IT?IS with great sadness that I have to report that Bill Punt, the "Pensioners' champion" has died at the age of 96.

Although he moved to Kent six years ago, he will be remembered by a considerable number of people, particularly around the Forest of Dean but also in other areas of Gloucestershire, for the 25 years he spent campaigning, after retiring from work in London, not only for pensioners, although he worked tirelessly for them for the whole of that time, but for the working class movement as a whole.

He was a life-long trade unionist and Labour Party member, (although he despised what 'New Labour' had become and fought hard to help turn it back to its democratic beginnings.)

He made many, many friends who will mourn his passing. His has been a difficult act to follow.

He came to live in the area with his wife around 31 years ago, first to Aylburton Common, then Lydney, where he was particularly well known. His wife died about eight years or so before him and it hit him severely, however he carried on for a while until he was eventually persuaded by his daughter in Kent, to move nearer to her in order that she could be on hand for him.

True to his beliefs he has opted for a Humanist funeral which will take place on December 16 and has requested that tears should only be "of laughter" and that there be no flowers. He asked that any donations in lieu should be made to the 'National Pensioners Convention' and sent to me.

– Claude Mickleson, 66 Lych-Gate Mews, Lydney  GL15 5TJ.