Roy Fox 1936-2008

21 July 2008

We are all saddened by the news that Roy Fox passed away last Wednesday after a long illness. He was 72.

Roy first became involved with the Bromley by Bow Centre in 1989, when he volunteered to help create a garden at the front of the Church and transform what was then a drab, uninspiring entrance. Alongside Lilly Cunningham, he became a founding member of the gardening group. The group made mosaic images for the garden wall and presented a very powerful image of themselves as disabled people who were leading change for their community. Roy's image is still there, looking out proudly onto our original garden.

Roy relied on other volunteers to help him with some of the physical aspects of gardening that he found difficult, and in return gave a huge amount of support and friendship. He welcomed anyone who wanted to participate, and adopted this openness as a very important principle of the group. He became a father figure to the group, and defended its principles of participation and equality to all sorts of visitors, including MPs and local dignitaries, as well as new members.

The gardening group would go on to become the community care project, and prove very influential in the development of the Bromley by Bow Centre model.

Roy was outspoken when he felt something was wrong, yet also forgiving, and quick to praise people who were doing a good job. He was always well-turned out and respectful – “an absolute gentleman”, as one friend described him – and expected the same high standards that he lived by to be followed by everyone.

Roy lived for many years at Southern Grove residential home in Mile End, and then moved to Ashking House in Romford. Despite moving many miles away, Roy was determined to keep his connection with Bromley by Bow, and continued to come to the Centre two days a week right up until the end.

He was a big part of life at the Centre, and will be greatly missed.

His funeral is this Friday, 25 July. If you would like to attend, please contact either Dave Boice or Helen Matthews.

Bromley by Bow Church in Community will be hosting a memorial service for Roy later in the year. Full details to come.

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Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonards St, Bromley by Bow, London E3 3BT The Bromley by Bow Centre is a registered charity, no. 1041653. Company Registration no. 2942840 (England and Wales).