Those of us in the South West Surrey Compass local group, along with so many others in the local community, were devastated to hear of the death of Robert Park in the early hours of last Monday morning. Robert was one of the founders of South West Surrey Compass local group and had been the Treasurer of the organisation since the outset.

Robert was an indefatigable activist. He was active in the Labour Party for over 50 years before his expulsion from the party during the 2017 general election for speaking out in favour of a progressive alliance in South West Surrey in support of Dr Louise Irvine of the National Health Action Party as the candidate best placed to defeat Jeremy Hunt, the then Secretary of State for Health. As well as being Treasurer of South West Surrey Compass he was Chair of the Surrey Fabians and active in countless local organisations, including voluntary and charitable organisations. He was a committed European and, until recently, was tireless in his involvement with the campaign for Britain to remain in the EU. Only recently, with his irrepressible enthusiasm, unshakeable commitment to progressive causes and meticulous attention to detail, he was organising a public meeting on behalf of South West Surrey Compass (on Zoom) with Professor Guy Standing on the subject of Universal Basic Income which will take place this coming Saturday 23^rd May at 10.30am. All are welcome to join this gathering, which is dedicated to the memory of Robert, through the Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9111584677?pwd=Y0Fnc2ExeGg3L0JsMStwMm51OGFIUT09

Meeting ID: 911 158 4677. Password: 201153.

Robert had an encyclopedic knowledge of so many political topics and a keen analytical mind. With his boundless energy and commitment, he was an enormous asset to our SW Surrey Compass Group. He will be sadly missed. The love and condolences of so many Compass activists go out to his widow, Linda at this time.

Steve Williams, South West Surrey Compass