Michael David Hayman 'Sam' - Wellington (Somerset) 41 Club
MICHAEL DAVID HAYMAN (“SAM”) – 1951-2023
It is with great sadness that Wellington 41 Club announces the death of Mike Hayman, affectionately known by his friends as “Sam”.
A local man, Sam was born in Rockwell Green, Wellington in 1951. Sam’s father started the F J Hayman coal merchant business in 1964 and Sam entered the business in 1968, shortly after leaving school. The distinctive red and green lorries were a familiar sight delivering coal around the Wellington area and later hauling all manner of goods throughout the country.
In 1974 Sam married Pat. Their first house together was in Rockwell Green but in 1980 the family, now complete with son and twin daughters, moved to Higher Westford. His home for the next 43 years.
Sam joined Wellington Round Table in 1976. His lorries and storage facilities proved invaluable during the summer months when the Club was organising large events including, our own version of “It’s a Knockout”, but especially throughout the nine years the Club ran the annual August Bank Holiday “Wellington Trades Fair”. Originally a one-day event which eventually grew into a three-day colossus and, in its last year, included a Gala Concert, All Star Wrestling with Big Daddy and, on one occasion, the guest appearance of Hercules the Bear!
When Sam turned 40, he took up golf and this became a source of great joy, and frustration, for the next 30 years.
Sam joined 41 Club in 1992 but in 2001, mainly due to health issues, made the decision to resign. In 2008 Sam fell seriously ill, but this did nothing to diminish his positive and optimistic attitude to life and his determination to live life to the full.
Sam was diagnosed with melanoma in 2020, but he always remained positive, determinedly “making the best of a bad job”. He rejoined 41 Club towards the end of 2022 but his illness limited his participation in Club activities.
Sadly, Sam’s journey ended on 16 August 2023, peacefully in the family home in Higher Westford, Wellington, where he had spent most of his happy life.
Sam’s association with Wellington 41 Club was all too brief. The old lags in the Club remember him, mainly from his years in Round Table, with affection and great respect. He was taken from us far too soon.
Rest in peace old friend.
Ken Atherton
Hon Secretary
Wellington (Somerset) 41 Club
12 September 2023
