The Friends of Broomhill, and many others, are mourning the loss of their much loved friend Bob Wade who died on the 8th February - 48 years young.

Bob was one of the original members of the Friends of Broomhill and his enthusiasm and commitment was a guiding light for us all. Bob worked for Medway Council for nearly thirty years, starting as an 18 year old in the parks and gardens department. As Manager of Medway Council’s Greenspaces Rangers, he promoted our vision for the park and ensured that our suggestions were initiated.

In early 2010 he was diagnosed with cancer.   Bob had mesothelioma, a vicious disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

Bob loved his work and shared his passion and enthusiasm with all those who knew him. He was motivated by a great love for the Medway towns - in particular Rochester - an interest in local history and a love of the natural world. 

As a Community Officer and later a Green Space Ranger he believed that things could be better for local people and worked to make that happen. 

A huge number of people benefited from his work and good ideas, from his early days with the Frindsbury and Wainscott Community Association to his more recent work with Friends groups at Broomhill in Strood, Borstal Open Spaces Society, Copperfields, Hillyfields and The Vines, Bob supported, encouraged and helped communities to make their best of their neighbourhood parks and green spaces.

It was Bob who thought we should have a Broomhill Park Funday each year.  The first one was scheduled for a Sunday in April, 2008 – the first day it had snowed in April for years and years.  But he wasn’t daunted – instead of an egg-rolling race to celebrate Easter, he organized a sledge race and snowman competition. 

Subsequent Fundays (now held each summer in June) saw him working unflaggingly organizing stall holders, infrastructure and events.  At last summer’s event – after the cancer had been diagnosed – there he was, manning a stall promoting his interest in the 2nd World War in general, and the Messerschmitt crash on the hill in particular.

Bob always turned out for the Friends of Broomhill Task Days, enthusing the rest of us with his ideas and ‘getting stuck in’ with weeding, tidying and planting. 

He tirelessly organised fun days, bulb planting, and orchid hunts, treating pensioners, school children and special interest groups with equal kindness and enthusiasm, inspiring many to work for, learn about and love their communities.

His delight in achievements large and small was infectious and he was frequently nominated for various awards including Pride in Medway which brought him great satisfaction. At a time when public services are under attack Bob epitomised all that’s good about them and inspired others to join.

 

Bob’s generosity, his ability to share his passions, enthuse others and make our towns a better place for everyone will live on while we miss him and will never forget how much he did for all of us.