Burpham Creates Memorial Fund for Community Leader

Published on: 23 Apr, 2015
Updated on: 4 Jun, 2016

Ken Crossman, "much loved and respected" Burpham resident who led many community initiatives

Keith Crossman, a “much loved and respected” Burpham resident who led many community initiatives

Burpham residents are raising money to build a permanent memorial to Keith Crossman a, “much loved and highly respected,” character in Burpham responsible for instigating several community projects.

Major Crossman died in October last year (2014) following a short illness.

Alex Donaldson, chairman of the fund raising committee, said: “Keith’s selfless voluntary service has had an enormous and lasting impact on the local community and influenced many other aspects of Guildford’s development and life.

“In a quiet and unassuming manner he was largely responsible for founding and securing the Sutherland Memorial Hall Amenities Club, the Burpham Bowling Club and the Meadway Neighbourhood Watch.”

Major Crossman was also the chairman and main organiser for the extremely successful Burpham Millennium Fête, held in Sutherland Memorial Park in 2000, and the principal driving force behind the Burpham Community Association Committee from 1990 onwards, taking the role of chairman until 2014.

Alex Donaldson continued: “Keith was a natural leader and Burpham owes much of its distinctive character and many amenities to his endeavours and tireless energy over more than 40 years of commitment.

“To ensure that both he and his contributions are not forgotten the Keith Crossman Memorial Fund Appeal Committee has established a fund for this purpose. We are appealing for donations so that a memorial can be established in Burpham to honour his memory. A significant number of local residents have already responded very positively and we are sure more would like to contribute.”

The precise nature of the memorial has yet to be decided. The fund committee intends to solicit the views of local people and the choice will ultimately depend on the success of fund-raising efforts.

Anyone wishing to make a donation and suggest the nature of a memorial can obtain a form from McColl’s newsagent in Burpham or by contacting the Secretary of the Burpham Community Association at: secretary@burphamca.org.uk.