OBITUARIES
GRAHAM WALLIN NOVEMBER 1938 TO OCTOBER 2024 by Bob Ellis I first met Graham on the well‐kept lawns at Ramsgate C.C. some 20 years ago while being introduced to the sport at an open evening. I noticed Graham on an adjacent lawn as he stood out simply because of his enthusiasm and energy for the game and, after a few visits to the club, I decided to join. During my first months as a member I discovered that my next goal was to become as good a player as Graham due to his time spent in conveying his love of the game towards all players both established and new. I later found where these commendable traits originated. Graham joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 15 when he joined the MN training vessel, HMS Conway moored in the Menai Strait, Anglesey. He progressed to become a Master Mariner and served as Captain/Pilot on hovercraft and SeaCats on the cross‐channel routes out of Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate, and Dover. He also obtained a CAA pilot’s licence and spent his middle career flying cargo planes, mainly in Africa. Graham was the first, and possibly the only person, to have a Foreign Going Master Mariner Certificate (meaning he could Captain any boat/ship in the world) and an Air Transport Pilot Licence. As an airline pilot, he was involved in at least one troop lift from Aden during the conflict in 1967. Graham met Margaret in Jersey, where his parents lived, and the pair were married in December 1965 at the island’s Trinity Parish Church. They moved to Ramsgate in 1975, when Graham started his career with Hoverlloyd; he soon progressed to Captain, a role he held for 20 years. After retirement, Graham began volunteering as a driver, taking people to hospital, and became a member of
Graham on the Hovercraft flight deck at Pegwell Bay
Winning the Southern Challenge‐ Graham [wearing hat] with 3 of Ramsgate (former) juniors who all went on to represent England at GC – Tobi Savage, James Goodbun and David Dray.
Ramsgate Croquet Club. He soon became involved in inter‐ club and CA competitions and also became a GC referee. Ramsgate have always enjoyed team involvement in country‐ wide competitions, so along with our team of James Goodbun, Tobi Savage, David Dray, Captain Graham and myself, we succeeded and failed but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, although one year we did win the Southern Challenge at Sussex CC. The pinnacle for Graham was his appointment to referee at the World Championship some years ago at the Hurlingham Club. Graham won many trophies at inter‐county, club level, etc, along the way, but the list of good friends and acquaintances far outweigh all his trophies. He and Margaret bought a holiday home in South Africa where, for many years, they would spend January and February each year. Graham became a member in Fish Hoek croquet club in Cape Town and played in many tournaments in SA. Graham is survived by his wife Margaret, his older sister, sons David and Fraser, grandson Jake and wider family.
RIP BARBARA YOUNG by Roy Spencer Long‐standing member of Bury Croquet Club, Barbara Young died on 6th November 2024 following a long‐term illness. Barbara joined the club in its very early days, an extremely keen and determined AC player, well‐ known throughout the North West Federation. She took part in many tournaments around the country and abroad, and particularly enjoyed visiting Nottingham CC.
A popular, well‐liked and respected member, she played a very active part in the running of Bury CC holding a number of committee positions including Chairman, and always encouraged and advised players. In 2023 she was appointed as an Honorary Vice‐President of the club in recognition of her work, involvement and dedication. Despite difficulties brought on by her illness she was determined to keep playing croquet, often in pain, whenever she possibly could, and amazed members only recently when after a period in hospital she turned up at the club to play! She would say "It's alright, my mallet knows what to do"!
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