John Blundell, a founding member and former chairman of the St. Mary Cray Action Group (SMCAG), has had a road named after him in recognition of his contribution to life in the Cray’s.

The road, Blundell Close, is on a new housing development opposite the Croft Tearoom, in St. Mary Cray. The location for the new sign was chosen because the road is directly opposite where John used to live in Red Lion Close.

Sadly he is in poor health and was unable to comment on this achievement but his wife Jenny said: “Having a road named after my husband is fantastic and a great honour. When I told him he beamed.”

SMCAG and friends of the Blundell family came up with the novel idea and approached local councilors in 2013 to see if they could help.

Following the council elections in 2014, new Cray Valley East Ward Councillor, Chris Pierce, took up the baton along with John Love from SMCAG. And in November 2014 formal approval was given by Bromley Council.

Councillor Pierce said: “It has been an honour to be able to help John and the Blundell family and friends get the recognition he richly deserves.”

The Councillor confirmed that it is rare in Bromley borough for a road to be named after someone who is still living and just as rare to have an explanation on the sign as to why the name was chosen.

The explanation says: ‘In recognition of John Blundell, founder member and past Chairman of the St Mary Cray Action Group, and of the huge contribution he has made to the quality of life in the Cray’s.’

In addition to being in at the start of the SMCAG in the early 70s, John also took a keen interest in planning and environmental issues which affected the area he lived in. And in 1999 he wrote and published a book on the area called An Illustrated Guide to St Mary Cray.

His example has inspired others to become involved in the Cray community. One such visible example is The Croft Tearoom which operates as a community hub. And earlier this year a local publisher launched ‘Wandering through the Crays.’ Copies are available via the publisher’s website www.cray150publications.co.uk.

Now in its fifth decade, the SMCAG continues to meet at 7.30 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month (except August and December) in the Vernon Hall next to the Temple Church in St. Mary Cray. New members are always welcome.

Although John can no longer play an active part in the life of his beloved Cray’s, the Blundell Close road sign will ensure his contribution to the area will be read and remembered for many years to come.