I apologise for writing too much, when I have no right to. I picture Colin smartly dressed, striding along the pathway, towards the tennis club, tennis bag and racket over shoulder, with a wave and kind word to the many people he knew. He would have a welcoming smile, beaming from his generally tanned face, with a ‘hello chief’ when we met. It was always good to start the weekend meeting up with Colin and other members of our ‘Friday night tennis group’. Like the rest of us, he enjoyed a drink and chat before (coffee) and after the game (larger). As well as his obligatory post-match sandwich and chips to share. Truly the food of a champion. On the court he was always encouraging to teammate and opponent alike and ran as fast as his little legs would take him. He enjoyed the non sensical banter and won many points with his sublime back hand slice and serve. But it was playing with others and the chat after that mattered most to Colin. To me he was as encouraging off the court as he was on it. He was always inclusive, at times inviting me to evenings at the club socials, where he was often one of the first onto the dance floor. Demonstrating, that in his older years, he still had some of the old moves. One example of his caring and social nature was how when a member of the group, who has now left the club, injured himself. It was Colin who went out of his way to meet up and take them out for a drink. His stories of his initiation as a printing apprentice were intriguing. In fact, I suspect that he found ink in unusual places for many years after. He clearly knew the value of a pound and had an impressive work ethic. Always making sure that on Friday nights he left in time to get a good night’s sleep, ready to take a fare to the airport or other venue. It is no surprise that with his friendly, respectful nature he built up such a loyal clientele. When an unexpected fare came in, I was often one of the many subs Colin could call on to replace him on court, which when I could I was happy to do. But it was clear to me that at the centre of it all was his family and his pride in Charlotte and Andy was self evident. With the pounds he made being happily spent on family meals at various restaurants and good pubs, across SE London. For which he had an encyclopaedic knowledge. As he did about the goings on in Locksbottom, who would have known so much goes on in such a seemingly sedentary place. He often mentioned his enjoyment of traveling with his family, and perhaps not surprisingly his travels often included a trip to a Grand Prix. Domestically, his trips to the British Grand Prix, with Andy where seemingly planned with military detail and required them to be up well before the birds. He also talked about his many BBQ’s. To some extent I wonder whether he had a little Australian in him. All in all, my memory of Colin is of a man who was happy in his own skin, who loved his family and whose sociable, fun and positive character is evidenced by his wide and varied group of friends, acquaintances, and well-wishers. Selfishly, I am very grateful that I got to know Colin, even though it was only during his more mature years. I will think of him when I pass a court or eat my post-match chips. Reading the words from others, it is clear that Colins effect was profound. Thank you, Colin. Nick.