The Mike Hammond

Mike was born in 1944 in Lavenham, Suffolk and was the youngest of 3 and although the family were fairly poor Mike loved the outdoor farm life taking part in many jobs including milking. He developed a great love of all things outdoor and the countryside which was to stay with him throughout his life Although Mike was born in Suffolk he was a fervent Norwich City football supporter..

Whilst still fairly young his Father took a job as a Herdsman in Battlesbridge and the family relocated there. Subsequently his Father got a job at the nearby Runwell Hospital and his Mother also worked there as a cleaner and the family moved into a Staff house. Mike began working there as well as a gardener to start his lifelong association with all things connected with the hospital.

He became an Assistant PT instructor at the hospital where Brenda was also working as an Occupational Therapist and they were married in 1967 and began married life in a Staff house and in July 1971 their son Steve was born.

Mike was a genuine all round sportsman excelling at all games, he played football for Runwell Hospital where he won the Essex Junior Cup and was also picked to play for Essex

He played cricket as well for the hospital but then joined Wickford Cricket Club where he was a regular player and was Club Captain for a number of years and was elected a Honorary member some years ago.

One of Mike’s tasks as a PT instructor was to ensure that all the patients took as much exercise and recreation as possible something very close to Mike’s heart and from this came the creation of Runwell Hospital Bowls club. Together with Jack Brown they set up the Bowls club in the hospital grounds and ensured that all the patients and staff quickly enjoyed these facilities .The original Bowls club was only 3 rinks but it was subsequently extended and moved to the current position.

Mike was the inaugural club Champion in 1969 and won it again in 1981 and 1984.

He continued to bowl regularly every year taking part in all the club competitions and in recognition of his long service to the club was elected to be the President in 2010.

During his time as President the club celebrated their 50th year by playing the Chelsea Pensioners Bowls club and Mike was instrumental in arranging a return visit the following year to the Royal Hospital and their wonderful facilities.

He also arranged for the Presidents versus Captains game to become a regular fixture followed by a BBQ.

During all this time Mike and Brenda were always available to help and support in whatever was needed to be done and always with a ready smile.

He was a first class ambassador for the Bowls club and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.