Memories of Michael Smith

Michael moved into next door to us so many years ago that I can't remember. He proved to be a very good neighbour and helped my mother with the garden many times. In later years Michael and I swapped stories of travel as Michael had developed a great interest in off the beaten track travel which included working on a small boat and volunteering on a farm in Slovakia. Even with more limited mobility he was still able to travel to the Cape Verde islands but not to the package holiday resorts but travelled to one of the more unspoilt islands and stayed in an apartment. When I visited him just after last Christmas he was obviously very unwell but was still interested to hear about my recent trip to South India where a lot of his carers came from. He told me to make the most of life and to do what you can while it is still possible - wise words.

Shared by Marian Warford

Golden Hill today was then known as the YMCA cricket club. Looking to the future and hoping to increase membership numbers Mike and I started an under 11 coaching session. Hitesh Shah also joined us and so the youth development programme began. We had no idea how huge that would become. Mike was always enthusiastic and great with the kids. He was kind and self effacing. He played in the lower teams himself and he was a stalwart member of the club

Shared by Gerry Mulholland

I have known Michael as Jonathan’s father & former husband of my sister.
Cricket was a lifelong passion of his as a player & supporter of teams in the Bristol area & the Gloucestershire county side.I remember many happy visits to the County Ground with him,where Jonathan & my son would watch the game intently before swarming on to the outfield in the intervals to practise their skills with Michael.
His enthusiasm for holidaying on the Isles Of Scilly for many years was a factor in Jonathan moving there to set up his organic produce business.Even when his mobility became more limited,Michael managed to visit regularly & the attractions of island life have spread to my family too,as my son & family are now established residents.

Shared by Paul Arnold

I remember Michael arriving at golden hill maybe mid 90s . He was so enthusiastic about cricket I remember him helping out running a Sunday and a 4 th team . Also helped keep our youth system keep established around that time .He was a keen Gloucestershire supporter and was a regular visitor to matches . He also helped do the pitches at golden hill for a few years .
A definite clubman and influence on the moving forward or this great club .
Gone but never forgotten by many I’m sure .
RIP Micheal

Shared by James chidgey