Buying a Remembrance Bench for Bob!

Lynwood Road lost a very good neighbour when Bob Filby, of number 15, passed away last summer. Since he moved here 18 years’ ago he had played a key role within the Lynwood Road community including with the Residents’ Association.

However, unbeknown to most people he had been decorated with the Military Cross by Field Marshall Montgomery for an act of outstanding bravery during the World War II campaign in Europe in 1944 as well as receiving the Croix de Guerre from President de Gaulle. During the D Day landings Bob was part of an 800 strong battalion. He was the only platoon commander to survive.
He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

He was one of 7 children, and sadly his father died when he was aged 9 years. So, life was rather tough for the young Filby. Yet he made the most of life and post war he took a temporary position as a junior clerk with Gordons Gin. Forty years later he retired as chairman and even had a cocktail named after him.

Once in retirement Bob took the role of President of the Licensed Victuallers’ National Homes, following in the footsteps of HRH Prince Philip and The Duke of Kent. Supported by Joyce, his wife of 69 years of marriage, he raised £1.46 million in a single year…an unbeaten record!

Bob’s local trademark was his well-tended garden which was always a delight to view when entering our development. With this in mind, and especially as we are remembering all the war heroes from a century ago, we feel it would be a worthy gesture to express our thanks, from those who wish to, by contributing a donation towards a remembrance bench within our central gardens.

Best wishes.

Rachel Herbert