Date: 29th March 2021 Dear Mrs Newens, On behalf of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Mr. Stan Newens. Even though I did not know him personally, I know that Mr Newens was a great friend of Armenians. He was amongst the individuals that worked tirelessly for the European Parliament to recognize the Armenian Genocide. He will be sadly missed by all Armenians here in the UK. We are praying that God’s grace will provide you and your family with the strength needed at your time of bereavement. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4. May the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be your source of comfort during this difficult time. With sincerest sympathy Bishop Hovakim Manukyan Primate and Pontifical Legate

Gil has taken part in the funeral service from the Czech Republic

We were proud to have Stan unveil a blue plaque at Homerton College to his mentor and our admirable alumna Leah Manning, just 18 months ago. His lively and warm tribute to Leah touched our hearts. I hope that Stan will in turn be remembered with a blue plaque. Peter Cunningham.

Stan was a great friend to my Grandad - Sydney Bidwell. I remember how kind and caring Stan was at Syd's funeral back in 1997. He spent time sharing personal memories of Syd and I shall always remember him for that. I know my Mum and Dad were in close contact with Stan in recent years and we are sorry that we cannot be there to share our respects in person at the funeral. Rest in peace Stan, a thoroughly decent man. Best wishes. Phil Bidwell.

I have known and respected Stan for over 20 years. In his passionate advocacy for the history of our County he has been a warm and invaluable friend and trustee for the Victoria County of Essex Trust. My personal regard for him is as a man of unquestioned integrity (and often the justifiable "grit" in the machine) and of humanity. He will greatly be missed in the local history community, always energised by his commitment. He was our "whipper -in"! Geoffrey Hare, chairman VCH Essex and former County Librarian, Essex.

Stan was always very kind to me. I arrived in London from my native Durham City in 2002. Shortly after that I joined the Labour Heritage committee of which Stan was the chairman. For many years I struggled to find stable work, going from one temporary agency post to another with periods of unemployment. Stan always expressed his concern and this schoolmasterly attention could be a little bit embarrassing but was always touching: “are you working young man”? Stan was very pleased when I finally found secure employment.

Stan had a great impact on many lives and always fought for what was right. My late dad admired him greatly.

Seeing so many pictures of Stan has reminded me of how much he was loved and respected by the people of Harlow and beyond. An inspiration to us all on Harlow Council and Harlow Labour CLP. Cllr Jodi Dunne.

Lovely to learn so much about Stan from what is written on the Home Page. I do wish that I had met him much sooner in our lives. We would have agreed on so many things.....

A huge thank you from all the family to everyone for the beautiful messages, card, phone calls and encouragement at this time.

VCH Essex Trust @Essex_VCH 5 Mar Our long-standing trustee and supporter Stan Newens died this week aged 91. A former Labour MP for Epping & then Harlow & later an MEP, he studied @UCL History before becoming a teacher & trade unionist. He retained a life-long interest in the history of East London & Essex.