Melvyn (Mel) Peter Dennis Godden, (7 Sept 1940 - 4 April 2024) aged 83 our former Chairman, has sadly passed away 

A tribute to Mel Godden

Mel was born in September 1940 and raised in Bishops Stortford.  He had a happy childhood, adored his parents and went to school with many of his cousins and remained friends with them into their vintage years, The family were not well off but they were happy and always had a holiday every year.  When Mel was five, his sister Judith was born and they spent many happy times discovering life together. Mel was 17, when his younger sister, Sheila, was born. 

Senior school was not something Mel enjoyed and he could be a rascal at times. On leaving school he started work at an insurance company, at age 15, as a post boy, but made steady progress.  Mel was 20, when the company recruited a 17-year-old shorthand typist by the name of Pauline. All the boys fancied her, but she chose Mel by tempting him with warm donuts every morning, hiding them in his top drawer. Love blossomed and they married on June 15, 1963 in SE London. (They celebrated their Diamond Wedding in 2023 and received a telegram from the King.) Their first home was rented in North London, but it wasn’t long before they were buying their own home in Rainham, Kent where they enjoyed the following 5 years.  Mel was thrilled to become a dad on the arrival of Julie in 1966 and followed by Pete in 1969; this completed his family.

Due to Mel’s progress within the insurance company, he was offered a relocation to Bristol. In 1976, now aged 36, the family moved and settled in Warmley. In Warmley, Mel found a love for chickens, gardening and growing vegetables that is until the horses from the adjoining field started to sample his produce. The family moved to Portishead after that!.

After many family holidays, and having raised their family together, they began to travel once the children had left home. Travelling was something both Mel and Pauline enjoyed. They travelled to 57 countries, embracing numerous cultures, seeing breathtaking sites and creating wonderful memories together.

He became Senior Claims Superintendent for the Southwest, a role he was good at, but also enjoyed. He was able to retire at the age of 60 after 45 years of service in the insurance industry.

Mel became a grandad with the arrival of Charlotte followed shortly after by Harry and then Sophie. Mel adored his grandchildren and they had a special place in his life. He was known by them as ‘Grandy’. He took great interest In everything they did and visited each of them at University.

Mel was very socially minded and had many friends and interests. He was a member of Baycon Butty club, Monday club, Portishead Probus club (formerly 73, joined in 2006 becoming Chairman in 2013), The Lions and Portishead in Bloom. He took on many roles including being Secretary. He was an avid Bristol City supporter, attending home games with his son Pete for over 20 years. 

Throughout his life Mel made many lifelong friends as he would talk with anyone, by being friendly and generous with his time.  After his cancer diagnosis, he was determined to remain active and independent for as longas possible, He was offered the use of a scooter and this helped him immensely to keep hisindependence. Throughout his illness, he was a fighter, he was brave, a little stubborn, very stoic but a total inspiration to others.

Mel will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.   JBS