Born into a family running a small grocery business in Chelsea Road, Martin spent his formative years learning the trade, working for Caters on Bath High Street before joining his father to take over the Chelsea Road shop. The business thrived in the days of personal service but declined with the rise of supermarkets in the 1970s.

With his wife Sandy, Martin continued to offer that personal touch for many years, purchasing and delivering groceries for elderly customers unable to visit the supermarket. He also provided ingredients for players’ teas at Lansdown Cricket Club for countless seasons.

Sandy’s passing in January 2016 left a huge hole in Martin’s life, but he remained immensely proud of their three sons and three grandchildren.

A Life in Cricket

Martin’s cricketing journey began in the early 1960s at Lansdown, where he played in many teams over the years. He was remembered as a slim young lad and a fine all-rounder: a quick bowler, stylish batsman, and excellent wicketkeeper. He also featured in the Bath Buccaneers side, made up of Lansdown and Bath players.

An old teammate recalls:
“We played in a league of 20-over evening games. Martin had to close his shop at 6.00pm, pick up teammates, and then drive like a bat out of hell to reach the opposition’s ground by 6.30pm. My life flashed before my eyes, hoping we’d get there safely!”

His services to the club were recognised with Honorary Life Membership. Beyond cricket, Martin was a winter barman, organiser of the in-house skittle league, Walking Cricket enthusiast, and later a pétanque player. The club was his second home, and his practical support and passion for its success were unwavering. His love of sport extended to anything with a moving ball.

Friendship and Character

As an ale connoisseur, Martin cherished meeting friends at the club. With Graham and Julian, he was sometimes dubbed “Last of the Summer Wine”—though they preferred “The Three Wise Men.”

There were never harsh words; debate was always amicable. Tolerance, dignity, and patience were Martin’s trademarks—a true gentleman of old-school diplomacy.

Martin will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, friend, and social colleague, forever remembered as a devoted “Mr Lansdown.”

Funeral Service:
12:00 pm, Friday 20 February Haycombe Cemetery followed by the Wake being held at
Lansdown Cricket Club – fittingly with a cricketer’s tea.