Kate and I have had had so many emails about Martin Etchells that we have decided to collect together and post them on the Website that he had help set up in 2007.
Martin seemed to touch the heart of so many people, particularly in Sussex athletics, and I am proud that he was a friend of mine that his loss is already leaving such a chasm in my life.
We worked together so many times and I cannot recall any time that we were out of step.
As is revealed below his professionalism, wisdom, patience help and care was always at the fore front of everything he did.
I just cannot think how big a gap this will leave in my life but I am certain it will never go away.
Reg Hook (Brighton & Hove) President of Sussex Schools and former President and secretary of Sussex County.
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I have just heard of the death of Martin Etchells. The news totally knocked me sideways.
I last heard from him a couple of months ago telling me he had moved again, and he had found something I had been looking for in a box that he had not unpacked from the previous move.
Martin was the nicest person imaginable and so very kind. He must have let off steam sometime but I never saw it.
I was lucky enough to share a commentary 'box' with Martin on so many occasions and it was always a joy. With many people I work with, you are under pressure thinking 'what is he going to say next'. But never with Martin. He had always found time to do the homework and preparation required and I could relax. He was always eager to learn and I also witnessed this when he was working with others. It was particularly pleasing when I would say something and then later in the afternoon, Martin would adapt that into something he said. It is so important that you listen to your colleague if only not to contradict them.
Perhaps one of the best times was spending a week in Jersey announcing at the Island Games and it gave my wife and I a chance to get to know Di and Martin a lot more
He seemed to have his fingers in so many pies, treasurer of this that and the other. I don't know how he found the time.
I am going to miss him and so will many, many other people. I have lost a dear friend.
Tony Miller – Fellow announcer at many National and Sussex meetings.
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It is with great sadness that the Amateur Athletic Association has to record the death of Martin Etchells who passed away on 6th September 2020 at the age of 69.
As a teenager, Martin was a member of Stretford AC, becoming a proficient middle/long-distance and cross-country runner. At university in Coleraine, while studying for his biology degree, he took a sabbatical year as Secretary of the Athletic Union, the first flowering of his lifelong interest in sports administration and promotion.
After moving to London to become the first Manager of the newly-opened Wapping Sports Centre, he joined Ilford AC and was soon invited on to the Club Committee where he served as Honorary Secretary from 1977 to 1982. Running in Ilford’s colours he posted Personal Bests of 51mins 18secs for 10 miles, 73mins 25secs for the half-marathon and 2hrs 54mins 6secs in the inaugural London Marathon (1981).
It was at Wapping where he first came across Sportshall Athletics, which he continued to support throughout his life. George Bunner, the inspiration behind Sportshall, has said of him: “He was always a pal and you grabbed hold of him when you needed him. He would take his coat off and get stuck in.”
He left Wapping to take up the role of Leisure Manager for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, in charge of everything from leisure centres to libraries to parks. After moving to Seaford in Sussex in 1991, he took up the post of Head of Leisure Services with Hastings Borough Council (2001-2010). He took early retirement from HBC but devoted ever more time to voluntary work, not just in athletics but also at Eastbourne District General Hospital where he was a presenter (and Hon Treasurer) for the hospital radio station and a stalwart (with his wife, Diane) of the Friends’ shop.
His move to the south coast led to his immersion in athletics at all levels in the county. He became Sussex AAA Hon Treasurer in 1996, a post he held for many years, and also took on this role for Sussex Schools AAA. From 2014-16 he combined his role as Treasurer with that of President of Sussex AAA.
He became well known as a commentator at national athletic events, including the Special Olympics and Island Games, but always remained willing to help out at children’s events such as Sportshall and the AAA Tom Pink Relays, travelling the length and breadth of the country to do so. He was a “Gamesmaker” at the 2012 London Olympics, working inside the Olympic Stadium, and also officiated at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He played an important role in the London Mini-Marathon for more than a decade.
In 2010 he became Treasurer of the AAA and continued in this post until ill health forced him to retire at the AGM in March this year.
In his last few months, despite undergoing treatment for cancer, Martin did much of the preparatory work for The Athletics Museum's website, which is now up and running. Jane Ainsworth, the AAA Research Associate said: "His support for the project was inspiring and I will do my level best to make sure that the museum reflects all that is good about the sport to which he contributed so much".
Martin demonstrated his love for the sport of athletics through a lifetime of volunteering: he has been a loyal, reliable servant to athletics and will be sorely missed.
A.A.As of England
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We were very sad to hear the news of Martin’s death. He was so passionate about the sport and although his main forte was in the announcer’s box, often spending many hours in preparation for his announcing duties, he was also more than willing to help in any other capacity. He always kept a professional demeanour and had a good sense of humour. We will miss him not only as a dedicated servant of athletics but also as a much valued friend.
Keith & Sue May (Horsham) Keith is also a former Sussex President and the first Sussex Administrator.
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I was very saddened to hear the news about Martin which came as a great shock. Martin was always so friendly and helpful and he will be greatly missed.
Looking back I have fond memories of my contacts with Martin whilst I was the Administrator for the County Association and over a longer period of time when organising Sportshall competitions. Martin was always very helpful and dealt with matters in a calm, dedicated and pleasant manner which did so much for everything to progress smoothly.
John Linfield (Horsham) former Administrator and County President.
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'I was saddened to hear of Martin's passing. Our paths crossed in many aspects of the sport over the last 30 years. He was a meticulous Treasurer of the Amateur Athletic Association during my tenure as Chairman of that organisation and he always kept the Board well informed and advised as to our finances. I always felt that he excelled in the announcing role, at national and local events and in particular AAA young athletes events. Martin was a loyal friend of the sport and I was proud to have called him my friend. He will be greatly missed.'
Chris Carter. (Brighton & Hove) Double Olympian and former Chair of A.A.As.
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I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Martin.
Apart from the Sussex Executive Committee I have not known Martin as well as many others in the county, but the amount of work that he put into athletics over the years cannot be emphasized enough. I did not know until yesterday that he spent his early years at Ilford AC, and that he was the instigator of the Sportshall Athletics.
The following is a piece from an e-mail I received yesterday from Ilford AC.
Sad news that former Ilford Athletic Club road, cross-country & steeplechase stalwart, prime instigator of Sportshall athletics and past club General Secretary, Martin Etchells, passed away last Sunday.
Kind Regards and Best Wishes to All
Ron Penfold – President of Sussex County AA.
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“A huge loss of an incredibly kind and thoughtful man. Martin was 'the voice' of Sussex athletics. It was always an honour to work with him, not only was he a first class announcer he was a brilliant member of our photo finish team, always dependable and unflappable in any situation. His professionalism and knowledge was second to none. Heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, we will all miss you Martin, thank you for all your support and friendship throughout the years.”
Karen Shackel (Crawley Athletic Club)
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Oh Dear Kate,
That's such devastating news!
Like you and many others who knew Martin very well, it's really upset me...
I cried when I called Gavin to let him know.
Gavin was equally upset- he had a lot of respect for Martin and always found him so considerate and helpful with his lovely calm manner.
Such a lovely, lovely man. Always a gentleman who gave so much time and support to Athletics in general.
So very, very sad He will be sorely missed.
Maureen x (Maureen Stephens Worthing)
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Martin was a genuine stalwart who selflessly dedicated so much of his time and himself to athletics at all levels and events.
I will miss his reassuring, knowledgeable voice on the microphone, dependable reports and helpful views at meetings and seeing him breezing around the finish area at cross country and road relay events. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble for him.
I will remember him as a thoroughly lovely and kind person always happy to help. His cheery presence will be sorely missed by me and many.
Elspeth Turner (Horsham) former joint Regional Manager with Chris Benning for the South East - 7 counties.
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That is so sad.
He was a lovely person.
I went round to his house a year or so ago to pick up the County PA system. I had my little grandchildren with me. Somehow we all ended up in the house playing with their grandson's toys and eating chocolate. Such a kind couple. My condolences to Martin's wife.
Kind regards
Marion Hemsworth (Haywards Heath Harriers)
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I was devastated to hear the news this week, so sad.
Martin was such a nice, genuine and kind person. It was a pleasure to work alongside him in the announcer’s box at the Crawley AC open meetings. He gave so much to Sussex athletics whether it was commentating, organising competitions, administration or trooping across the fields in his wellies helping at the Sussex XC events. A true gentlemen who will be very much missed.
Tim Kimber (Crawley AC – Photo finish)
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Martin has been the voice of Sussex Athletics throughout my career. I cannot imagine going to a meeting and not hearing his voice. Having been in the commentary box with him during many Sussex Schools T&F championships, he was always so calm, kind, knowledgeable and a joy to spend the day with. He has given so much time willing to benefit others, a true gentleman.
Leanne Buxton (Sussex Schools Championship Secretary)
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Martin was such a lovely man. He was always supportive, generous, kind, and lots of fun. Calm and measured, his announcer's voice made all results sound good! He was meticulous in this role. He had all his notes, records, PBs and both Tops in Athletics and Po10 pages open, so he could ensure he got things right.
He loved athletics and delighted in seeing youngsters starting on their athletic pathway, particularly in Sportshall. He went out of his way to celebrate a good performance and was genuinely overjoyed when Sussex athletes excelled.
Martin loved family and pre-COVID regularly visited his Mother Margaret, 92, who lives in Stockport. She accompanied him to several UK Sportshall Finals at Sportscity in Manchester.
Martin's death is a real loss to the athletics community and to the many of us who regarded him as a friend. Condolences to Di, Sam, Ottie, Margaret and Brother Andrew. We too will always miss Martin.
Melanie Anning (Brighton & Hove) Former Sussex Administrator.
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Up until I started organising County Champs and becoming administrator for Sussex AA, Martin Etchells was just a voice to me. Not just any voice though. A voice that rang out across stadiums when I was a teenager competing myself. A voice that reminded me of everything I loved about the sport.
This remained but Martin became so much more. He gave me his time and knowledge unconditionally, he treated me with such warmth and kindness and his support was second to none. And hearing his voice took me back to my youth. Losing this is like losing part of this youth. Losing Martin - the man behind the voice is even more devastating. There will never be another Martin Etchells
Kate Matthews (Brighton & Hove) Sussex County Administrator