Stan Newens

The Gibberd Garden Trust – President for Life


Obituary

Sadly, Stan died on March 3rd 2021

Stan was instrumental in establishing the Gibberd Garden Trust and from 1995 was a trustee and Chair of the trust. It was only in the last month he stood down as chair because of ill health and became the first President of the Trust.

Stan was born in Bethnal Green a true Londoner, who made North Weald and eventually, since the 1960s,  Harlow his home. A school teacher of history and avid book collector Stan cared for people generally and had a great concern about the welfare of British people and society throughout the world

He was first elected MP for Epping in 1964 and for the then new parliamentary seat of Harlow in 1974 until 1984. He became a Euro MP and travelled the world promoting his ideals of peace and freedom until eventually standing down from public life in 1999.

He was very active in his retirement as chair of the Harlow Civic Society, of the Gibberd Garden Trust, of which he had only recently been made life president. He was also proud of his links with Waltham Abbey historical society, North Weald Preservation Society. In Essex he was the driving force behind the Victoria County History of Essex Trust.>

Stan was married twice, first to Anne Newens, who died unexpectedly, leaving him to bring up two daughters Sarah and Caroline.  His second marriage was to his beloved Sandra  with whom he had children Helen Margaret and Thomas.

Mike Danvers chair of the Trust said “A  staunch defender of the Gibberd  Gardens, Stan was instrumental in establishing the Garden trust over 25 years ago. As recently as August last year he played a major role in launching the new garden book commemorating 25 years. He saw the gardens through some lean times financially. He is going to be sadly missed. In due time, when things get back to approaching normal the gardens, we will commemorate his vital contribution to its continued flourishing existence.”