It was with great sadness that SLTC learned of the passing of Mike Moss on 5th February, after an all too short illness suffering from an exceptionally aggressive form of oesophageal cancer..

One half of a formidable partnership with Sonning Lawn Tennis Club's president Hilary Moss, Mike was a longstanding committee member from 2002 till 2012, serving as the club's Communications Officer (although that title didn't really do justice to the roles he played). He remained an honorary member after moving back to their native midlands home in 2017 and was always ready to help or advise at the other end of an email or phone call. Sonning LTC's loss was Solihull TC's gain as Mike and Hilary's energy and enthusiasm was channelled into a new club, where Hilary remains Membership Secretary today.

A short trawl through meeting notes in that 2002-2011 period would always find Mike active at Sonning in one way or another, be it varnishing the clubhouse, organising a competition, encouraging new players and initiatives or playing in a team match, where his own particular style/serve saw frequent mentions in other players' memories as being unconventional but very effective. In terms of that committee work, of all of the achievements during that period, the one which the current members are perhaps most grateful for is the clubhouse we all still enjoy today, which would never have happened without Hilary and Mike's energy.

But perhaps the best way to remember Mike was as a man generous with his time, for the good of others, both on and off a tennis court - and of someone who was always encouraging those around him, while quietly getting the job done.

In the words of SLTC chairman, Tim Banks;

"I first met Mike and his wife Hilary way back in April 2001 when I joined Sonning Tennis club as a family member. Mike was always approachable and willing to play tennis with anybody irrespective of standard. Mike and Hilary were the 'fabric' of the club, on the Committee as Publicity / Communications Officer and Chairwoman and they worked tirelessly to develop  our junior section. I played with Mike in league matches, he always played 'hard' and wanted to win but never criticised only supported. We played against each other in club competitions, I remember his 'unorthodox' playing and serving style made him difficult to beat (which I rarely did).  I will always remember the sumptuous bbq's that Mike and Hilary prepared for the American tournaments. They were awarded 'Honorary Member' status when they left the club in 2016 to move to Solihull, in recognition of their work for the club. They both visited the club regularly and kept a keen eye on developments. I met Mike and Hilary last, in May 24, to go through our future plans. Mike was our 'outside expert' on Clubspark and helped Colin to get most out of the system for Sonning Tennis and I will miss his practical advice and straightforward way of thinking.  My thoughts are now with Hilary at this difficult time as she organises a 'Celebration of Life party,' for Mike at Birmingham City football ground in recognition of his love for the 'Blues."

Hilary has asked us to share two important messages;

Firstly, "Mike’s wishes are that there should be no funeral. Instead I am to organise a Celebration of Life Party which is to be fun and preferably held at the Blues ground, St. Andrew’s. This I will arrange in due course but due to my elder brother’s family all going to Japan for the month of April and our son and his family coming from Detroit, may not happen until early May.  I will update accordingly."

Also, Mike asked that if anyone wishes to make a donation in his memory that it should be towards Cancer Research UK to help in the discovery of new treatments for this and other cancers. It was also our chosen charity that we raised money for when we celebrated our Ruby wedding on July 29th 2018.

If you would like to donate, please follow this link - https://www.justgiving.com/page/hilary-moss-3

Several members fondly remember Mike, with their own tributes below...

I teamed up with Mike in Mixed matches on many occasions and he was, as well as being a great player, always a gentleman, kind and encouraging. Along with his wife Hilary, Mike was at that time very involved in SLTC, both as a team player and also serving on the committee. They both worked tirelessly to ensure that all members were involved socially as well as on the court. Brian and I were very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing and our thoughts are with Hilary and all their family.

Sheila and Brian Scott

We have such lovely memories of playing tennis with Mike at the Club from when we first joined Sonning in 2006 until 2017 when he and Hilary moved to Knowle. He always had a smile and helped organise countless tournaments, social events, open days, recruitment and the like at Sonning and he will be sadly missed as a good friend. With much love to Hilary at this sad time. 

Tim and Sarah Armitage

Mike was very friendly and considerate  - when I joined the club, I was a little hesitant as I did not know anyone. He and Hilary noticed how 'scared' I was.  Both came over, said I was welcome, and continued to make friendly gestures. This included picking me to attend a social club evening. I was a little hesitant to  turn up on my own.
Several years later, I played a mixed doubles match with Mike at Maidenhead (the other Maidenhead). I was in the deep end at the beginning when only very few balls went in, and these few were returned in such force that I never saw them coming! The observant and perfect planner, Mike, worked out how we should  change our play. Although we did not win, we were most satisfied with the results. 
I am thinking of Mike. 
May Mike rest well, and may Hilary find strength to carry on.

Milcah Low

Remembering Mike. As many of you will know I'm not known for my prowess on court! Despite this Mike was always happy to partner me & give encouragement.
I was dismayed when Mike & Hilary announced they were moving away. However our friendship thrived & Mike & Hilary were extremely embracing hosts when visiting.
I was stunned & saddened when he told me he was so ill.
I will miss you Mike.

Angella

I didn’t know Mike that well but from my limited interaction I found him to be a true gentleman who was always keen to support and be involved in/run club events eg American tournaments. 

Chris Gibson

 Mike was a true gentleman. 

A key figure at Sonning Tennis Club for many years, in his own right and supporting Hilary, as club chairperson. He was always present and willing for club tournaments, matches, working parties and social events contributing to the spirit of the club.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Hilary and the family.

Linda and David Burton

Mike was a well liked member of Sonning tennis club, and Captain of the Mixed team.
We will always remember Mike as a fine tennis player, who had his own unconventional, but effective, serve.
He also loved to do Sudoku in the daily newspaper, which he completed amazingly fast.

Thank you for the memories you shared.

Jacky & Keith.

Mike was involved in the running of SLTC for many years. When I was chairman, Mike, if I sought his help, provided calm, informed advice and support on many issues, even when he and Hilary had moved away from the area. He and I also made a cracking doubles team in one of the club American tournaments! My thoughts are with Hilary and his family.

Regards,  Romy

Mike and Hilary were both community minded and made a huge impact on our club introducing a kids training programme and organising the funds and build of a new clubhouse.  Although Hilary was the main driver of these, Mike was the pleasant but committed and supportive power behind it smoothing troubled waters when plans were challenged.  My first memories of Mike were a kindly man who put my fears to rest about not playing well enough at the first Club session I attended where I ended up playing with some of the best players in the Club - I'll always be thankful for that.  There was a creative side to Mike - he was no slouch at cooking up wonderful Indian meals too.  

Lesley Billington

When I joined SLTC, as a total beginner,  it's sad to say i hardly noticed Mike, but was swept along by Hilary's energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of the club.  However once I paid attention it was soon apparent that behind this dynamic woman was a quiet, kind, considerate supportive husband.   

Over the years I got to know Mike for himself and will forever remember the games and fun we had together, combined with his humour, his enthusiasm,  his encouragement as I struggled to improve my game.  

I will miss him.

Mark Wade

I only knew Mike and Hilary quite recently, after joining SLTC in August 2022 and quickly becoming membership secretary. I never had the good fortune to share a tennis court with Mike, but met him and Hilary several times and was fortunate to have enjoyed their support and advice on all things tennis, membership, websites etc. Mike was generous with his time and always ready to offer help and advice, find some information from an archive or be a ready reviewer for the latest system change. Thanks for all of your support Mike, Sonning LTC and indeed I am sure Solihull TC too, are all the better today for having enjoyed your enthusiasm for the game we all share.

Colin Byers