Vic was born on Friday 14th May 1948 in Neasden. It was the beginning of the post-war baby boom. On that very day the Government announced that the birth rate was 21% higher than what is needed to maintain the population.
Vic was an electrician by trade and ran is own business for many years. I first met him in 1993 when he brought his son Andrew to our Junior Club (held at Gateway House). He became a volunteer at that club and when we closed it down in 1997 Vic started attending our Monday Club and there he remained – attending a few club holidays along the way. His last attendance at club was on 24th February.
The photo's below:- His performances in our Pantomimes were legendary – not only was he one of the very few helpers who remembered all the lines in the script, but he also built some amazing stage sets and props. The one that stands out was in our 1997 production “Star Treck – the Panto” he built an incredible “Transporter machine” by using lighting and net curtains he made people appear and disappear in the transporter – It was quite brilliant.
He took part in all the helpers sports competitions but somewhat surprisingly never actually won any of them. He did reach three Pool competition final's – 2014, 2018 & 2019. He is shown below receiving his runners-up trophy from Chas.
The newest photo was taken at the helpers Christmas dinner where Vic is raising his glass. This was taken the week before last Christmas.
The photograph showing Vic in a RAF uniform was taken in 1995 at a 1940's night we had organised in celebration of the 50th anniversary of VE day – next to him is his lovely Wife Jean looking very resplendent in her 1940's frock.
Thanks for the memories. If anyone has anything they want to add please email your thoughts to me. There will be an obituary in our May Magazine due to be published this coming Monday May 12th.
Geoff Havard
