Farewell to Bob Gooden

Bob+Gooden
Bob Gooden pictured in 2012 with Patricia Routledge

Farewell to Bob Gooden – A Sad Loss

It is with considerable sadness that the Allotment Committee confirms the passing, on Sunday 8th February 2015, of Bob Gooden, a well known member of the West Bergholt Community and Allotment Fraternity.

Bob, with his wife Grace plus two children Elizabeth and Paul had lived in West Bergholt for many years, of which most were spent in his current home in Chapel Road. During his long association with the community Bob served on the West Bergholt Parish Council for over 20 years and was an active Scout Leader and Church Warden.

Bob was also a founding member of the CARE NETWORK and whilst supporting and participating in the services provided, he also contributed to 20 years’ service on its committee.

In addition, Bob was a founding member of the Allotment Committee and over saw the amalgamation of the Poor’s Land allotment with that of the Chapel Road/New Church Road site. In acknowledgement of his contribution to the Allotment Committee upon retiring, Bob was made the first ever Honorary Member.

Bob’s voluntary contribution over many years gained further recognition during the Queen’s Jubilee when he received the Queens Jubilee Award for his services to the Community of West Bergholt.

Funeral Service

Bob’s funeral takes place at 2:15pm on Monday 2nd March 2015 at St Mary the Virgin Church, New Church Road, West Bergholt.

Obituary – Joe Firmin

It is with sadness that I report that our colleague and friend, Joe Firmin, passed away at his home in West Bergholt on Monday 18th March.  Joe was well known for his articles in the Village Bulletin as well as leading many varied nature walks through Hillhouse Wood where people benefited from his great love of birds, beetles, insects and plants.

Who will ever forget a ‘Dawn Chorus’ event with Joe where around 20 people would meet up at 3:45am to listen to the songs of many birds including nightingales?

Joe will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with Joe’s widow, Linda, and his daughters.

Joe’s funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium on Wednesday 27th March at 9.30am.  It will be a humanist service and Linda requests no flowers.

Andrew Savage
Chair of The Friends of Hillhouse Wood

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