In Loving Memory of Alan Plumb

1953 – 2026

Alan joined Strawberry Hill Golf Club in 1992 and since that time has dedicated himself to the Club which he loved. He has always championed Strawberry Hill as a welcoming, friendly, forward-thinking, open, inclusive club for everyone to enjoy.

Alan was everything that a club volunteer should be, willing to take on any task, doing them all with commitment and seeing them through to the end. In 2021 he won the award for Volunteer of the Year from England Golf. He introduced, managed and led our ‘Get into Golf’ and Academy programmes, with the latter now having a large waiting list having reached our limit of 50 players and providing an easy route into golf club membership.

Alan was also very involved in SHGC’s Schools Programme, including hosting Richmond Schools Golfway Festival and teaching pupils from Clarendon Special Needs School and other special needs groups. At the other end of the scale, he has been the key teacher for groups from ‘Age Concern’.

Alan was a respected past Captain and a valuable member of the Board, being heavily involved in lease negotiations and authoring all the necessary governance and procedures for the club. He played an instrumental role in getting SHGC their ‘Safe Golf’ accreditation and has been heavily involved with the club becoming a signatory of the ‘Women in Golf’ charter.

Not wanting any fanfares or plaudits for his contribution, he worked tirelessly for our club and community. Often involved in thankless tasks, Alan's enthusiasm and dedication shone through. Always with a smile, he was also the sounding board and conscience of the club. Alan always had time for people and was one of the kindest members, offering personal help to all who needed it.

Alan was devoted to his wife, Brenda, his daughter and son in law, Jessica and James, and most recently to his twin grandchildren Henry and Erica (just 9 months old). He was a very enthusiastic, talented and competitive golfer and as well as playing at Strawberry Hill also joined in many society golf outings, including the London Golf Captains, the Shell Pensioners Golfers, England Captains & Senior Series and the SHOTS Golf Society. He was very knowledgeable on many subjects, but particularly football (Coventry City) and cricket (Warwickshire County).

Glyn Roddy, well known across England’s golfers through England Golf’s Captains and Senior Series golf matches, expressed his deep regret at Alan’s passing. Lee Patterson of Middlesex Golf, expressed sadness at his passing:“Alan was far more than a familiar face on the Middlesex scene; he was a cornerstone of the game in our county. A loyal, dedicated, and much-loved man, his passion for golf and his commitment to the community left an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. The Middlesex golf family feels the weight of this loss alongside you. We know how much he meant to Strawberry Hill, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

England Golf’s CEO Jeremy Tomlinson said“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Plumb, our thoughts are with Alan’s family, friends, and everyone at Strawberry Hill Golf Club at this difficult time.

A deserved winner of the Volunteer of the Year at the 2022 England Golf Awards, Alan embodied the true spirit of volunteering. His work at Strawberry Hill Golf Club had a meaningful impact across all age groups, from junior and beginner programmes to initiatives supporting golfers with special needs and older members of the community. His efforts helped make the game more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to many.”

Separately, I understand Alan will be remembered in the Tributes section at the England Golf Awards in April.

Alan’s loss will be felt by members, the club and all those who knew him. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Alan’s family and friends. We will let you know the details of funeral arrangements as soon as we know them. In the meantime, if you wish to send a message to Brenda, she is happy that you write to her (2, Davenport Close, Teddington, TW11 9EF) or email her (brenda.plumb@yahoo.co.uk).