Remembering Chris Richardson, friend of Penge 2023

We, the Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground, are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden death of Chris Richardson, a longstanding resident of Penge and member and past committee member of the Friends group.

Chris was always at the heart of the Penge community. As a dedicated volunteer, he was involved in so many events and organisations, always ready to help those in need or to support causes that would benefit our community.

He was an active member of the West Beckenham Bowls Club and supported other local projects such as the Penge Heritage Trail. Chris was an avid Millwall supporter too (we could make a quiet joke here in keeping with Chris’s quiet sense of humour, but we won’t!).

Most recently, he devoted his time to the Living Well Food Bank, cooking and serving at their café. Chris was always ready to help the Friends with gardening tasks but especially with our fundraising and he served many cups of coffee and cake on a cold or hot day in the parks without complaint. Chris was also active with Penge Partners for many years, supporting the Older Peoples network, often running the bar at events at the Penge Festival or at Melvin Hall’s Saint Patricks Day St. Christopher's fundraisers, and later for Pengefest.

Suffice to say, since Chris’s retirement, he was a busy man generous with his time and compassion toward others, and he will be sorely missed.

Chris died of a heart attack on Boxing Day at the age of 72.

Members of the Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground would like to raise funds to have a park bench installed in Cator Park and to plant a fruit tree in his memory in Alexandra Recreation Ground.

It is a lovely way to remember Chris as he loved to walk in the parks and provide for his community.

we also plan to raise funds through this and our events to fund a defibrillator for both of the parks.

Thank you for helping us remember Chris.