Bench And Plaque Unveiled In Memory Of Former ‘Pillar of Burpham Community’

Published on: 4 Jun, 2016
Updated on: 4 Jun, 2016

A commemorative bench and plaque has been unveiled in Sutherland Memorial Park, Burpham, in honour of a man who did so much for his local community.

Pictured sitting on the new bench in honor of the late Major Keith Crossman, are his daughter Linda and son Nigel. Standing behind is the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson (left) and Alex Donaldson.

Major Keith Crossman died in 2014 aged 85 and now local people have come together and have raised funds for this fitting tribute to him.

The bench and plaque were unveiled on Friday afternoon (June 3) by the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson, in the presence of many who knew Major Crossman.

Dr Alex Donaldson OBE gave an speech that outlined Major Crossman’s many local achievements. He said: “Keith was a much loved and highly respected resident of Burpham.

“His selfless voluntary service over more than 40 years made an immense contribution to Burpham and neighbouring communities.

“His tall stature and clear delivery gave him an air of authority. He could have used those attributes to intimidate but on the contrary, he was a model of sensitivity, diplomacy and tact. His ability and talents were recognised by the many organisations he joined and consequently he attained high office in all of them.”

The mayor, with a little help from Alex Donaldson, unveil the bench. It was draped with the flag of Burpham Bowling Club as a mark of esteem to Mr Crossman’s long association with the club.

Mr Donaldson said that Major Crossman, with his wife and family, settled in Burpham in 1966. Soon after their arrival they joined Papercourt Sailing Club, near Ripley. His qualities of leadership were soon recognised and he was elected, successively, to the positions of secretary, rear commodore, vice-commodore and commodore.

As commodore he applied his ex-army engineering skills to initiate major building changes which greatly improved the club’s facilities. This resulted in a surge in membership and provided the foundation for a flourishing club. After Major Crossman ceased being a yachtsman he still maintained his connection with the club and regularly gave a helping hand on volunteer days.

He was a founding member of the Burpham Bowling Club. In his speech Mr Donaldson noted that Major Crossman served as secretary from 1990 to 1996. During the establishment of the club and for many years afterwards he undertook most of the legal requirements and negotiations with various bodies. In 1998 he was elected president and from 2009 to 2010 he was club captain.

Major Crossman was a founding member of the Sutherland Memorial Hall Amenities Club Committee. He was its secretary and chairman from 1991 to 2014 and looked after bookings of the hall for over 20 years.

The mayor unveils the plaque.

Mr Donaldson then recalled that a principal driving force behind the Burpham Community Association (BCA) from 1990 onwards, was Major Crossman. He said: “In 1998 a lack of recreational facilities in Burpham was identified, particularly for teenagers. The BCA, in partnership with Guilford Borough Council, raised sufficient funds to provide the basketball court which is adjacent to the childrens’ play area. Keith played a very active role in helping to secure the funding for that facility.

“In 2001, Keith was elected treasurer of the BCA. In 2006 he took on the role of vice-chairman. He was elected chairman in May 2013 and re-elected the following year.”

The plaque in honor of Major Keith Crossman.

In the spring of 1999, when the BCA was planning an event to mark the Millennium, Major Crossman was elected chairman of the organising committee for an event termed the Burpham 2000 Millenium Fete.

Major Keith Crossman (1929-2014).

He was the main fundraiser and organiser of that large, complex event which involved many months of dedicated effort and skilled co-ordination.

Major Crossman was also a founding member of Meadway Neighbourhood Watch (MNW) and chairman from its establishment in 1985 until 2014.

Mr Donaldson said: “During that time he did much to strengthen the links between the neighbourhood and the police. He was also very active in bringing the MNW community together by regularly hosting summer and Christmas social events at his home.”

He concluded: “Keith was a pillar of the community – quite literally a man who walked tall – he was enthusiastic and deeply interested in local matters.

“After he passed away many in the community felt that a memorial should be established to honour his memory and recognise his many contributions. Thanks to the generous contributions of individuals, the Crossman family, organisations, clubs, associations, societies and businesses it has been possible to commission a plaque and a bench which we very much hope will serve as a lasting tribute to Keith’s memory.”

The mayor spoke about the great value of people who give their time freely as volunteers, citing Major Keith Crossman as a great example.

Major Crossman’s daughter, Linda Funnell, gave thanks on behalf of her family for the bench and plaque.

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