Following Sam’s recent and hugely sad death, this piece is being written for the primary benefit of members and friends of the Bristol Real Tennis Club, but it must include some thoughts about wider aspects of Sam and his life.
To start from the personal, I owe my participation in real tennis – and indeed in rackets – very largely to Sam. One windless day on Hayling Island when Lyn and I were staying with Sam and Ellie, and windsurfing was clearly off the menu, Sam lead us along to the Hayling Island club and baptised us into the allure of realers and the mysteries of its scoring system. The seed of interest was very firmly planted and we consequently joined BBRTC which was then a club in search of a court and a cause which we were keen to be part of.
I am sure we were amongst many who were drawn to the game and sustained in their participation by Sam’s great enthusiasm and skilful advocacy. Sam has been continually industrious and highly effective at supporting and promoting the game in a wide range of ways. Passion is an overused word, but it must surely and thoroughly apply to Sam’s involvement in real tennis. His thoughtful and organised action consistently bore fruit, both within our club and on a wider canvas including the T&RA. This has resulted in more enjoyment for many people and a stronger club and sport than would otherwise have been the case. As just one example, he was for many years a key part of the success of the annual Boasters weekend which brought talented and enthusiastic players from the rackets court to enjoy and appreciate the pleasures of real tennis. Whilst mentioning rackets, his low-key but hugely successful initiative in sourcing an inexpensive and excellent ball for rackets is typical of the man and the name ‘Beale ball’ should endure as a fitting tribute.
Sam was liked and admired by everyone. He was, of course, a pleasure to be with on court, where his high level of skill was clear but, endearingly, his lack of significant concern about maximising the number of points and games which his skill could have earned was also always evident. A higher priority for Sam was that everyone should have enjoyed their time on court. This charm and talent extended to all aspects of his personal and professional life and must have contributed to the high level of responsibility and consequent influence which he achieved within the aerospace industry. His thoughtful, analytical, yet empathetic and somewhat self-deprecating manner was a pleasure to experience and very effective at getting things done.
Throughout a long marriage, Sam was blessed with Ellie as a steadfast and loving companion. Few lives escape some tests and obstacles and Ellie has always been a provider of loving and practical support. BRTC members and Clifton Boasters will have seen and benefited from Ellie’s hard work for the Boasters weekend and their family game of tennis every Christmas Day which commemorated where Sam was (playing realers with his father-in-law) whilst Ellie was otherwise engaged in the birth of their firstborn Sarah, must have always been a very fitting and fun occasion. Latterly, Ellie and her family have been with Sam through the most testing of times as he displayed his characteristic dignity, positivity and humour during his final illness. Everyone who knew Sam will miss him. It was a life very well lived.
Nigel Harradine
The family have set up a fund raising page at St Peter's Hospice for anyone who feels like making a donation in memory of Sam.