LIFE-long Epping resident Fred Brown, who was driven by his love of the community, has died at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, on Wednesday, July 27, aged 87

     However his tireless work for the community he loved and in particular his devotion to gardening may be his greatest legacy.

     After serving in the Second World War with the Desert Air Force as a cook and butcher, he returned home to his beloved Epping.

     A life-long Labour supporter, Mr Brown served on Epping run Town Council during the 1950s.

     Former Labour MP Stan Newens said: "He was a decent man of considerable talent and contributed an immense amount to the Epping community. "He stood out as one of Epping's true characters and it has lost a very worthy citizen."

     Mr Brown was instrumental in starting both the Epping Foresters Cricket Club and Epping and District Fuchsia Society, the latter illustrating his love of horticulture.

     A member of numerous local gardening clubs, Mr Brown was also a qualified National Vegetable and National Chrysanthemum Judge.

     He was also, a retired fellow member of the Essex Guild of Horticulture Judges and up to his death was secretary and treasurer of the Association of West Essex Judges.

     Mr Brown was also president of both Epping Fuchsia Society and the Hutton Horticultural Society as well as honorary life president of Coopersale Horticultural Society.

     He also lectured on many gardening and associated topics, as well as being a keen 'musician, in which he was formerly a member of Epping Silver Band and had played for Enfield Town Band.

     Mr Brown is survived by his wife, Winnie (they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday August 6th) and daughters Gwen and Linda.