It was with great sadness that we heard that Will Brown had passed away recently. Will had been active in many groups throughout Bristol and the South West. He also helped Indymedia to put on events where he used his astute analysis of the economic system to highlight the injustices that were occurring as well as sharing with audiences his personal experience of the miners strike and other historical events. We would like to send our deepest sympathies to all Will's family and friends. He will be a sorely missed. Below is a contribution from Will's friends and details of his funeral if people wish to attend, it is an open event.
Will Brown was a doer and a thinker. An active campaigner from his teenage years

(NUSS) he was an energetic force in CND and the Labour Party in the early eighties. During the Miners strike of 84 / 85 Will drove the campaign in South Bristol supporting Cynheidre Lodge in South Wales, collecting food and money for the striker’s families. Whilst he had his own political views, he was never judgemental, believing that those directly in struggle should control their own dispute and that supporters should provide assistance to allow this to happen. He often said that the lessons we learnt during that year long dispute, how to organise and structure campaigns and opposition, were invaluable.

He became interested in economics, believing that you could not challenge or change capitalism unless you understood how it worked, and co published a booklet “We’ve cracked it “ in the 80’s which still reads well today.

He became a trade union branch secretary whilst working as a technician at the University, where he built links with other Unions in Bristol at a local branch level.

He championed green issues, and the environment, cycling, a non oil based economy, and art. He also worked in the field of mental health as he struggled with his own and art. He also worked in the field of mental health as he struggled with his own episodes of anxiety and depression.

He was one of those people who brought different groups together. He was active in Transition Towns whilst co - organising an event on the legacy of the miners strike with Bristol Radical History Group. He ran a group on World Economics at Kebele Social Centre which was based on discussion and shared learning. He brought radical postal workers together with anarchists to organise support. He was one of those people who was able to make those around him feel inspired to carry on doing what they are doing. This is a rare quality.

He was an original member of the group who organised the Totterdown Front Room Art Trail, an idea which has now spread throughout the city. He loved being outside. He had run marathons, cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, was keen on astronomy ( think of him when you see the evening star !) loved butterflies and moths and trees and football ( Paul Gascoigne and the Rovers ). He loved walking and being with his many friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Friday 1st October at South Bristol Crematorium, Bedminster Down.

3.30 – 4.30

Followed by a buffet / drinks at The Oxford Totterdown from 5.30

All are welcome.