Politics was a regular topic of conversation with my parents.  As a child growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s there was certainly plenty to talk about.
 
My family came from Derbyshire and had moved south for work.  The commuter village we initially moved to was, and not doubt still is, a rather conservative leaning place to live – so Stan and his commitment and dynamic energy were truly a blast of fresh air to my family.   The encouragement of the construction of social housing and in particular the development of comprehensive schools were issues close to Stan’s heart. We moved to Harlow in the mid 1960s and I certainly have a lot to be grateful for in terms of the opportunities Harlow’s comprehensive schools gave.
 
Stan was born in Bethnal Green and you sensed he felt a strong attachment to the east end – however he developed an enduring bond to the Epping/North Weald and Harlow area.  This was very much a marginal constituency and it was a constant battle for him to try and hold the seat. 
 
His ability to ‘weather the storms of adversity’ and still carry on regardless with his campaigning gave all who knew him courage and strength as well. Re-reading his autobiography recently,  reminded me of the many difficulties and tragedies he wrestled with in his own time.  He certainly inspired me during difficult times.
 
My family and Stan’s lives crossed through our mutual friends, Derek and Moira Clark, who we knew via the Friends meeting in Epping.  Derek had been Stan’s agent and we were soon ‘roped in’ to help in election campaigns.  As a youngster, I can remember posting leaflets,  sometimes somewhat nervously through the many doors with conservative posters in the village.  The friendship was cemented by a number of what are now known as ‘sleep overs’ when Sarah and Caroline would stay with us during the active campaigning days.
 
My parents had travelled around war damaged Europe in the late 1940’s.  I think Stan’s active interest in foreign affairs and the welfare of those not so fortunate as ourselves, chimed with them.
 
Although Stan never professed to having any religious beliefs, and in fact was concerned about the divisive effect religion could occasionally have – his values of honesty, integrity, treating people fairly and equally, also resonated with the Quaker values that my parents were aspiring to at that time and gave them a common bond.  In addition, my father and Stan’s passion for gardening was another common thread – they both took great pride in their vegetable gardens.
 
Above all, Stan always took a keen interest in his wider family and circle of fiends.  I always appreciated those special moments of being able to have a quiet chat with him about historical or political affairs.  His willingness to share his encyclopedic knowledge was something I will cherish and miss.