September 16th would have been Ralph’s 77th birthday. This is the tribute Charles Batchelor wrote for the most recent Annual Review.
Ralph took over as chairman of the Society in 2015 but had been a long-time supporter before becoming deputy chairman in 2004. Ralph brought an efficiency to the Society’s affairs, handling contentious issues with tact and moderation. Ralph found time for Society matters between globetrotting for his training consultancy serving the international pharmaceutical industry. Ralph led the Society’s involvement in the lengthy discussions
about refurbishment of the Manor House and its library from 2002.
Ralph’s management of our annual Plant Mart turned it into a substantial money-raiser for
the Society while in his spare time he ran the community garden in Micheldever Road and
organised environmental work in the Hither Green railway triangle. Ralph had a close interest in the history of Lee which he shared through talks to the Society and other groups. He also handled discussions with the local Rotary Club, the business support group, that jointly funded the installation of a table and benches in Manor House Gardens.
Ralph enjoyed the support of his family in these endeavours with daughters Sophie and Harriet baking cakes for the Plant Mart and his wife Julia providing delicious snacks after Society meetings at their home in Micheldever Road. Ralph is sadly missed.