Martin Holland was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in late January 2017, and only survived a few weeks subsequently.
Joining the club in 2009, Martin was an enthusiastic participant in club and league matches. In 2016 he was delighted to finally win the Rosamund Trophy after several years of reaching the finals. However he was not keen on playing in the winter preferring instead to go on cruises. An active committee member his communications skills co-editing the club newsletter were much appreciated.
On a bright but chilly afternoon several members of the club attend the service for Martin at The Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Friday 17th March. A simple religious ceremony without hymns or family eulogy echoed his nature as a private person. In the service a quiet period for reflection on Martin’s life was accompanied by a recording of “May it Be” from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack by Enya the Irish singer/songwriter, again echoing his love of music and the movies.
The Memorial Chapel seating was full with a large number of his previous work colleagues from Philips attending. Following the service many went to the Copthorne Hotel for afternoon tea at the kind invitation of his brothers and family. The sandwiches and cream scones with jam were perhaps a reflection of a typical croquet tea.
The 2017 season was not the same without him; we shall long miss him on the lawn with his sense of humour and quirky take on life.