Megan Davies 1958-2025. Celebration 18th January 2026 at the Cock Tavern E8
Original drawing by Inga Bystram. Features Alex (High Cross, Tottenham) & myself
A London celebration of Megan’s life took place at the Cock Tavern, 315 Mare St, London E8 1EJ.
A substantial gathering of friends, family and Cock regulars to celebrate the life of Megan took place at the Cock Tavern on Sunday afternoon (and evening) 18th January. Friends from her University days, political and union comrades, and a range of people from the world of beer were all present to raise a glass to Megan’s memory.
Her partner of 30 years Keith Flett spoke briefly noting that the late Vic Allen, the historian of the National Union of Mineworkers, had remarked that such occasions were of course social ones, but they are also used to build networks and struggles for the times ahead. In the words of Joe Hill, which Megan certainly supported, don’t mourn, organise. Hazel Potter read the words of Michael Rosen which had also been read at the conclusion of Megan’s funeral on December 5th.
Thanks to Joel, manager at the Cock and friend of Megan and to Hazel and Ian for bringing the official Beard Liberation Front banner which was displayed in the bar. The banner had been unveiled at a Scotland v England cricket match in May 2014 when Megan, Hazel and Ian had also been present
Guardian Obituary 18th December 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/dec/18/megan-davies-obituary?CMP=share_btn_url
Earlier Guardian letter
While I agree that there is much to be done to improve end-of-life care (Editorial, 29 October; Letters, 2 November), in Megan’s case, she was able to stay at home and enjoy many of the things she liked until a final two-day stay in hospital, where she also received good care.
This was achieved by a combination of support from family, friends and her local GP, together with targeted assistance from hospice-based palliative care nurses.
It was not, of course, perfect and sometimes required chasing up treatment and medication, but that web of care seems to me an important matter, if, of course, it can be achieved with a stretched NHS and still austere Britain.
Keith Flett
Tottenham, London (letter in the Guardian)
Donations in Megan’s memory may be made to Medical Aid for Palestinians online. Thanks to those who have donated including from the Pop and Hops Pub Quiz on 18th December https://www.map.org.uk/?form=FUNFXHDCJPK
Many thanks to Megan’s sister Bronwen Davies for invaluable assistance and help
Fascism: I sometimes fear…
I sometimes fear that
people think that fascism arrives in fancy dress
worn by grotesques and monsters
as played out in endless re-runs of the Nazis.
Fascism arrives as your friend.
It will restore your honour,
make you feel proud,
protect your house,
give you a job,
clean up the neighbourhood,
remind you of how great you once were,
clear out the venal and the corrupt,
remove anything you feel is unlike you…
It doesn’t walk in saying,
“Our programme means militias, mass imprisonments, transportations, war and persecution.”
Michael Rosen
Kmflett's Blog 
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