Martin’s a local squash hero

Martin Braybrook, who has volunteered at the Cromer Tennis and Squash Club for more than 40 years, has won the Unsung Hero award at the 2024 England Squash Awards.

The 77-year-old began his involvement in 1980, having just moved to the town, and has been the squash representative on the club’s board for almost four decades – including five years as chairman in the late 80s.

“I arrived at the start of the squash boom period,” said Martin. “Squash courts were just being built at the club. Tennis was struggling, and the squash courts basically saved the club in those days.

“I played a bit in Cambridge and in Peterborough, but there was nobody else I could really play here so I thought I’d try to get some internal leagues going and perhaps we could get a team in the Norfolk leagues, which we did.”

A local legend who has dedicated his life to the club, Martin has been treasurer since 2002 and has overseen everything from managing finances and organising competitions to presenting trophies.

He said he was honoured to receive the award but emphasised how much support he had received from the volunteering squash community throughout the years.

“I was absolutely amazed,” he said. “I had no idea anything was happening and that I was nominated.

“It has been very much a team effort over the years. I could name umpteen people who have volunteered – I obviously haven’t done it all for 40 years!

“I suppose my strength has always been administration rather than playing.

“I was never the world’s greatest player. I had a couple of games for the Norfolk over-55s, 20 years ago, but that was the highest level I ever reached.”

During Martin’s involvement, the club has grown from having no teams to fielding three men’s and two ladies’ teams in the Norfolk league.

Today, there are still two successful men’s sides.