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[burakkucat]

Walter Willcox retires as director

The Board of Broadband for Surrey Hills Ltd announces that Walter Willcox has retired as a director of the Company with effect from 28 July 2021.

Walter pioneered our broadband project and was a founding director of the company along with our chairman Anthony Townsend back in 2017, serving as Technical Director. He designed much of the initial network around Home Farm on the A25 including the duct access underneath that road. From that initial concept he has helped our network to grow to nearly 200 subscribers with many more planned in the near future.

We are very pleased that Walter has expressed a wish to continue to support the Company by serving as a volunteer; we look forward to seeing him out and about in the Surrey Hills as his circumstances permit.

The Directors wish to record their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication put in by Walter in getting the B4SH project up and running; the testaments we receive from those now fortunate enough to enjoy a 1000Mbps symmetrical broadband service speak volumes.

From https://gigupanddown.net/

Walter's friends at B4RN, the inspiration for B4SH, posted this tribute (complete with a video montage).

[roseway]

What a truly remarkable man he is. I wish him a long and happy retirement.

[Black Sheep]

Lovely bloke, Walter - crossed virtual swords with him on here a time or two, over his distatse for a certain telecoms operator  ... but also assisted each other via PM's .... always in a pleasant manner.

Long, healthy retirement Mr W. 

[Alex Atkin UK]

You know there's something special about someone when they retire but continue to help on a voluntary basis.

[waltergmw]

Thanks very much everyone.

Although I am a little constrained by my health I intend to continue helping the Communities that ask. The latest initiatives are Cartmell Fell https://www.cartmelfellb4rn.com and the area around Crook https://www.crookb4rn.org both in Cumbria as they really do need the DCMS voucher funding which is to be withdrawn in September. If those areas can get sufficient commitments then the vouchers will be registered on the DCMS Database and must then be completed within 12 months.

Kindest regards to you all,
Walter

[Weaver]

Happy retirement, Walter. Please do not be a stranger.

[Black Sheep]

Thanks very much everyone.

Although I am a little constrained by my health I intend to continue helping the Communities that ask. The latest initiatives are Cartmell Fell https://www.cartmelfellb4rn.com and the area around Crook https://www.crookb4rn.org both in Cumbria as they really do need the DCMS voucher funding which is to be withdrawn in September. If those areas can get sufficient commitments then the vouchers will be registered on the DCMS Database and must then be completed within 12 months.

Kindest regards to you all,
Walter

I didn't realise the scheme was being withdrawn in September, Walter ... I thought they'd already burst the pot ?

[kitz]

Wishing Walter all the best on his retirement.   

A remarkable man dedicated to bringing decent broadband services to many, many people,  not just related to the B4 communities.  He has a long history of actively tackeling poor speeds, taking on Openreach and ekeing out every possible kb on a line as well as being dedicated to the B4RN related communities right from the start.

A big thank you from all those who have been fortunate to liase with Walter in one way or other.  Hoping that you have a long and happy retirement.

[niemand]

Also sparred here and there but I hope it's clear I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you've achieved.

I hope your retirement is a long and happy one. You've earned it, you legend.

[tickmike]

Happy retirement and thanks for the advice in the past   

[waltergmw]

Thank you once again for all your good wishes.

Here is a link for the Black Sheep explaining the B4RN position that they are in:-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSJ29L6fsSM

For those interested in my aversion to the Incumbent might discover the major reasons here:-

http://www.ewhurst-broadband.org.uk/?p=1893

but please note I'm no longer involved in the Ewhurst project where a small number have at last been satisfied by the Box Broadband service availability.

Kind regards,
Walter