Documents – Friends of Darrick and Newstead Woods

A tribute to David Ellen a founder member who recently passed away. David Maurice Ellen was born on the 24^th May 1930 in Newcourt, Kent. He had an older brother Johnand two younger sisters, twins Cecile and Elizabeth. His father Cecil was a farmer and his mother Clara, a midwife. David grew up on the family farm and during the war (c.1940) would often see fighter plane “dogfights” overhead. Further afield, he would see the red glow of London on fire during The Blitz. The Ellens took in several families of evacuees down from London in the early part of the war, before it became clear that Kent itself was too dangerous a place to be. David attended Ashford Grammar School, specialising in science-based subjects and did his National Service in the RAF (Pay Corps), followed by a science-based degree. Shortly after, he started work as a forensic scientist at New Scotland Yard, eventually becoming Head of the Documents Department. This would take him all over the world, liaising with forensic scientists in as far flung places as America and Australia. David lived in Honor Oak Park and supported his local football team Crystal Palace FC. He was also an avid cricket fan and was a member of the MCC and Kent County Cricket Club. He was very involved in the music scene and used to sing with the London Philharmonic Choir. After retiring, David moved to Orpington in the early 90’s and was one of the original founders of The Friends of Darrick & Newstead Woods when it was formed in 2008. He was also its Treasurer for many years. He attended work mornings, particularly when near to his home, on the corner of Newstead Avenue. It was only during the last few years that he found it difficult to attend, but always tried to make the AGM and other meetings. David and Alan Filby (sadly departed too) worked in the same Department. In fact, David was Alan’s line Manager! We will miss David in the same way that we miss Alan for their founding work and effort into the Friends’ early days, ensuring its success.

The Friends were sad to see Brian Street our long serving and hardworking chairman step down from the role at our AGM. Brian will be a hard act to follow, but will remain on the committee and would be happy to help and advise any member who would like to take on the role of chairman. In the meantime the committee will work together to ensure the group continues as it has done with Brian as chair. A present of a plant and pot for his garden was given as thank you for the many years of his hard work and dedication to the group.

FODNW do not charge a membership fee but we welcome donations which can be given in cash or by cheque at our AGM or open meetings.
Please make cheques payable to ‘Friends of Darrick and Newstead Woods’ and write your address on the back.
If you would like to donate via online banking our BACS detail are
Lloyds Bank
Account Name Friends of Darrick and Newstead Woods
Account Number 00192204
Sort Code 30-96-31
Please send an email confirming date and amount to haydena_2@hotmail.com All money will be used to support the work of the Friends: sending information, publicity for Friends events, and other activities.