It is with great regret that we report the passing away of Steven Thoburn. Steve died 6am today, Sunday March 14th, 2004.

A short tribute has been made on BWMA's homepage: http://www.bwmaonline.com

Neil Herron, Steve's close friend and colleague, has issued the following statement, reproduced below.

+++

From Neil Herron:

"It is impossible at this moment to even find the words, any words which would come close to conveying the emotions we are all feeling. At 6am today, Steve Thoburn, the Sunderland Greengrocer, died of a massive heart attack at his home in Sunderland.

At this moment, it is difficult for us all to comprehend this enormous loss and everyone is numb and shell-shocked with total disbelief. It was an honour to have known and to stand shoulder to shoulder with such a hard-working and courageous, principled man who was absolutely devoted to his wife Leigh and three children, Rhys (13) Georgia (7) and Jay (2).

The past four years created a very special bond between us that goes beyond words and Steven symbolised the true British spirit of grit and determination and fought passionately for what he truly believed in, and was acutely aware of the responsibility that had, by fate, been bestowed upon him. Anyone who knew him knew that he was a true fighter, and a man with compassion and unswerving generosity and a spirit rarely seen these days.

The world was a richer place for Steven Thoburn and we can learn a great deal from the way he led his life and the example he set. A light went out today but the flame that is Steve Thoburn will continue to burn in all of us who care as deeply and passionately as he did. He will be sadly, sadly missed but will never ever be forgotten".

Very sorry to read the news.

My condolences to Steve's family and friends.

Steve Thoburn - An Englishman who stood for what was right - at cost to himself.

Steve, thanks for your inspirational stand, you'll be a sad loss for so many of us.

Sincere condolences to your lovely wife Leigh and your children. They will wish to know that to tens of thousands of us, you are a hero, and you were - and perhaps really are - a 'metric martyr'.

I'll post a few more thoughts later on the amazing event at your stall in the spring of 2000, outside the Sunderland bingo hall, where the forces of darkness crashed into your world.

I think Active Resistance to Metrication may well want to mark your departure with a special action

Yes, this is rather shocking and certainly not pleasant news, but I would hope everybody could take this opportunity to not politicise the man (if that makes sense). I mean, to profit from his death, to go on about him as a hero etc seems a little over the top, if you ask me.

you used that man and should be disgusted. I hope his wife and children come after you and expose the lot of you for what you are and what you put than man through in the guise of making him your "martyr". Hang your heads in shame. You are truly SICK!

I share in the sadness expressed for Steven and his family. It is indeed a shock to hear this.

He was a very young man to die of a heart attack. Clearly he suffered a condition that presented a risk, perhaps it was known to him.

I am dismayed to hear suggestions that he died for his convictions over the cause relating to his metric martyrdom.

This is not as flattering as it might sound and indeed could be insulting to his family. Steven chose a path in life the he felt was right and was prepared to stand up for it. Fine, let that be a tribute to him.

But that doesn't mean he knowingly risked his life for it. He did have a wife and family of three children to consider.

I hope people on this forum understand my point.

I share in the sadness expressed for Steven and his family. It is indeed a shock to hear this.

He was a very young man to die of a heart attack. Clearly he suffered a condition that presented a risk, perhaps it was known to him.

I am dismayed to hear suggestions that he died for his convictions over the cause relating to his metric martyrdom.

This is not as flattering as it might sound and indeed could be insulting to his family. Steven chose a path in life the he felt was right and was prepared to stand up for it. Fine, let that be a tribute to him.

But that doesn't mean he knowingly risked his life for it. He did have a wife and family of three children to consider.

I hope people on this forum understand my point.

Let me just say, I feel sorry for any man, who dies at at that young age. My sincere condolences to his family.

I am very sorry to hear this news and I pray for him and his family.
I propose that at 6 PM GMT on Tuesday, we all stop whatever we happen to be doing at the moment and say a prayer for him. The power of group prayer is truly amazing.

I condole with Steven Thoburn's family on this grievous loss.

Bud, not sure if you are being serious or not there, but I do not beleive in God (so I won't be joining your prayer) :)

Maybe group prayer is not as common in Britain as it is here.
If you don't want to join, that's fine.
Whoever wants to, can.

This news report is up on the BBC website this morning (15 March):

______________________________________________
Metric martyr market trader dies

Steve Thoburn made headlines around the world over his campaign.

The north east greengrocer hailed the Metric Martyr after being prosecuted for selling fruit and vegetables by the pound, has died suddenly aged 39.
Steve Thoburn, a Sunderland market trader, was convicted for selling goods only in imperial measures in 2001.

The group's appeals against conviction were rejected all the way up to the House of Lords and this February, by the European Court of Human Rights.

Fellow campaigner Neil Herron told the BBC Mr Thoburn died at home on Sunday.

Mr Herron said: "This man had the courage to stand up and be counted and it was a pleasure to know him.

"He was an ordinary person's hero - an extraordinary ordinary person."

Legal battle

Mr Thoburn became famous after his scales were seized from his market stall by Trading Standards officers who caught him selling bananas by the pound.

It triggered a legal battle in which he was joined by four other traders - from London, Cornwall and Surrey - to fight European regulations requiring food traders to sell produce in metric measurements.

Their legal battle was funded through the Metric Martyr Defence Fund, raised from donations by the public.

The British Weights and Measures Association (BWMA), which campaigns against compulsory metric conversion, also paid tribute to Mr Thoburn and said their continued fight was dedicated to his memory.

It said in a statement: "Steve Thoburn is indeed a martyr - he should be regarded as a national hero.

"For his sake, we must succeed. It is damnable that he dies a criminal owing to these totalitarian regulations.

"We will ensure that his brave fight for our much loved traditions will endure after his passing."

_____
ENDS

I was shocked to hear the news yesterday - I also came to this board to read this thread when there were no responses (ie BWMA had only just put the post here).
I did not wish to make a post at the time as it was too "raw" so to speak.

I returned an email to Neil Herron - simply saying what a great loss this was.

I shuddered to hear the reason - as I was diagnosed with hereditory blood pressure many years ago. With absolutely no symptoms at all I was soon put on blood pressure pills. Blood pressure is a silent killer - and I think this information should be made more publicised than it really is. Probably none of us know the full reasons for Steve's problem (as they are private) but I hope that the stress involved in recent issues did not play a part in this incident as it would make for a rather horrible set of reasons etc.

To all that post here - have your blood pressure checked. Its easy and painless and could save your life.

It was my birthday this weekend, and you can probably imagine that this news became a depressing full stop to what started as a great weekend.

A huge loss and my feelings go to his family - his wife and kids.

It's a shame to see ghouls jump on this awful event (in the shape of the cowardly 'anonymous'). Unfortunately the tone of that post is fairly recognisable to someone who posted here many many months ago and appears to have revisited on the back of this terrible news.

Putting aside all my views on metrication, I would like to express my shock and sadness for a man who fought for what he really believed in. I am sure that all posters on here are united in sending our condolences to his family. RIP Steve.

Bud, this is perhaps a bit off topic, but in Britain "group prayer" is usually considered a 'nauseating American thing'... even by people who do not dislike Americans :) In other words, we are a Godless bunch in the UK.

Posted without comment, this is Canada News' (CNews) 'take' on the death of Steve Thoburn:

______________________________________________________

Infamous British greengrocer who refused to sell produce in metric dies

LONDON (AP) - Steve Thoburn, a fruit and vegetable trader who was nicknamed the "Metric Martyr" after he was prosecuted for selling his wares in pounds and ounces, has died, a fellow campaigner said Monday.

Campaigner Neil Herron said Thoburn, 39, died at his home in Sunderland in northeast England on Sunday of a suspected heart attack after suffering chest pains.

Thoburn became a household name after his scales were seized from his market stall in 2001 by Trading Standards officers who caught him selling bananas exclusively by the pound.

European Union rules that were adopted by the British Parliament allow fruit and vegetables to be labelled in both metric and imperial measures, but require that the produce be sold in grams and kilograms only.

Thoburn was found guilty of breaching the Weights and Measures Act and given a conditional six-month discharge.

The finding triggered a legal battle in which Thoburn was joined by four other British traders.

Their appeals against the conviction - supported by the civil-rights group Liberty - were rejected by House of Lords, Britain's highest court, and, in February, by the European Court of Human Rights.

The greengrocers' two-year legal tussle won much support among the British public, particularly the older generation still largely unfamiliar with the metric system.

"He was an extraordinary man. He was one of us and symbolized who we are," said Herron.

"If you mention Steven Thoburn people around the world will know who he is and that's no small thing for a man from Sunderland who was simply going about the job he loved," he added.

The British Weights and Measures Association said that Thoburn should be regarded as a national hero.

"(Our) campaign to repeal compulsory metrication is now dedicated to his memory," the association said in a statement. "For his sake, we must succeed. It is damnable that he dies a criminal owing to these totalitarian regulations."

Thoburn is survived by his wife Leigh, 30, and three children - Rhys, 13, Georgia, 7, and two-year-old Jay.

Details of funeral arrangements were not released by the family.

From today's 'Guardian':
_______________________________________________________
Metric martyr dies

Alexis Akwagyiram
Monday March 15, 2004
The Guardian

A greengrocer whose stubborn refusal to abandon imperial weights and measures led to him being dubbed a Metric Martyr has died from a suspected heart attack at the age of 39.

Steven Thoburn waged a three-year legal battle after being prosecuted for selling in pounds and ounces on his market stall, not metric units as required by an EU directive. The dispute, which was taken to the House of Lords, stemmed from the sale of a bunch of bananas worth 34p.

Mr Thoburn, of Roker, Sunderland, was prosecuted by Sunderland city council for breaching the Weights and Measures Act.

His imperial scales were confiscated and he was given a six-month conditional discharge in 2001.

Despite widespread public support, he failed to get the conviction overturned in the high court and the Lords.

Mr Thoburn, who leaves a wife and three children, is understood to have collapsed and died at his home yesterday morning after complaining of chest pains.

The United Kingdom Independence Party M.E.P. Jeffrey Titford, who was Party Leader at the time Steve Thoburn's scales were seized, has today posted this obituary on tne national website of the U.K.I.P.:

_______________________________________________________

It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Steve Thoburn, the Sunderland market trader who was known to us all as the first and most famous of the Metric Martyrs.

Steve was a very modest man who never sought publicity and was only ever interested in righting a wrong. He believed it was wrong that Trading Standards officials in Sunderland should seek to prevent him from selling bananas in pounds and ounces to customers that were asking for them in precisely those weights and measures. He did not seek to become a figurehead for a major protest against bureaucratic fascism but was simply trying to right a wrong.

He will always have a special place in the hearts of those of us working from the regional office in Chelmsford because it was from there that the Metric Martyrs' campaign originally began. We commissioned the first legal opinion that led to the decision that the case should be fought. The case went through every court in the land and was ultimately taken to the European Court of Human Rights, which announced its refusal to hear the case, just a few short weeks before Steve’s death.

At each stage, Steve could have taken the easy way out and let the matter be but with characteristic courage, he refused to accept that a wrong could ever be right and fought on. It is because of him and his fellow Metric Martyrs that we finally had it officially confirmed that European Law takes precedence over British Law, a situation that cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely.

I met Steve many times and we should all remember him for the dignified and courageous man that he was and for the wonderful example he set us. Our deepest sympathies must now be with his wife Leigh and their three young children, who have lost a loving husband and devoted father so suddenly and at the tragically young age of just 39.

The view from EUobserver.com

_______________________________________________________
Metric martyr dies

[PHOTO}
Steve Thoburn (right) and Neil Herron awarded EU Campaigners of the Year in 2001 (Photo: EUobserver.com)

Steve Thoburn, the British greengrocer who became famous when he refused to sell his goods in metric measurements, has died suddenly, at the age of 39.

Mr Thoburn collapsed and died at his home Sunday morning (14 March) after complaining of chest pains.

Mr Thoburn became engaged in the Metric fight in 2000, when he was fined for selling a bunch of bananas in pounds and ounces from his market stall.

Refused to pay the fines

The 1985 Weights and Measures Act allowed goods to be sold in either metric or imperial measurements but compulsory metrication was later introduced by the British Government without the consent of Parliament - to implement a European Union Directive.

On 1 January 2000, it became a criminal offence in the EU to sell anything in imperial measures.

The five Metric Martyrs - Steven Thoburn, John Dove, Peter Colins, Julian Harman and Colin Hunt - each received a criminal conviction for not converting to metric measurements.

However, they refused to pay the fines as they felt they were not obliged to follow legislation not debated in the UK Parliament.

The battle has gone on for three years at the Courts with the European Court of Human Rights declaring the case inadmissible only a few weeks ago. The Strasbourg judges said they had not found any appearance of a violation of rights in the case.

A tomato or a small hippopotamus?

Mr Thoburn leaves a wife and three children.

He had in the past pointed out that the UK has still not gone metric since Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that his son Leo weighed 6lb 12oz and Chancellor Gordon Brown announced that his son John weighed 7lb 2oz at birth.

When Steven and Leigh Thoburn announced their son's weight as 3796 grammes "no one knew whether he was the size of a tomato or a small hippopotamus", claimed Mr Thoburn.

Mr Thoburn and the Metric Martyrs were awarded EU Campaigners of the Year in 2001 by the Brussels-based weekly newspaper, the European Voice.

How news of Steve Thoburn's death was reported today by the United Kingdom's most popular daily newspaper, 'The Sun':

_______________________________________________________
Metric martyr dies at 39


[PHOTO: The Sun says: FREE THE SUNDERLAND SCALES]

Campaigning ... Steven

METRIC Martyr Steven Thoburn, who was prosecuted for selling fruit and veg in pounds and ounces, died of a heart attack yesterday.

Last night friends paid tribute to the 39-year-old market trader — who was still defiantly selling his goods in imperial measures until the end.

Pal Neil Herron said: “Steven was a courageous and principled man. “We are all absolutely shell-shocked by this.”

Dad-of-three Steven won the support of the country when he had his scales confiscated by trading standards officers in Sunderland four years ago. They told him EU rules meant he had to sell his veg by the kilo.

Steven refused to comply and took his case all the way to the European Court of Human Rights, backed by The Sun.

Today's 'Daily Telegraph' says:

_______________________________________________________
'Metric Martyr' dies at 38

A greengrocer who became the first market trader to be convicted for refusing to sell goods in metric measurements died yesterday. Steve Thoburn, 38, known as a "Metric Martyr", defied European law by continuing to sell fruit and vegetables from his stall in Sunderland by pounds and ounces.

He lost a High Court appeal in 2002 to overturn his conviction for using imperial scales. The father-of-three died after a suspected heart attack at his home. A family friend said last night: "Everyone who knew Steven is deeply upset by his sudden death. He was a very principled person and a fantastic dad and family man."

25 February 2004: Europe rebuffs metric martyrs
19 February 2002: Metric martyrs lose their fight

The report from just-food.com:

_______________________________________________________
UK: Metric Martyr dies suddenly at home
15 Mar 2004
Source: just-food.com


Steve Thoburn, the UK greengrocer who became known as the Metric Martyr when he refused to stop selling his produce only in imperial measures, has died suddenly aged 39.

Thoburn was convicted in 2001, and he joined up with several traders to appeal against his conviction through various courts and up to the House of Lords and eventually, the European Union Court of Human Rights.

European Union rules that were adopted by the UK parliament allow fruit and vegetables to be labelled in both metric and imperial measures, but require that the produce be sold in grams and kilograms only. Thoburn’s scales were famously confiscated by an inspector who caught him selling bananas by the pound instead of the kilogram.

This is how the report on Femail.UK began:

[PHOTO: Steve Thoburn selling bananas]

Tragic: trader Steve Thoburn on his stall

-------------------------------------------------------

Metric martyr dies at 39

15th March 2004

A fruit and veg trader who fought a three-year legal battle after being prosecuted for selling in pounds and ounces has died at his home from a suspected heart attack at the age of 39.

Trader Steven Thoburn, dubbed a Metric Martyr because of his stance on imperial weights and measures, is understood to have collapsed and died without warning at his Sunderland home early yesterday...

_______________________________________________________

THERE ARE DOZENS OF OTHER REPORTS ON THE 'NET' FROM AROUND THE WORLD ABOUT THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF STEVE THOBURN, MANY FROM THE UNITED STATES. THE LAST FEW REPORTS ARE BUT A SMALL SELECTION

T.B.

<<<In other words, we are a Godless bunch in the UK.>>>

Bryan - I suggest you check out the most recent consensus results to see why that is clearly not the case.

Dear BWMA,

Could please clarify what the "Cross of St. George" is and who awarded it?

Copied below is the formal announcement by the Metric Martyr Defence Fund:

+++++

Steven Thoburn Metric Martyr 1964 - 2004

It is with great sadness that we must report the tragic, sudden death of Steven Thoburn, the nation's most famous greengrocer, at the age of 39.

Steven, known affectionately as the Metric Martyr, became the people's champion for his courage in standing up for his customers' right to buy their fruit and vegetables in imperial measures. He was, however, when asked, the first to point out that he was not anti-metric, he just wished his customers to have the freedom to choose, and he provided scales and pricing accordingly.

However, he became the first person to be charged and prosecuted under the Metrication Regulations for 'selling a pound of bananas.' What was exposed in the court case that followed and subsequent appeals highlighted the fact that laws made by Brussels now had supremacy over British law, but Steve was determined to fight to clear his name. The case was rejected by the European Court of Human Rights a few weeks ago, but Steve vowed to continue the fight declaring, "we may not beat the Government but we will win in the court of the people."

His relentless battle became a symbol for upholding the British way of life.

Steve Thoburn never wished to become a hero but his courage and principled stand made headlines around the world. He called on Neil Herron, a Sunderland fishmonger and friend, to help following seizures of three sets of scales by Police Officers and Trading Standards Officers at his Southwick stall in July 2000. Together, their stand created the 'Metric Martyrs,' which has become the most powerful people's campaigning organisation in modern British history,
the two of them winning the European Campaigners of the Year Award in 2002, and Steve being voted Man of the Year in an ITV poll as well as being awarded the Cross of St. George for his patriotic stand.

Steve owned three fruit and veg shops across the city and usually began his day at 3am when he would make his way to the wholesale market to buy produce for his and his two brother's businesses. A hectic day followed and Steve was always at the heart of the business as he 'loved the frisk' with the customers. The cheek and mischievous, sharp wit meant that he was loved by everyone and he was generous to a fault. The salesmen at the wholesale market would say he was the most ruthless buyer, but the savings were always passed on to customers. He would be the first to give to charity and local groups and would refuse no-one.

On Sunday he should have been enjoying a rare day at home, but woke at 5am feeling unwell, and complained to Leigh that he had chest pains. He got up and went downstairs, but said, "Leigh, I am going." and collapsed. His brother Kevin and Leigh were with him and the ambulance arrived in minutes but all attempts to revive him failed and he died in Leigh's arms.

He was due to celebrate his 40th birthday on the 26th March and family and friends had organised a surprise party. Steve and Leigh had two children, Georgia and Jay (2) and another son Rhys (13) from a previous relationship. Steve had arranged a special birthday treat that Sunday for Georgia who was seven the previous day, and the trip in the stretch limousine went ahead,

" because my Daddy made it special for me."

Steve's wife, Leigh, is being comforted by family including her mother, Hilda, step father Ian and Steven's brothers, Kevin and Eddie, sister Lillian and many other family members, staff and friends who are all rallying to keep Steven's business together.

Neil Herron added, " We are all devastated. Steve was a man who lived for his family and was devoted to Leigh and the children. He was a man of principles who took everything in his stride. Everyone who knew Steve loved him. There was nothing hidden. What you saw was what you got. He was one of us. Even journalists and people who met him through the campaign became personal friends. He was an extraordinary 'ordinary' man the like of whom are very rare."

Tributes are flooding in from across the city, around the country and around the world from politicians, journalists, celebrities and members of the public.

Tributes, messages and cards can be sent:

c/o Steven Thoburn (Metric Martyr) Defence Fund
48 Frederick Street
Sunderland SR1 1NF

Steve, when asked my religious persuasion, I would reply Anglican. Why? Because I was baptised such, as well as belieiving in much of the good of the bible. I just do not beleive in God.


In any case, whilst most people in this country no doubt have some sense of some kind of god of some kind of description, my post was slightly tongue in cheek- many observers, historically, from Europe, have stated upon arriving here how Godless we are. I think you will admit to my point thta candle-lit vigils, group prayers, polticians thanking god etc is thoroughly un-British, and often makes most Britons feel rather ill (and offeneded). I know it does me: it is the worst part of america... but Ishall not go down this tangent :D

May I express my condolences on the death of Steven Thoburn. It is indeed shocking when anyone, let alone a husband and father, dies at such a young age.

His loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply, not only by his family, but by everyone in the anti-metric campaign. I trust it isn't callous to hope that
the many news reports of his death will serve as a reminder to the public of the metric issue and of the perfidy of the Government.

Sincerely,
Freya Godard
Toronto, Canada

+++

Terrible news about Steve Thoburn. Hounded to death by an incipient police state for selling a pound of bananas in my view. A man of courage and principle. I'm sure he would want others to continue his good work.

Regards - Stuart Delvin

+++

Please pass on our sympathies to Steve's Family. We will fight on in
his
memory.

Malcolm and Pat Porter

+++

That is a great shame, please extend my sympathies to his family.

Simon Howlett
Portugal

+++

Please pass on our sadness to Steves family, and let them know that indeed the flame he carried with him,is and shall be an inspiration to us all who are working for the cause he contributed SO MUCH too. With all our sympathys

Ferne Abbott and Bill

Report on Steven Thoburn's burial:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/3555145.stm

Local newspaper report:
http://www.sunderlandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1107&ArticleID=761167

'HE WAS LOVED BY SO MANY'


MOURNERS overflowed from a city church today, as Sunderland said farewell to one of its most famous sons - Metric Martyr Steven Thoburn.

Led by wife Leigh, hundreds of family, friends and well-wishers filled St Benet's Church, Monkwearmouth, to pay their respects to the father-of-three who died at the age of 39.

The church was so busy that several mourners had to stand on the steps outside to pay their respects.

The procession was led by a flower-bedecked horse-drawn hearse and pall-bearers included Mr Thoburn's brother Kevin and fellow Metric Martyrs campaigner Neil Herron.

The congregation heard how Mr Thoburn - whose objections to the metric system rocketed him to international attention - died in the arms of the wife he had adored.

Father Charles Corrigan told the mourners: "His wife and family were the most precious and important people in his life - he gave them the love he had received from his dad.

"Leigh shared so much with him and has been left devastated by his death."

Mr Thoburn, who is understood to have died from a massive heart attack, unwittingly found himself thrust into the limelight when he sold a pound of bananas to a Sunderland Council trading standards officer from his Southwick market stall.

But, despite his status, those gathered together today remembered a grass-roots man of great honour and humour.

Fr Corrigan said: "He loved his work and was genuinely interested in his customers and this guided the way he led his life.

"People knew Steven in many different ways, but to all who met him there was a genuineness that was very attractive."

Always happy, always cheery, his willingness to take time out for a chat or to share a joke won him the loyalty of customers from across the city.

But it was to Mr Thoburn's loving family that Fr Corrigan addressed his final words.

"He died in the arms of Leigh, the one he had so loved," he said.

"She and the family have to bear the great sorrow of his death - it is hard to offer words of consolation.

"We hope that the presence of so many of his friends here will bring them some small comfort at knowing how much he was loved."



22 March 2004

I express the sincere hope that Mrs Thoburn and her children receive the practical as well as moral support that they are going to need.

Public accolade may be helpful in the short term, but please don't forget that a longer term sustained period of comfort and help at an ordinary practical everyday level will be far more important to Steve's family.