This is a tribute to Ernest (Ernie) Hancock who sadly passed away. By looking at the picture some you may remember Ernie by sight in and around Sydenham, however knowing him personally for many years he was a true and valued friend. Ernie was a resident of Sunnydene Street for 60 years or more, and in that time became a well know character in Sydenham.

In the 1980s when CB radio was popular Ernie was know as Gold Top (I will let you figure out where the name came from), and he was the voice of the emergency communication for Sydenham ensuring that 24hr contact was available should help be required for the SE26 area. Prior to this he ran a very successful entertainment agency from home with many local stars who have now grown up to become stars in their own right.

He was a member of the Bromley Hospital Radio station and gave much of his time to help out and assist with fundraising and the operation of the station. For Sydenham he could always been seen every afternoon in the old Copper Lamp for his home cooked dinner. Sadly over the years his health had been declining and to the point in recent years he had to give up driving which was his only means of transport. I am pictured with Ernie many years ago at a fundraising event with stars from ITV's the Bill to raise money for sick local children in Sydenahm and Lewisham. Again this just showed that he always loved to help out and assist where ever possible to help others when his own health was never so great.

I sadly lost contact with Ernie over the last 2 years as I moved away, and only a few days ago went to knock on his door to find that he had passed away. A valued lesson to learn is never lose contact with friends that matter, as like me you may find that it's too late to say goodbye. Having no family of his own this is my personal way of saying goodbye to a great man who made me laugh, cry and taught me many things that I shall always remember for the rest of my life.

God bless Ernie, you will be sadly missed feller.

Gary - January 2008