As William Sansom noted, “London is a bad habit one hates to lose”. Let's pay tribute to Hampstead's favourite amateur historian, Martin Thompson (1946 - 2022).
An amateur historian and undercover tour guide, Martin loved nothing more than to show visitors around his historic London. His Facebook community London Historical Ramblings is testament to his storyteller gift, sharing fascinating snippets about the city's 2000 year evolution. A founding member of London Historians and active committee member of The Heath and Hampstead Society, Martin was also an official London Ambassador and a Press Association Customer Service assistant during investitures at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Martin adored living in and promoting Hampstead and the Heath was his special place. He never tired of his top floor flat view of "his garden" as it changed with the seasons.
OUR FINAL TRIBUTE TO A GENTLEMAN
We lost our beloved Martin in October 2022. As a London Ambassador and amateur historian, Martin touched the lives of so many. We'd like to remember him by installing a memorial seat on Hampstead Heath. Our final gift to Martin - his own "footnote in history" - in recognition for his contribution to the preservation of the heath and its community.
The wonderful Heath and Hampstead Society are able to secure a site on Hampstead Heath. However, the City of London charges a whopping GBP2,600 for installation, including an inscription and maintenance for 10 years.
BUY MARTIN "A COFFEE" & SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN!
If 750 people donate GBP3.50 (the cost of a coffee from Redemption, Silverberry or Starbucks), then we can make it! Donate a weeks' worth of coffee if you're feeling generous. Please share with your networks!