Death of former SOF President. A Trustee for many years, as well as a College Governor.

I see that his daughter has posted the following : In loving memory of Robert James Blythe 'Jim' formerly of Potash Nursery died peacefully, at home in Suffolk on 19th December 2024 aged 86 years. Dad was born in Southwold, attend Brandeston Hall School then Framingham College. After leaving school he joined the Merchant Navy in 1958. In 1964 he left the Navy and become salesman for Silkcocks where he met our mum June. They were married in September 1965. Dad took over the running of Potash Nursery when his father in law passed away in June 1966. Several years down the line mum and dad decided to specialised in Fuchsias and began to attend the RHS Shows and several county shows. He then displayed his fuchsias at Chelsea Flower Show and in 1993 he had his picture in the Hello magazine with the Queen. When he retired he was able to play more golf, help out at the Alfred Corry museum. He also attended Here4u Dementia Group which he loved. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. All enquiries to Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service, The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, IP14 1EZ Tel: 01449 771666. Donations, if desired, for St Elizabeth Hospice, Marie Curie, Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum and/or Mouth and Foot Painting Artists can be made payable to 'Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service' and sent to the above address.

Jim has been best friend since we ended Fram acting in MSND - he as the "Other Fairy" as he loved to quote for years later Working for agriculture, I would follow him around the country with his fuschia stalls at agric and flower shows and sometimes have enormous fun at the last night exhibitors dinners . In the height of his career, Jim was attending 35 shows a year slugging his stand equipment hither and thither and presenting special species to royalty I owe Jim a very personal debt - he recommended me as a Governor to General Sir Pat in 1991 and hence I paid back a bit to the College with 12 fascinating years under two other chairmen. Especial fun was had sharing a room at Tannington Hall after governor retirement dinners! It has been 72 years of a great friendship. James RB