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  "fullName": "Alfred Ernest Porter",
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  "dateOfBirth": "15\/7\/1913",
  "dateOfPass": "30\/12\/2014",
  "deceasedShortBio": "Born on Mead Road, Little Stanmore, Alf lived a remarkable life that left a lasting impact on his community. As an unsung hero, he dedicated his time, skills, and passion to various organisations and endeavours, shaping the lives of those around him and preserving the rich history of the areas he cherished. Through his work as a devoted historian, a loving family man, and an active community member, Alf's legacy continues to inspire us all.\n\nA man of many talents and interests, Alf's contributions spanned from his long career at De Havillands to his unwavering commitment to local clubs and societies. His love for his family and his community was evident in all that he did, and his life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and compassion. Let us remember and honour Alf, an extraordinary individual who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who knew him, and whose story will continue to inspire generations to come. ",
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  "keyFacts": {"birthLocation":"Edgware, United Kingdom","deathLocation":"Edgware, United Kingdom","memorialLocation":"St Lawrence Church, Stanmore","parents":"Ellen & Walter Porter","siblings":"William & Gwendoline ","maritalStatus":"Married","spouse":"Jessie Alice Porter","children":"Janet & Brian","grandChildren":"Colin, Stephen, John, David, Susie","nickname":"Alf","education":"Edgware School, London, United Kingdom","occupation":"Senior Aeroplane Engineer","religion":"Christian","hobbies":"History, Gymnastics, Photography, Bowling, Travelling","favouriteMusician":"Charlie Kunz","favouriteHolidayDestination":"Countryside & Lakes"},
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  "story1": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230421_yLLWG7SyCT","storyTitle":"Beginnings of a Community Hero: The Early Life of Alfred Ernest Porter","storyDescription":"Alfred Ernest Porter was born on July 15, 1913, in Mead Road, Little Stanmore. Growing up in the area, he attended Edgware School where he would meet his future wife, Jessie. Despite leaving school at the young age of 14, Alfred's early life was filled with experiences that would shape his future endeavours and interests. Not long after leaving school, he began working as a delivery boy for a local butcher, learning the ins and outs of his community while making deliveries.\n\nAs a child, Alfred developed a deep fascination for local history, which led him to collect photographs and picture postcards of his hometown. This passion for the past stayed with him throughout his life, eventually leading him to a meeting where he would encounter Percy Davenport, the author of the book Old Stanmore. After giving a talk about the area, Davenport noticed Alfred's enthusiasm and encouraged him to join the Edgware and Stanmore Historical Society, which would later be renamed the Stanmore and Harrow Historical Society.\n\nAlfred's interests and talents extended beyond his love for history. He was also a skilled football player, making his mark on the local sports scene as a member of Edgware Town FC. As an athlete, he showcased his determination and teamwork skills, traits that would prove beneficial in his future pursuits.\n\nAt the age of 14, Alfred joined the Whitchurch Boys Club, where he discovered a special interest in gymnastics. His passion for the sport eventually led him to take on the role of gymnastics instructor at the club before the outbreak of the war. This experience not only allowed him to develop his leadership skills but also provided a sense of community and camaraderie among his peers. Alfred Ernest Porter's early life was filled with diverse interests and experiences, laying the foundation for a remarkable life as an unsung hero in his community. ","isChanged":true},
  "story2": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230421_gq(Y5uad5r","storyTitle":"Cherished Memories: Alfred and Jessie's Adventures and Family Life","storyDescription":"Alf's marriage to Jessie Alice Porter was a beautiful partnership filled with love, adventure, and shared experiences. They met when they were five years old at Edgware School. Jessie was a devoted wife who always looked after Alf, providing unwavering support throughout their life together. One of the many shared passions in their relationship was their love for exploring the great outdoors, which led them to embark on numerous adventures around the UK, including with the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) since the 1930s.\n\nAlfred and Jessie's YHA days were filled with camaraderie and exploration, as they frequented youth hostels in London and Somerset. During these trips, they made many lifelong friends and cherished memories. The couple also embraced the opportunity to introduce their children, Brian and Janet, to the wonders of nature and the joys of hiking. Often Jessie would take the children for six-week holidays at the youth hostels, while Alfred joined them for two weeks, making the most of his limited time off from work.\n\nTheir holidays in Somerset and elsewhere were filled with family fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Jessie would take the Brian to the hostel by train, while Alfred later joined them, riding with their daughter, Janet, on the back of his motorcycle. As an experienced engineer and first aider, Alf would often help fellow young hostellers by mending their faces and fixing their bikes after they had encountered difficulties along the way.\n\nBack at home, Jessie was a dedicated homemaker, ensuring that their house was always well-kept and that dinner was on the table when Alfred returned from work. To support Jessie's efforts, Alfred crafted a small box for housekeeping, where she could organise the money for various expenses like the coalman, rentman, milkman, and baker. Together, Alf and Jessie nurtured a loving family and created a lifetime of memories, united by their shared love for adventure and the great outdoors.","isChanged":true},
  "story3": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230421_sTv44uh9v-","storyTitle":"Wings of Service: Alf's WWII Efforts and Aero Engineering Legacy","storyDescription":"Alfred Ernest Porter's dedication to his community extended beyond his early life, as he embarked on a career in the Aero Engineering field that would span nearly four decades. In 1939, Alfred began working at De Havilland's (Rolls Royce) Aero Division at Stag Lane and Leavesden, where he would remain until his retirement in 1977. He started as a laborer, but through hard work and determination, he climbed the ranks to retire as a senior technical engineer. During his time at De Havilland's, Alfred contributed significantly to the development and testing of aircraft engines, including those for the iconic Gypsy Moth Aircraft.\n\nThroughout World War II, Alfred's work took on a greater significance as he became involved in servicing RAF aeroplanes, contributing to the war efforts. His dedication to his country and community was apparent not only in his professional life but also in his volunteer work as a fire watcher for the fire department. In one harrowing incident, a bomb exploded near what is now Edgware Station, knocking Alfred off his bike. Despite the risks and hardships he faced, Alfred persevered, driven by his sense of duty.\n\nAlfred's responsibilities at De Havilland's were diverse and demanding. He was involved in aircraft engine testing, played a crucial role in the assembly of the Super Sprite rocket, and honed his expertise in the dynamic balancing of engine rotatives. With each new challenge, Alfred's skillset grew, leading to his eventual promotion to senior technical engineer for test facilities. His achievements and commitment to the company did not go unnoticed; he was awarded a gold watch by the company directors in recognition of his 20 years of service.\n\nDespite his demanding career and wartime efforts, Alfred found time to serve his community in other ways. He became a qualified Red Cross first aider, using his skills to help those in need. His dedication to helping others led him to an unforgettable experience in 1948 when he attended the Olympic Games in Wembley while on duty as a first aider.Alfred shared this memorable event with his ten-year-old daughter, Janet, who excitedly accompanied him to the games.","isChanged":true},
  "story4": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230421_zM2mxJWv!k","storyTitle":"Heart of the Community: Alf's Lifelong Dedication to Whitchurch Edgware Boy's Club","storyDescription":"Alfred Ernest Porter's dedication to his local community extended far beyond his career and wartime efforts, with his lifelong involvement in the Whitchurch Edgware Boy's Club making a profound impact on countless young lives. For over five decades, Alfred demonstrated unwavering commitment to the club, holding various roles from gym instructor to vice-chairman and vice-president. His leadership and contributions transformed the club into a thriving cornerstone of the community, earning him the well-deserved title of local hero.\n\nAlfred joined the Whitchurch Boy's Club at the age of 14 and quickly discovered his passion for gymnastics. Before the war, he took over as the gymnastics instructor, leading the club's members in a series of impressive performances. Under his tutelage, the club's gymnasts had the opportunity to showcase their talents on prestigious stages, including the London Palladium and Wembley Arena, as well as the 1951 Southbank exhibition.\n\nAs a leader within the club, Alfred's influence went beyond the realm of sports. He played a vital role in the organisation's growth and development, eventually becoming its chairman. It was during his tenure that the club embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to build a new clubhouse, a project that required £32,000. With Alfred's guidance and determination, the club successfully raised the necessary funds, providing a new home for its members and future generations.\n\nAfter 51 years of service, Alfred stepped down from his leadership role to make way for \"young blood,\" but his legacy at the Whitchurch Edgware Boy's Club lives on. His unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment for local youth will never be forgotten. Through his passion for gymnastics, his leadership, and his tireless efforts to improve the club, Alfred Ernest Porter truly embodied the spirit of a local hero.","isChanged":true},
  "story5": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230421_TaiH2cKvIA","storyTitle":"Champion of the Underdog: The Many Faces of Alf's Local Activism","storyDescription":"Throughout his life, Alfred Ernest Porter's commitment to his community extended to numerous organisations, each dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. His involvement with various clubs not only demonstrated his passion for helping others but also his ability to inspire change and preserve the values that made his community special.\n\nAs a member of the Glebe and Manor House Estates Resident’s Association, Alfred played a significant role in improving the lives of the visually impaired. His efforts in the organisation led to the successful procurement of guide dogs for the Blind Association, providing invaluable support and companionship to those in need.\n\nAlfred's passion for the preservation of his local environment was evident through his membership in the Stanmore Society, an organisation devoted to conserving the natural beauty and heritage of the Stanmore area. He also served on the committee of the London Borough of Harrow’s Conservation Area Advisory Committee, further solidifying his dedication to protecting the community's historical and architectural treasures. In addition, Alfred was an active member of the Watling Bowling Association, showcasing his ability to balance his passion for conservation with his love for recreational activities.\n\nA steadfast conservationist, Alfred earned a reputation as a \"champion of the underdog\" for his unwavering efforts to save community buildings from demolition. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity were instrumental in preserving the unique character and history of his beloved community. Alfred Ernest Porter's involvement with multiple clubs and organisations exemplifies his deep-rooted dedication to improving the lives of those around him and protecting the community he cherished.","isChanged":true},
  "story6": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230422_mYYDIq8dFz","storyTitle":"Capturing Time: Alf's Journey as a Local Historian and Photographer","storyDescription":"Alfred Ernest Porter's passion for local history and photography began in his childhood, when he started accumulating photographs and picture postcards. This fascination led him to a meeting where Percy Davenport, author of the book \"Old Stanmore,\" gave a talk about the area. Upon discovering Alfred's keen interest and extensive photographic collection, Davenport persuaded him to join the Edgware and Stanmore Historical Society (later renamed the Stanmore and Harrow Historical Society).\n\nAs a member and vice-chairman of the Stanmore and Harrow Historical Society, Alfred contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of local history. He spent many weekends digging on Brockley Hill for relics of the last Roman town of Sulloniacae and gave numerous lectures to societies on local history. Alfred's son, Brian, often accompanied him on these adventures. During Harrow Civic Week, Alfred participated as part of the Stanmore Historical Society, showcasing historical documents in exhibitions such as \"Harrow - From Villages to Borough.\" At the society's Golden Jubilee exhibition, he proudly displayed an old weighing machine to his grandchildren, Colin Porter and Susan Holden, who were dressed in Edwardian style for the occasion. \n\nIn 2007, Alfred expressed concern over the Society's dwindling momentum, largely attributed to its ageing membership. Despite having fifty members, many were advanced in age and struggled to attend regular meetings. Unfortunately, in 2022, eight years after Alfred's passing, the Stanmore and Harrow Historical Society closed due to decreased attendance.\n\nAlfred was also a talented and dedicated photographer. Over the years, he published three collections of historical photographs: \"The Stanmores In Camera,\" \"Old Edgware In Camera,\" and \"Edgware & The Stanmores in Camera: A Nostalgic Record.\" He used his own photographs for these books, which featured 78 sepia-tone pictures that he had collected since childhood. Alfred's publications captured the essence of Stanmore and Edgware in the early 1900s, providing glimpses into the area's transformation from a farming community to a bustling metropolitan area.\n\nIn addition to his own books, Alfred collaborated with borough librarian Alan Ball on other publications, further cementing his reputation as a local historian and photographer. His first book, \"Stanmores in Camera - a Nostalgic Record,\" was published by St. Michael's Abbey Press in Farnborough. Through his tireless efforts in preserving and sharing the history of his community, Alfred Ernest Porter left a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and cherish.","isChanged":true},
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}