Prankster Sir Henry Cooper still remembered by Bellingham's 'good people'

Almost as soon as they moved to their home in Farmstead Road, Bellingham, the Cooper boys were evacuated to Sussex, before eventually moving back in 1941.

The estate had been built in 1923 on land from Bellingham Farm and White House Farm - part of London County Council’s policy to ease overcrowding and clear slums. It was later extended south of Southend Lane to include more flats between 1936 and 1939.

As the war rumbled on, Henry’s father was called up and mum Lily had to work three jobs to keep the family going.

Meanwhile, the Cooper brothers attended Athelney Primary School, the place where Henry later recalled his first ever knockout, punching a boy called Bridges in the eye when he was attacked.

Former resident Joan Davis, 73, remembers the young Henry as a prankster, riding off on her new bicycle.

She said: “It was an ‘if you want it come and get it’ sort of thing. We were all laughing our heads off.”

Ms Davis said the fellow Athelney pupil said the Cooper boys started to box at the old Co-Op hall in Knapmill Road.

He would later attend the Bellingham boxing club at the British Legion hall - now converted into flats.

It’s been many years since the Coopers lived in Farmstead Road, but people there are well aware of its most famous resident.

All those News Shopper spoke to when thought a statue would be the most appropriate tribute.

Ms Davis said: “If we’re going to have a statue, let’s have a decent one and let’s have it right in the middle of Bellingham Green.”

Dad-of-four Muhammed Sadik, 40, said: “A statue would be lovely - somewhere along the street or on the green.

“He’s a good role model - I know my own kids look up to him.”

Boxing club backs our campaign

Coach Terry Palmer recently opened Palmer’s Boxing Academy in Franthorne Way, Bellingham.

The club is run on a not-for-profit basis for people of all ages and abilities.

Mr Palmer said: “We do need to get something like a statue for Sir Henry.”

He said: “The great thing about boxing in an area like this is it gives people a focus.

“Someone like Henry Cooper shows that Bellingham people are good people.”

Old friend remembers Our ‘Enry

Bernard Hart boxed alongside Cooper at Eltham and District Amateurs.

Mr Hart, who went on to found the Lonsdale clothing company, said: “We certainly all knew he was going to be very good because he was outstanding in our area. Everyone would flock to see him at Eltham Baths.”

The pair still saw each other at social functions down the years.

He said: “Henry was always good company - there was no bad to him. He was a genuinely nice guy, and you can’t say that about everyone in boxing.”

Mr Hart said he would be willing to help set up a fitting tribute, saying: “A sports centre needs to be named after him.

“There also needs to be an award once a year to the outstanding sports person from the area.”

Classic Cooper

Cooper’s first fight against Muhammad Ali had been a non-title bout but when the pair met again in Highbury on May 21 1966, it was the Brit’s only tilt at the world title.

By this time, Cooper was 32 and was judged to be at the peak of his powers having taken down four Americans in the previous year.

But the fight was stopped again, this time in round six, due to cuts he suffered on his face.

Though not quite the classic encounter of their previous meeting - Ali steered well clear of ‘Enry’s ‘Ammer this time - scorecards showed Cooper had been marginally ahead.

He later described it as “the disappointment of my life”.