First warden of Wensum Lodge, Ken Davis, dies aged 89

Ken Davis was born to Arthur and Ivy Davis in Portsmouth on March 11, 1933.

After living through the Second World War he would soon meet his wife-to-be, Brenda, while in their late teens.

Brenda, now 86, recalled: "I was part of a girls' social group and we decided to have an event one day and we wanted to invite some boys.

"I found Ken at a local park [in Enfield] with another group of boys.

"I think Ken thought I was just inviting him when actually we needed all of the boys to come along - but we ended up becoming a couple.

"We got married at St James' Church in Portfield when I was 19 and Ken was 22.

"We complemented each other wonderfully."

In 1963 the pair moved to King's Lynn where Ken became the district youth officer, but when the positions of warden and assistant of Wensum Lodge in Norwich were offered to Ken and Brenda they eagerly accepted - moving there in 1965.

Brenda added: "Wensum Lodge developed and grew hugely over the 28 years that Ken was warden.

"One of the main buildings on the site was the 12th century old Music House, one of the oldest dwellings in Norwich and the country.

"Gradually over the years Ken oversaw the development of the old brewery buildings.

"The buildings around the site became art and pottery studios, several different workshops and even a rifle range in a disused basement area."

Ken and Brenda worked tirelessly to ensure that as many people as possible could access the facilities the King Street site offered while their family grew, having two daughters, Rachel and Barley, and son Jason.

Brenda added: "He thoroughly enjoyed being a dad helping them with anything he could."

The range of subjects offered expanded and soon the lodge became the first study centre for the Open University.

Brenda said: "It was Ken's foresight, drive, and ability to get people to work together which led to the recognition of Wensum Lodge becoming one of the best adult education centres in the county."

During his working life, Ken had pursued his own personal desire for education, acquiring both a diploma in Adult Education from Nottingham University and a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Ken also joined Norwich Rotary club, becoming an enthusiastic member before becoming president in 1990.

He also had a huge love of singing and his "wonderful baritone voice" meant he took part in many operatic shows with various choirs, both in Norwich and around the county.

When Ken retired from the lodge in 1993, he and Brenda moved to Watton where they enjoyed more time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

They were also able to enjoy their love of travel and explored many places around the world.

"During the holidays we would pack up our bags and go camping to lots of different locations.

"We went to France and Italy, and once drove all the way to Istanbul.

"Ken was always interested in ancient history and we had lots of wonderful travels together."

Ken suffered from prostate cancer and in his last year his mobility decreased, becoming increasingly sick. 

Ken died at home on October 31, two days after his and Brenda's 67th wedding anniversary.

In his last few days Ken was lovingly looked after by Brenda and his family, along with "much-appreciated support from local community nurses and care workers".

Brenda added: "Ken was my first and only love, my husband, my colleague at work and the rock for the family.

"We, and all his many friends, will miss him hugely."

Ken Davis' funeral will take place at Breckland Crematorium on Monday, November 21, at midday.

Donations can be sent, to support prostate cancer, to Eirlys Johnson Funeral Services, 87 High Street, Watton, IP25 6AW.