Helen Juden writes:
We are very sorry to report that Paul Holmes passed away on 8 December from the effects of a brain tumour.
Paul started cycling with Notts CTC in the 1970s and even as a schoolboy was known for his affection for a traditional style of riding, loving the simplicity of fixed wheel.
Later he studied economics at Durham University, where he was a contemporary of Kevin Mayne, former CTC Director.
Paul moved to Surrey and took up a teaching post at Godalming College. He rode with the Hardriders and was fond of exploring the UK by bike, staying in Youth Hostels.
Approaching retirement, Paul was looking forward to becoming a volunteer seasonal Youth Hostel warden. Sadly, his plans were thwarted by the incidental discovery of a brain tumour affecting his balance. After surgery he experienced some improvement and was able to meet up with one or two rides, before his final illness.
We send our condolences to his wife, Sue, and daughters Chloe and Lizzie.
The funeral is at 12 noon on Friday 23 December at the South Downs Natural Burial Ground at the Sustainability Centre, East Meon, and afterwards at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, Hindhead.
Picture: Paul meeting the Sunday Riders at Kirdford in July 2016
Really sad news.
I taught Biology at Godalming College for 20 years and always admired Paul’s down to earth spirit and friendly nature and of course his love of cycling!
So sorry to here this awful news and I send his family my condolences on their
very sad loss.
Really sad to hear this. I loved working with Paul at Godalming College and even had the dubious pleasure of trying to mend his moth-eaten Christmas jumper one year, so I always think of him at this time. My partner, Peter, who also worked at the college, enjoyed many a long discussion about bike maintenance and routes. We missed him at college when he left, but his fantastically memorable leaving speech inspired me to make sure my own leaving speech got in as many digs at government and changing times as well! Our thoughts are with his loved ones, whom I’m sure count as many.
Thank you for this, Emma; it’s lovely. I just wish one could find a copy of that leaving speech. Mark Waters (from down Shackstead Lane and up Eashing Lane)
So sorry to hear this. I was trying to find out how Paul was doing at the midweek ride on Wednesday. He was always such a pleasant and friendly person. Thanks for the information Helen albeit so very sad.