A community champion known as Mr Cranham died in his late 70's in May'99 after suffering a severe inllness for several months. Handley helped found the Helford Way Association after moving to Cranham's Avon Road Estate when it was built in the mid 1950s. He became Cranham Residents' Group's president and ward secretary, holding the latter post for post for more than 40 years until retiring earlier this year. He handled thousands of complaints and queries affecting Cranham and Upminster, including the M25's removal to the east. He served with the 24th battalion during W.W.II before transferring to intelligence work. He later worked for customs & Excise and was magistrate for 17 years from 1973.

Excerpts from report 21stMay'99 Simon Crump - Yellow Advertiser