It was with the deepest sadness that we learnt of the passing of Wally Brown on Monday 2nd September. Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to his partner Jill and his four children and his grandchildren.

Born in Yorkshire, he was brought up and lived for most of his life in Basingstoke before moving to Whitstable in the late 90’s/early 2000’s from which point he became a firm and committed supporter of Whitstable Town. An Aston Villa fan since childhood, Wally loved his football and followed Whitstable Town both home and away, only stopping when illness prevented him attending any more matches. A vocal socialist, he became a shop steward when working for the council in Basingstoke and was an active NALGO and UNISON member and representative attending conferences around the country.

After a match, he would make tracks for the Whitstable Labour Club to sample his favourite tipple, Shepherd Neame Master Brew, which often meant a white knuckle ride back from away games when the need was great after certain team performances, the classical music playing to help keep things calm! He was a keen caravanner and dog walker and played for many years in a brass band in Hampshire, travelling to France to play at Remembrance Day events and also stepping out on the pitch at The Dell in Southampton for the halftime entertainment.

Wally always had a smile on his face and time to speak to people and helped the football club when times were tougher, donating back raffle or 50/50 prizes and when the club was needing supporters to donate to make the main stand seated, he purchased so many seats it was joked the stand would have to be named after him!

He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him, but our lives have been enriched for him having been our much loved friend. His positivity and smile will live with us forever.