Bob was a great family man and an enthusiastic supporter of his children's activities. As such I came into contact with him (and Sheila) through several different channels. The first was in The Boys' Brigade into which both Peter and Robert joined, firstly in the Life Boys and then in the Company through which they both served with great merit. Bob supported these activities, not only by appearing at the various displays where they performed, but also in supporting the staff with assistance in transport or the making of various equipment. Through this he came into contact with John Leverett and myself and was eventually introduced to DHOSA (The Dulwich Hamlet Old Scholars' Association). I was also acquainted with his brother-in-law who lived in Burbage Road and from whom Bob became an adopted son of Spain, extolling to me on numerous occasions the virtues of a good paella and the general pleasant lifestyle of the Costas. He must have convinced me because I now have a Spanish son in law. Bob and Sheila's arrival as members of DHOSA came at its high point when all the members lived near enough to walk there and could enjoy the unique atmosphere that pervaded the Old Grammar School on the corner of Burbage Road on Friday nights and numerous Saturday parties. They in turn brought Albert and Joan and Iris and her husband. They all joined the Ramblers and for many years enjoyed a country stroll once a month where I tried to promote the English (Southern counties) to a doubtful Bob who defended bothYorkshire and Spain. Bob enjoyed giving culinary evenings at DHOSA and on one particular occasion all the stops were pulled out for the 'Medieval Evening' when, all in costume, the members tucked into Bob's specially prepared Baron of Beef. Numerous other themed evenings followed - Hungarian, Hawaiian, French, you name and Bob was involved in doing it. He enjoyed his years as a member and was chairman for several of them. His opening of a greengrocery enterprise in the then unfashionable part of Upland Road was a surprise move and he soon found a much more comfortable niche in insurance, where he might indulge his passion for being a snappy dresser. I will miss his cheerful Northern personality and friendship.