David Kitchen, who died in March aged 77, worked tirelessly for South End Green Association which he helped to set up

• THANK you for the lovely tribute to my Dad, David Kitchen, in your January 3 edition (David, defender of the Green). Dad truly was the “defender of the Green” and my family are delighted that he was awarded the British Empire Medal for 50 years service to Hampstead.

However, the BEM is not awarded posthumously – you have to be alive to receive it. So Dad won’t be awarded it. But as a family we are chuffed that his work was recognised. It was a lovely surprise and if he was still with us I think he would raise a eyebrow.

MADDIE KITCHEN
Belsize Park Gardens, NW3