Charles Hammersley - Lyme 41 Club
CHARLES HAMMERSLEY – LYME 41 CLUB
Charles Arthur Hammersley was born on the 5th July 1933 in the county town of Stafford.
Following on from a normal primary and secondary education Charles attended Birmingham University where he graduated in Physical and Theoretical Metallurgy. Whilst at University he spent time working in Sweden and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). These experiences gave him a life-long love of travel.
Following graduation, Charles worked for English Electric in Warton, Lancs and it was during his time there that he met Pat, who was to become his wife and life-companion until her sad passing in 2018.
Following a number of house and job moves and the arrival of 3 children, Charles and Pat finally settled into their family home in Marple.
It was in Marple that Charles joined New Mills and Marple 554 Round Table and was an active member until having reached the age of 40, under the Club rules, had to retire. Missing the comradeship that Round Table brought, Charles and a small number of other ex-Round Tablers in July 1976 founded Lyme 41 Club.
In 1977 Charles setup his own, and what proved to be, successful business. This involved much travelling, long hours and hard work. But Charles still devoted quality time to his family, friends, and social connections.
The 1990's proved to be a decade of change with the arrival of the first of four grandchildren and retirement from his business, thus giving him and Pat more opportunities to travel and spend time with the growing number of family members.
In 2003 Charles was awarded a Phd in recognition of his contribution to metallurgical practice. He was extremely proud and inordinately delighted with his change of title.
Following Pat's passing in 2018, Charles found living at home increasingly difficult and so moved into a retirement living home and though his health was declining, he still found the time and energy to socialise with his friends and family in his usual 'joie de vivre' style.
In August 2021 he was given the new title of 'Great Grandad', following the birth of twin granddaughters and as Covid restrictions were starting top be lifted, Charles was immensely proud to be able to be part of a four-generation photograph to celebrate the arrival of the twins.
Charles passed away on 26th February 2023. A much missed and loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a loss to all those who knew him. We won't be seeing the likes of him again.
Chris Moore
Hon Treasurer
Lyme 41 Club
