We’ve received this very sad news regarding Arthur Brownscombe from David Norton at Rhondda Camera Club. Arthur was a forward thinking, fascinating and well respected member of both Rhondda and Gwynfa and will be missed by members of both clubs and by everyone else who knew him.
Sad news to report I’m afraid, one of our older members passed away last Wednesday. Arthur Brownescombe, aged 87, had been a member of RCC for a number of years. I visited Arthur regularly as he had no immediate relatives nearby and had been totally housebound for several years. Arthur was a
larger than life character who led a full life and would regale me with many a colourful story about his time in the furniture business & chemical companies. Arthur’s memory was fantastic and relived intricate details about how much things cost, when and where it was in fine detail. He was very talented and loved making intricate dolls’ houses and furniture to scale. His recent hobby which kept him occupied was scale models of steam engines (his Dad drove many famous locomotives in Britain).
In the summer Mark and I took Arthur for a day out to St. Fagans as I managed to coax him to venture out (see below), having not been out for many years. He enjoyed it so much we promised to take him out again, unfortunately time beat us…
Arthur’s photography was in my genre – whacky! He would put multiple images together and make collages, ahead of his time!
I’ll update you as to when the funeral is (to be confirmed, possibly week Friday at Pencoed Crematorium).
David Norton (Rhondda CC)
Update on the funeral arrangements for Arthur Brownescombe. The procession will leave Arthur’s house (111 Bute Street, Treherbert) at 12.15 pm on Friday, 24th October. Service at Llwydcoed Crematorium, Aberdare, at 12.45 pm. Donations to Salvation Army preferred please c/o Sue, Arthur’s step-daughter. Sue has asked if people would give advance notice of attendance at the wake which will be held at a pub close to the Crematorium, in order for her to gauge the amount of buffet provided (as you are probably aware Arthur had very few relatives so your presence would be welcomed).
Â
If you could let me know by return email please (by the 19th Oct latest), so I can pass approx. numbers onto Sue. davidnorton1953@gmail.com
It is with great sadness that I add this item to the website. As a fellow Gwynfa member I knew Arthur well and had many interesting conversations with him. He was a fascinating character and a terrific photographer. We’ll never forget the presentation he gave to Gwynfa Camera Club. (Leigh W).
