My dealings with Charles go back 50 years. My family’s connections with the Tabor family go back a 100 years. Charles gave me my first job, working on the spud machine, in the school holidays when I was 16. Over the past 22 years I have had reason to call him every 6 weeks to ask permission for access to collect rubbish washed up on the south side of the River Roach. He was always very fair, supportive and encouraging with a sense of humour. He knew well my late Grandfather, Cecil and often referenced him in our conversations for which I was very grateful. I was looking forward to telling him of my new job as The High Sheriff of Essex.