Today was an historic day at Eastwoodbury Lane. It was the last time it would be known as Eastwoodbury Lane and renamed THE LEN FORGE CENTRE. This was to mark the occasion of today's Memorial Service held in honour of Len.

After weeks of planning the event was well received by the large congregation and more importantly by Len's widow Freda and his children Kevin & Elaine.

I know that Freda wishes to express her thanks to those that put the day together: - Alan Day, Tina Smith, Cheryl MacRae, Trevor Clements, Ken Clementson, Rev'd Frank Smith and Tony Hoskins. On the day itself Mark Holmes and his staff worked hard to ensure that the place was in tip top condition ... and it was.

The day began at 8am when the marquee people arrived to erect a 40' marquee on the main pitch, imagine Len's face if he had seen that!  There was much to be done - fixing the plaque to the newly named 'wall of remembrance' on the new dressing rooms. Plus the curtain rail to hold the velvet curtains made by Cheryl for the unveiling of the plaque. Also the board was mounted on the front of the clubhouse proudly baring the name LEN FORGE CENTRE.

Caterers were busy laying out the magnificent spread and Cheryl's Mum provided the most magnificent of floral displays I have ever seen.

Suddenly it was 12 noon and people began to arrive. To name them all would be impossible but here are some - Ron Spurgeon, Bob Pickup & Dave Hill ( Southend Sunday League) Ray Davy (Southend United FC), Robbie Rumbelow, Don Rogers, Sir Teddy Taylor, The Mayor, Phil Sammons & Eddie Rhymes (ECFA), Gary White, Tina Smith, Eric Hensey DSM, Les Naylor, Ron Edwards, Les Fordham, Eddie McNally, Ken Clementson, Alan Marshall, Barbara Dawson, Marie Dawson, Glynis Dean and many more........

The service was conducted in a very dignified and professional manner by Rev Frank Smith. The eulogies were read by Gary White, Tony Hoskins and Kevin Forge. The congregation took part in what was a very fitting service to this great man and the two hymns, Abide with Me and Jerusalem, were sung loudly and proudly by all.

After the interment of Len's ashes at pitchside the family unveiled the brass plaque which will be there for all to see every time they visit the centre.

After the service everyone enjoyed the superb buffet and refreshment.

Here are some photos of the day-

It was a remarkable day for a remarkable man who's name will now live on forever .........

I think Len would have been pleased with the service and the day...  Tony H.