Arthur Cornell - Honorary President
05th October 2013
It is hard to imagine, but Arthur has in some capacity or another been associated with the Allotments at Melbourne Park for over 65 years. Having taken his first plot after de mobilisation in 1947, to competing locally and across the county with the fruits of his labour, he has pretty much witnessed all the comings and goings, all the change. Despite having to give his own plot up a few years ago, he can still be seen tending the garden at the front of the Trading Hut and opening up on Saturday and Sunday with Ada.
As the writer of this piece for the web site, it is difficult to conjure up any statement that would give appropriate respect and recognition to such feats, not just the owning, cultivating and managing a plot, but the involvement with the site in general and the trading hut. In fact, as Tony alluded to today at the AGM, it was Arthur's suggestion and persistence that the time was right to re form a committee and re open a long dormant trading hut in 2004.
Tony Holbrook and the committee thought that in some small way, however possible we should recognise Arthur in some form. The only method that we thought could possibly be meaningful was to create a position within the Association of 'Honorary President'. I am sure we would all agree that this may perhaps be the most fitting recognition that we could provide. Arthur was reluctant to accept at first, but those who attended the AGM will know that he gave his endorsement.
There are various articles on the site in relation to Arthur, including an interview that Tony Holbrook undertook in 2009 in relation to Arthur's connection to the site, and his 90th birthday and his achievements duly brought the Essex Chronicle to the site, and coverage in the following weeks edition.
We are planning to celebrate with Arthur at the Christmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies morning, and hope that as many members will put this date in their diary (7th December) and help us make it truly a day to remember.
On behalf of everyone, congratulations Arthur, and thank you.
As the writer of this piece for the web site, it is difficult to conjure up any statement that would give appropriate respect and recognition to such feats, not just the owning, cultivating and managing a plot, but the involvement with the site in general and the trading hut. In fact, as Tony alluded to today at the AGM, it was Arthur's suggestion and persistence that the time was right to re form a committee and re open a long dormant trading hut in 2004.
Tony Holbrook and the committee thought that in some small way, however possible we should recognise Arthur in some form. The only method that we thought could possibly be meaningful was to create a position within the Association of 'Honorary President'. I am sure we would all agree that this may perhaps be the most fitting recognition that we could provide. Arthur was reluctant to accept at first, but those who attended the AGM will know that he gave his endorsement.
There are various articles on the site in relation to Arthur, including an interview that Tony Holbrook undertook in 2009 in relation to Arthur's connection to the site, and his 90th birthday and his achievements duly brought the Essex Chronicle to the site, and coverage in the following weeks edition.
We are planning to celebrate with Arthur at the Christmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies morning, and hope that as many members will put this date in their diary (7th December) and help us make it truly a day to remember.
On behalf of everyone, congratulations Arthur, and thank you.