was also involved with the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations at local and national levels, and enjoyed visits to other shows in the UK and overseas.
David was undoubtedly a people person, always making time to speak to others. He had the ability to talk to anyone about anything, with many being privy to his jokes and witty one-liners, for which he had quite the reputation.
He was a man who put others before himself, whether by offering a helping hand, sharing a kind word or simply being there when someone needed him.
Christine said she and the entire family have been humbled and overwhelmed by the letters, messages, assistance and food parcels received from many people following the loss of David and wish to thank everyone for their support and kindness.
