Obituary: Duncan Wemyss, former chair of the MVDA

He remained as chairman of the Vehicle Recycling Association, formed when the MVDA rebranded in 2018, until 2019.

Obituary written by Chris Floate.

A True Friend During Troubled Times

I’ve known Duncan more than 40 years and I have to admit that I’m a bit hazy about some of the exact details, so I apologise in advance to anyone who has a better knowledge of these times than me – but it was a long time ago now and some facts and timings may be incorrect. Perhaps this will prompt others to share their memories of Duncan – I hope so.

I first met Duncan back in the late 80s when I was editor and publisher of Recycling World; Duncan was a buyer for West Midlands-based Rugeley Aluminium and part of his remit was to book the adverts and keep us up-to-date with any developments with the company. I couldn’t say I knew him personally at this point – it was more as a valued customer.

Rugeley and Duncan were also keen members of the British Secondary Metals Association (BSMA – later to merge with the British Metals Federation to form BMRA) and also the Midlands based Non Ferrous Club. It was in the early 90s recession, with Rugeley, like so many others, fighting to survive and Duncan found himself without a job.

If memory serves me well, I believe he was the current President of BSMA at this time and playing a pivotal role in the early days when the industry was being drawn into the waste regulations. It may be hard for those who don’t remember those times but non ferrous metals had changed from being what was once classed as ‘strategic metals’ – essential to the well-being of the country – to then be classified as waste.

The metals recycling industry was naturally up in arms, with many fearing their very existence under the new regime. BSMA’s committee, which included many great merchants, committed themselves wholeheartedly to the protection and prosperity of the scrap industry. Prior to this time, bodies such as BSMA had in many ways not been much more than glorified social clubs that allowed merchants and processors to meet, enjoy time together and maybe do a little business. Boy did that change! Suddenly, Duncan and his committee were thrust into a diplomatic war with civil servants, governments and legal specialists in a fight for their very existence.

BMSA

But Rugeley’s demise caused a major problem; Duncan was no longer working in the industry so could no longer be part of the BSMA. With all the extra work-load, the Association realised it needed someone to co-ordinate and keep the pressure on government moving forward. Duncan was the ideal choice as his worth was already well known, and his knowledge at this point second to none.

He took on the running of BSMA and as its secretary (I think that’s what his title was – we weren’t really into CEOs in those days – in fact, he remained ‘the secretary’ throughout the rest of his career) and with the aid of those around him, steered the industry through the minefield they had found themselves in.

Duncan continued at the helm of BSMA until its merger with The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) in 2001. During this period, being editor of Recycling World I became close to Duncan, speaking with him, often over a beer at one of the many wonderful BSMA functions.

Anyone who has ever dealt with Duncan knows him to have been a quiet but strong man

Anyone who has ever dealt with Duncan knows him to have been a quiet but strong man who was always ready to stand up and fight for what he believed was right. During the final years of BSMA, MVDA joined them in their office at Litchfield to share costs. Duncan’s specialist knowledge, experience and skill at dealing with anyone, from an upset member of the public to a government minister, was invaluable to MVDA and with the winding up of BSMA, he was asked to do similarly for MVDA. This he did and carried on the fight for fair trade and a realistic legal framework for vehicle dismantlers to operate within.

So many areas were developed under Duncan’s direction such as health and safety practices, training, technical competence, site licence applications – the list is extensive. As we are all aware, the fight for a fair and sensible operating arena continues to this day! Duncan remained at MVDA until he retired in November 2013, but remained active with the Association for some further years as the honorary Chairman. As most people will recall, it was under Duncan’s watch that the MVDA rebranded in 2018 to better reflect the changing commercial activities of its members and is now called the Vehicle Recyclers’ Association (VRA).

Relationship

Throughout these times, I personally had a close association with MVDA, having published their magazine, Automotive Recycling, since the end of the 80s. As previously with BSMA, I had a close working relationship with Duncan during all the years he was fighting the dismantlers’ corner and have many fond memories of time spent with him.

Both amongst the metals recycling and vehicle dismantling communities I have come across many very clever, interesting and wonderful individuals, whether they run yards, sell equipment or process material, but Duncan was always there like a rock to anchor the industry.

As I mentioned previously, he was a quiet man; he wasn’t flashy or blew his own trumpet, just a rock-solid guy you could depend on. He was a friend to me and a true friend to anyone involved in our world of ‘waste’ metals. Duncan never lost his love of the industry. My last chat with him was at the CARS-MRE 21 show at Stoneleigh last year where he was on fine form. Hard to believe he won’t turn up at the next one!

Funeral

Duncan passed away on 24 January, after a brief fight against cancer.

The funeral will take place on 24 February at 11.30 at Lichfield Crematorium. Duncan’s wife Rosemary has asked that it be just family and very close friends only. Following the funeral there will be a thanksgiving service at the Shenstone Village Church at 12.30 which we are welcome to attend, after which people will be heading over to The Plough.

Rosemary has asked that any friends and colleagues that wish to give something to Duncan’s memory make a donation to Marie Curie and/or the St. Giles Hospice. This can be done through the website of the Funeral Directors Ian Hazel of Sutton Coldfield. (Type in Duncan Wemyss to bring up the details.)