The first time I heard of Chris was when a frisson of excitement went through officers at the London Borough of Enfield, in the late ‘90s.  The reason for the ‘frisson’ was because Councillor Chris Bond and Councillor Lyn Romain had become an ‘item’!  I worked in Legal Services at the time  and  worked closely with Lyn, a force not to be forgotten,  who had a particular interest in Hate Crime and Anti - Social behaviour.   For us officers, in a childish moment, it was a bit like your parents getting- it- together!  Lyn was sadly taken from us too early in -  late June 2010 – and myself and my partner Mike got to know Chris. 

Since then we’ve spent many happy times getting to know Chris chatting, talking local government, going to music events and enjoying the pure joy of good food on a night out. Chris was always fantastic company; a great raconteur with  an astonishingly broad interest in a vast array of issues.
Myself and Mike also enjoyed going to see live music with Chris and his friends: Joe, Pete, Gina, and others, and, my sister Caroline (who did not want to miss out on a good night out!).  One memorable time at the Southbank we saw an incomprehensible Nordic band.  It took only a moment when a nod of the head was given by Chris and we all retreated outside for a drink.  That was the nadir never repeated and we spent brilliant evenings seeing:
Show of Hands X 2;  the High King’s X 2; Cuban Musicians;  Martin Simpson X 3 ; the Atlantic Sessions; the Gypsy Kings; and Roseanne Cash.  The zenith being the Rolling Stones at the Olympic stadium.
I had also my personal relationship with Chris who I could talk to as if he was my best friend.  He understood and respected my feminist politics and I could talk to him on the level about anything.   He was never defensive. Such was the measure of the man he could tune in and understand people  in such a subtle and understated way.  

My favourite time with Chris was brunches at Malones or meeting in the Kings Head enjoying the simple pleasure of catching up and sharing experiences - he’d never cease to amaze me with his vast knowledge and care for others.
Chris was a decent man; he believed in fairness and justice, and, in his understated and diligent way, set out week in week out,  by doing what he could, to ensure that justice and fairness was delivered to the people of Enfield .  
I have lost a dear friend and a role model  and  truly believe that the people of Enfield have too.

Kate Priest

P.s. I have attached photos of Chris at Mike’s 70th birthday party in 2014.