Well-known Radio Norfolk gardening expert Ray Loose, 81, collapsed on Monday 28th October while fishing at Lenwade and died later in hospital.
Ray was at one time ‘head gardener’ at Bawdeswell Hall and made a name for himself with the prize-winning flowers that he used to grow, sweet peas being his speciality.  

Prior to that Ray was in the Navy and during WWII was three times shipwrecked.  It was fitting that one of the hymns sung at his funeral was “For those in peril on the sea”.  

The Crematorium at Horsham St Faiths was full on 7th November. Family, friends and acquaintances, and colleagues from Radio Norfolk gathered together to celebrate his life. 
His daughters Diane and Judith gave moving testimonies to their father, and David Gurney remembered with affection the guidance he received from Ray as a teenager when on holiday in Scotland.

With the opening of Radio Norfolk, Ray became a regular contributor with Charles Henderson in a weekly gardening question time.  The pair of them  became known to thousands of listeners for the advice they gave and their relaxed banter.

Over the years Ray has been a popular figure at many fund-raising functions, including more recently the Foxley Gardens Open Days.  He had a great following.  
At one time he was even good enough to contribute a monthly article to the Reeve’s Tale, though Hazel often had to remind him of the deadline!

Our condolences go out to Hazel his wife and daughters Diane and  Judith.
Ray was a popular character and he will be greatly missed.   RT

As a tribute to Ray Loose, the last article he wrote for The Reeve’s Tale, dated December 1997,  is reproduced again in this month’s magazine, over the page.
 

BOB CHURCH
Another local personality passed away in October aged 96.  Bob was a familiar sight around Bawdeswell on his electric scooter.  Originally from Foulsham, Bob came to live at Folland Court some years ago and was a real live wire for his age.  He was always quick with his wit and saucy in a harmless sort of way.  
He will be missed by all who knew him.  Our condolences to Annie and his family.