Privilege to know Phil

Published: 26 February 2010

• IT IS with great sadness that I read that Phil Poole, the wood carver and poet, passed away on February 1.
He was 65, just a month or two older than I am. I first met Phil in 1973. This was in Archway, where several streets had been designated by Camden Council for redevelopment which, in the end, never happened due to lack of funds.
This resulted in several empty houses being squatted. Phil was then one such squatter in Hargrave Park and I another in Balmore Street. Phil’s place was a sort of open house every day for artists and musicians. This is the kind of man he was.
I last met Phil in 1981 when he had progressed to a council flat in Grosvenor Avenue, near Canonbury station. I had remained homeless and Phil was kind enough to put me up for a few weeks. My life was considerably enriched by having known Phil. I am sure this is the same for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
HARRY G MOSS
Manor Road, N16