River tragedy plaque to be unveiled at York bar

The specially-commissioned metal plaque, which is to be unveiled on Friday, is in memory of Richard Horrocks, the 21-year-old bartender who jumped into the water from the bar’s balcony at the end of his last shift at the nearby Revolution bar.

Richard tried to swim across the river, but got into difficulties and drowned. He was the third person to die in York’s rivers last year and his death sparked The Press’s Think, Don’t Swim campaign, which has aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of falling or jumping into the Ouse and the Foss.

Posters and beer mats publicising the campaign were distributed to pubs and clubs across the city centre, and a film was produced by film-maker Christopher David, of York-based Flash Frame Productions.

The film featured moving interviews with Richard’s mother, Vicki, and sister, Abbi, and a fictional dramatisation about a young man who goes skinny dipping in the river with tragic consequences.

The plaque, which was commissioned by Revolution, carries the campaign logo and Richard’s picture, and tells how he thought he could swim across the Ouse and his devastated family later had to attend his funeral.

Former Revolution general manager Laura Morris said she had decided to commission the plaque to serve not just as a memorial to Richard but also as a warning to other people.

She said the wording and design had been agreed in consultation with Mrs Horrocks, who wanted it to serve as a hard-hitting warning sign.

Mrs Horrocks, who is a strong supporter of The Press’s campaign, said she was pleased and touched that the plaque had been produced.

“I hope it will help drive the message home and help prevent other deaths,” she said.