I write on behalf of Epping Forest Green and Democratic Left and for many other residents in Epping Forest. We are absolutely gutted. We will sorely miss our friend and comrade Bob Crow.

Bob was bred and educated in Hainault and kept close contact with old friends and comrades, including the Burns family – long-time socialist activists, keen on culture and working in the community. I first met Bob at a Burns family party.

Bob and his family continued to live locally in Woodford and he was proud to live in a council house.

He thought, as we do, that council housing should be an available choice for those who do not want to get involved in lifelong mortgages and in particular, the local, ridiculously priced housing market.

Bob supported Epping Forest Green and Democratic Left throughout and was a regular speaker at our public meetings, where he always stole the show, was always top notch – he spoke without notes – and always cut to the chase. A no-nonsense, honest delivery.

Bob also loved to attend our socials, always with live music and other local talent, and had the cheek last year to win first prize in the raffle – a large hamper of fruit and veg donated by a Loughton greengrocer.

The wags shouted “it’s a fix”. They were, of course, joking. Bob proudly left with his winnings.

Bob also had an ear for talent and several of our local Loughton performers were given well-paid opportunities to perform at functions including the annual Cuba solidarity festival in London.

Bob always supported working people and encouraged their talents.

My phone has been busy with comrades calling up, crying, shocked at the news.

We loved you, Bob. We promise that we will carry on the fight for the good old cause.

Pete Relph, The Broadway, Loughton.