Colin was a Coach and Player at our club, and the photograph shows Colin who was coaching the Ladies 1's in the early 1980s, together with Angela Bowler (Mum of our Chair EG and Umpire) and Alison Holton (one of the founding players of the Ladies 5's).

Simon Miall has kindly provided us with some insight into Colin the player.

"His conviction for doing what he believed was “right” for the Club led to the occasional disagreement amongst the management of both hockey and cricket sections. Never personal, and usually concluded happily, at the bar.

He was very intelligent and knowledgeable with a strong mathematical background, a feature that became frustrating for the Merlin's. Typically we would arrive at the clubhouse early for our game on the hallowed turf and some would enjoy two or three pints whilst completing the Telegraph crossword. Colin would turn up shortly before pushback, grab a whiskey and ask which clues we were struggling with. Then he would then give us hints for the unsolved answers, which would wind us up at which point someone in the group would say, “oh sod it, (or worse) Let’s go out and win this game” and off we’d go . . . ."

Colin was also part of the U18's Krimpen Easter Tour - Again Simon has provided us with some insight into his passion for this tournament.

"One year Colin managed to get former MP/Prime Minister Theresa May to the Club to open the tournament from the steps outside the River Room. Everyone was assembled outside, 4 clubs x 2 teams, coaches, helpers, hosts and club members etc. Probably 200+ people. Colin introduced Theresa May, but being short in stature, some wag shouted "stand up Colin!” and the reply was, “I am!” However, when Theresa May was finally allowed to speak, at the start of her welcoming address she spoke fluently in Dutch for which there was huge applause around the ground. Happy days Colin!"

We want to extend our sincere condolences to Colin's family, friends and hockey family. His funeral will be held on Tuesday 21st January at Long Barrow Ceremonial Hall, Post Code - BH16 6AN.

Below is a link to the funeral directors website for further information and a link to be able to make donations to the families chosen charities in memory of Colin.

Please see the link below for full information - https://bit.ly/colinraine