Bench plaque in memory of Rambo

Geoffrey Clover

Oldhamers have raised money to put a memorial plaque on the favourite bench of one of the town’s best-known characters.

Geoffrey Clover (71) - nicknamed Rambo - was found dead in his bungalow on Lynmouth Avenue, Hathershaw, on April 1. Oldhamers took to social media in their thousands to pay tribute to the man who used to wander around the town in his trademark green coat.

A Facebook page, The Rambo Appreciation Society, was flooded with tributes, so Chloe Williamson and Daryl Isaacs decided to set up a fund in his memory which currently stands at £650.

A plaque will be fixed to Geoffrey’s favourite bench on Huddersfield Road. Money left over will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Daryl said: “The plaque will be on the bench we all used to see him sitting on at the bottom of Huddersfield Road, near Cross Street. Seeing the number of people who paid their respects was a really nice touch.”

Chloe and Daryl have also come up with another way to remember Rambo, whose funeral is tomorrow at Roundthorn Salvation Army (2pm), befoe committal at Oldham Crematorium, Hollinwood.

At 12.45pm, Chloe and Daryl will meet at Geoffrey’s bench, wearing string round their waist and carrying “bags for life”, just like Geoffrey., before walking to the service.

“We couldn’t think of any better way to remember him and are inviting others to join us,” Daryl added.

There will also be a memorial plaque at the Tudor Cafe in Huddersfield Road, which Geoffrey has been visiting since 2005.