RIP Mike Wren (AKA @ChirpyRed / Riviera)

PragueAddick · April 7

I am absolutely gutted to report the news I just received from my sister that Mike passed away today after a sudden heart attack.

Many of you will know that Mike established the brilliant Long Pond micropub in Eltham's Westmount Road, and in doing so breathed new life into that tired shopping street, and gave Eltham Park the community pub it had been denied all my lifetime.

My deepest condolences to his family -his son posts here sometimes. I don't know how old exactly Mike was, but definitely far too young to to be taken from them.

Algarveaddick · April 7

Awful news, RIP Mike.

Lincsaddick · April 7

I recall his posts from while ago .. R I P

Rylo · April 7

Just walked past The Long Pond and saw flowers laid outside. Very sad news. RIP Mike.

seth plum · April 7

RIP Mike.

Bangkokaddick · April 7

Very sad. RIP

LenGlover · April 7

Terrible news.

I saw a post from his son Nick a week or two back and asked after the Old Man. He said he was fine.

Such a shock for the family. My mother in law died in similar circumstances so I know something of how they must be feeling.

RIP Mike. Thoroughly enjoyed our banter over the years.

AFKABartram · April 7

Was gutted to hear this earlier. Mike posted regularly on here from the start in 2006 up to 2019 under first the Chirpy guise and then as Riviera (though everyone still knew him as Chirpy!)

He was a real character and loved a wind up on here (the one I always remember is his insistence we were an East London club).

When he first opened the Pond 11 years ago I went down to support him but it was obvious instantly he wouldn’t need support and it was going to prove a great success, which it has been.

He was one of the encouragers for me to start going Parkrun at Avery Hill regularly and I used to enjoy seeing him and our chats before the Covid break.

All our love goes to his son Nick who posts on here, Nick’s brother and his mum.

RIP Mike. They’ll be a lot of people that will be really upset by this.

Curb_It · April 7

This is horrible news. What a character he was - particularly on here!

RIP Mike. My condolences to all your family.

bobmunro · April 7

Awful news.

RIP Mike

AFKABartram · April 7

From the Long Pond page

This is a message on behalf of Nancy, Nick and Jack. Very sadly, Mike passed away this morning of a sudden heart attack. They have decided to open the pub this evening, from 5pm until 8pm, as they believe Mike would have wanted them to. Hope to see you there to raise a glass and remember Mike.

Thanks,

Steve and Kevin

The Red Robin · April 7

RIP

WSA · April 7

RIP Chirpy

Henry Irving · April 7

Very sad news.

RIP

DaveMehmet · April 7

Sad news, only went to The Long Pond a couple of times but it was clear he’d made a success of it.

RIP

Bedsaddick · April 7

He used to wind me up something chronic on here but wouldn’t wish that on him or his family .

RIP

superclive · April 7

top bloke Mike, got to know him as I live close to the pond and he was always very welcoming and particular kind in welcoming a very large group of my pals in there for an anniversary. He really began the transformation of westmount road shops and started a great community feel. Thoughts and prayers with Mike's family at this time.RIP

Covered End · April 7

RIP Mike.
I was his boss @1987.
Condolences to all the family.

JohnnyH2 · April 7

Was easily one of the best posters this site has ever had. Genuinely funny guy, whose views on a range of subjects especially Cricket were always worth reading

RIP