New flagpole for KEH - Ceremony outside King Edward Hall on 4 April 2007 

 Margaret Nicolle, Chairman of Lindfield Parish Council spoke as follows: 

Although I had known him before, I first really came into contact with George when we were both members of the newly reformed parish council in 1987.  As Chairman of the Finance Committee, George was the guardian of the public purse, a role not always popular with everybody!  He gave shrewd advice and was prepared to speak out on his views. In my scrapbook I have an article entitled ‘ Ahoy there councillor’ Following complaints about litter in the pond, George offered to become Admiral and clear the rubbish if he could get a boat! We must be the only village in the country to have had an Admiral and Harbour Master- the later position still held by Will Blunden. Apparently a true Lindfieldian must make contact with pond water.  George did this one Bonfire Night in a dramatic fashion. He was leaning against the pond railing taking a photo when the rail gave way and he disappeared under the water leaving only his woolly hat bobbing on the surface.  He later received a letter from the Bonfire Society informing him that ‘such activities were definitely not allowed in their rules.’ George left the Council in 1991.  I continued to meet him at the Village Flower Shows at which his skill as a photographer was very apparent. In the Millennium Year George’s portfolio of photographs of village life won him a WSRO award.. As time goes on they will prove a valuable addition to our village archive. I was touched   at the recent Spring Flower Show run by the Lindfield Horticultural Society to be awarded the George Murrell Photography Cup.  George I think would be pleased. Further contributions to village life were made through George’s membership of the British Legion, and the Preservation Society.  For some years he organised outings for the Preservation Society.  Many here to-day are here as representatives of the Hayward’s Heath U3A. and you will be aware of the enormous contribution George made as a group convener, chairman for three years of the Groups Committee and for all his talks. He fully accomplished the aims of U3A to promote self learning, research and community service. I personally am grateful for his encouragement. He promised to do the slides in return for a talk! At the time of his funeral a U3A member Colin Simpson said ‘he was a true Anglophile’ He had a massive knowledge of British Heritage.’  Jenny Porter, another U3A member said ‘George was a perfect name for him as he was very patriotic. He reminded his groups of all the pluses of the British Empire when much was being said about the negatives. His naval background was apparent when he used to say ‘cooks to the galley’ when it was time for the ladies to put the kettles on.’ So nothing could be more appropriate that a new flagpole to honour some one who was patriotic, and gave himself generously to the community in many ways.  The plaque inscription ' A true friend of Lindfield.’ is very appropriate.  On behalf of the parish council I would like to thank Betty for financing  this  flagpole. Betty then closed the ceremony with a short prayer of thanksgiving for the life of George.