It is with great sadness that we pass on the news of the untimely death of Phil Smith on Friday afternoon after suffering a sudden stroke.

Phil was a Director at our club with responsibility for social events, captain of our Men’s 2 Kent team during the summer and Men’s 4 North Kent in the winter. He contributed in every way to the club, playing in Socials, Club Competitions and the many social events around the club which he was very much at the heart of.

He was a real character and nurtured the youngsters to play in his teams always chatting with new members and encouraging them to join. Only last week he was planning big events to raise money for our new club house and beginning to look forward to our 100-year anniversary in seven years times.

The club would like to extend our heart-felt condolences to Karen, Robert and Olivia and reassure them that they will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

The family told us how proud they were following his death that he had agreed to donate his organs and both his kidneys, liver and pancreas were taken to give others a chance of life.