A memorial plaque has been unveiled in Thorpebank Road in Shepherds Bush to honour one of the street's long-time residents.
It commemorates Fred Thompson, whose recent death at the age of 93 saddened neighbours who loved his company. The plaque sits outside Fred's old house – alongside the silver birch tree he previously persuaded H&F Council to plant.
"He lived in the street for half a century, and did a lot for the community," recalled neighbour Lily Makurah, one of 20 who braved the rain to attend the plaque's unveiling.
A member of the Windrush generation, Fred was a popular local figure who always had time for a chat and a joke as he swept the pavement outside his home, cleaned his car or sat on his perch in the Coningham Arms, round the corner in Uxbridge Road.
Local ward councillors at H&F Council – Max Schmid and Nicole Trehy – supported the call for a plaque at Fred's tree, which was funded by a street collection. Cllr Schmid paid tribute to the residents who organised the plaque, by saying:
Thorpebank Road is host to a brilliant, tight-knit community. The plaque honouring Fred is a lovely example of that."
Loved to laugh and dance
When Fred arrived in London from the Caribbean, he had trained as a tailor and shoemaker. However he retrained as a plumber, and employed other local people in his business. "It was through that plumber's that he got to know so many people in the area," said Lily. "He loved to laugh, and he loved to dance."
Dancing became a passion for Fred, at halls and centres from Shepherds Bush to Richmond, including the Nubian Life charity based in White City.
Fred had seven children, and 19 grandchildren. Daughter Paulette thanked neighbours for their thoughtfulness. "If he knew before passing that such honour would be bestowed in his memory, I can imagine his reaction... including his signature smile," she said.
After the funeral at St Mary's, Acton, and the plaque unveiling, residents gathered in Fred's local, The Coningham pub, to raise a glass to their favourite neighbour.
The caption on the plaque reads:
"Proud Thorpebank Road resident, remembered and missed by his neighbours. Your laughter spread so much joy".
With the support of H&F Council, the plan is to convert the paved area around the tree into a mini lavender garden.
Silver birches were Fred's favourite, and although it wasn't the usual species chosen for street planting, the council agreed to place one outside his home; the first tree people encounter in the road.
The memorial plaque outside Fred's old house
Support Fred's favourite charity
If you would like to make a donation to support Fred's favourite local charity - the Nubian Life centre in White City - you can donate via bank transfer following the details below:
Account name: The Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham's Appeal Fund
Sort code: 60-50-06
Account number: 37530070
Charity number: 1023401
Nubian Life is one of the H&F Mayor's selected charities. All money donated will be paid directly to these chosen charities, helping them continue their vital work with residents.
