MEMBERS of the Crimean War Research Society were among the guests at a service of thankgiving for the life of Brian Abbott.

Mr Abbott, who was well known in the Sidcup area, died in Lewisham Hospital on August 11, aged 68.

Married with two children and a stepson, Mr Abbott had lived in Sidcup since 1966 and was a commercial vehicle sales manager.

But it was his many interests which made him so widely known.

They included cricket and collecting coins, stamps and military ephemera.

Mr Abbott was a member of many clubs and associations.

These included the Royal British Legion, the Sidcup Ex-Servicemen's Club, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich Historical Society, the Channel Islands Occupation Society and The Hollies Residents' Association.

The fact an ancestor, James Abbott, fought in the Crimea sparked another interest.

Mr Abbott eventually became publicity officer for the Crimean War Research Society and visited Crimean War battlefield sites in the Ukraine.

The service was held at Holy Trinity Church in Hurst Road, Sidcup.