I remember reading a thread here about what's good/bad in relation to living in Honor Oak Park. One of the bad points was the guy who begs for small change outside the shops here on Brockly Rise. Well I heard last night that the poor chap has died of a heart attack. Now I don't know any more details but personally I found him a decent sort - who didn't really do any harm to anyone and always wished you a good day etc. So I would just like to say "rest in peace young man" - you will actually be missed.

Is this the chap with the black string vest and rarely a jacket, even in winter. I'm wondering if that's why I've not seen him for a while. We usually say hello to each other and I'd noticed his absence. Very sad news.

Yes that is him - it is very sad - yes he always said hello and was very pleasant. Sad loss of a young life

That's terrible. I was initially a little wary of him, but grew to like him a lot as he was friendly, polite and always cheerful. I will miss him and raise a glass in his memory tonight

I saw someone sleeping rough outside the shops opposite the Honor Oak pub on Thursday night - that's a first for me. Tough times.

Not sure if it's the same guy, but over the last couple of days I've seen an older gent with a white beard sleeping rough around the pedestrian crossing on Stanstead Road (near the Fire Station). He was outside the former antique shop this morning.

Can we do anything to help him? Is there a charitable organisation we can 'report' him to?

The Salvation Army help homeless people - or it may be worth contacting the council if there is an officer looks after homeless people and finds them a hostel. If the man is ex-military veterans aid in Victoria, RBL, ABF or ssafa will assist. The man can only be helped if he wants help though - however well meaning people are.

I think I saw him on Sunday. He had a can in one hand. I could not understand what he was saying.

I called Streetrescue about this man last week when he was sleeping on Rockbourne Road, and as far as I know they sent someone out to help him that night - they said they'd already had one call about him. I don't know how much they can do for people on an ongoing basis though.

This is sad news, I kind of liked that guy, although I was never in conversation with him he never did anyone any harm and was a bit of a character in his black string vest, often seen with a bottle of Lilt.

Did anyone know his name?

...or where he used to reside?

...or if he had/is having any sort of funeral?

Hi all I know is that his nickname was "gold chain" for obvious reasons. Black string vest and gold chain :-) He was a resident of Honor Lea - by the Ackroyd Community Centre.

I guess if you wanted to make any enquires you could pop in there and ask - would assume they would be willing to divulge some info.

Yes have to agree he was a nice chap obviously down on his luck for some time. Never short of a fag or a bottle of pop (ie cider!!!)

The chap you refer to was known as Bob, which originated from his real name, Anthony Mumber-Marley (unsure of spelling). He was once a talented musician, playing in bands to some acclaim. He even used to appear on the opening sequence of The London Programme around the late 80's. He'd been around Honor Oak and Forest Hill for some years now.

Thank you - it's good to finally know his real name and a bit about him - bless him

Sad news.. RIP Mr Marley. Yeah, he's been around the area for years and years.

I often think it would be nice if locals could somehow help out residents of Honor Lea in some way... a fundraiser or something.

If any one wants to do a bit of volunteering then there is info here:

http://www.southlondonpress.co.uk/featur...fm?id=4062

...and yes, may Bob rest in peace

This post was last modified: 07-03-2012 12:56 PM by Cheeky.

A bit slow on the up take but have just figured that he was called Bob Marley........................................... is someone having a laugh??????