From: Paul Connolly <paulconnolly30@hotmail.com>
Sent: 11 May 2020 12:17
Subject: Frank Bigg RIP
 
Dear Members,
 
It has only recently come to light that one of our members, Frank Bigg, died in early April after a long illness and was cremated on Tuesday 5th May. 
 
With grateful thanks to Tony Finnegan's contribution, below is an appreciation of his time in our club.
 
Frank joined St Francis Ramblers in late 1993 and came not just to be a passive member but to lead walks too. 
 
His first walk as a leader was from Manningtree on 10 April 1994, and over the next eleven years he led many rambles in the Essex and Suffolk areas.
 
Several of them were advertised as being in Constable country. The entry for his ramble in September 1995 included the humorous advice “bring a brush”. It was on one of these that members who were there saw the pond which inspired the famous “Hay Wain” painting.
 
Frank also had a lively interest in English history, and this was exemplified in one of his most memorable walks around Colchester during the FMD crisis in 2001 which featured the town wall, castle, and parts of the historic 
area attacked during the civil war. This is the only one of his rambles for which we have photos for and you can access them by clicking HERE
 
Until retirement, Frank's day job was running the post office at Bures on the Essex/Suffolk border, where he lived 
and was well regarded. Sadly, in the latter years of his life, declining health necessitated moving into sheltered 
accommodation in the nearby town of Sudbury.
 
Apart from the rambles he led, Frank took part in the many of club’s social events, making the long journey from 
Bures to support parties held at Holy Apostles Pimlico and St Mary Moorfields. 
 
Those of us who knew him personally can attest to his warmth of character, quietness of manner, and genuine care 
when leading. He also had a very dry but gentle sense of humour.
 
Thankfully, at his committal a Catholic priest was present to undertake an appropriate requiem.
 
When we are able to once again roam far and wide, a walk in Frank's memory will hopefully be arranged. If possible,
with Mass at the conclusion of the ramble.
 
Rest in peace Frank; friend and companion to many, and all-round good bloke.