DURING the last 20 months I and many others befriended Buzz, the rough sleeper who made Crediton War Memorial his home, and provided him with food, hot drinks and clothing.

Personally I always enjoyed the conversations we had. He is an amusing and engaging gentleman. 

He chose not to share with me why and how he came to live on the streets but told me that he had lived like this for more than 20 years.

He was always polite, would always ask how I was, would remember snippets of information I had told him about my life and would ask how my football team, Liverpool, had got on in the latest match. He would enquire about recent trips back to Liverpool to see my family.

Over the last weeks I have become increasingly concerned because I have not been able to locate him.

I telephoned the Homeless Team, based at St Petrock’s in Exeter, the hospital and then the police.

The police were able to tell me that he is fit and well and has moved on.

I know that his presence in Crediton and specifically that he made Crediton War Memorial his home proved a great challenge for many and I very much respect this view.

I would like to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all those who were able to be generous in spirit to Buzz and provide him with food, drinks, clothing, conversation and interaction.

Well done Crediton, you did a good job.

Karen White

Church Street

Crediton