Mick Burgess sadly passed away at 9:30am on Saturday 30th August 2008 aged 74 after a protracted illness. His children Alison and Ian were by his side. Mick’s funeral took place at St. Michael and All Angels church in Jarvis Brook, Crowborough on Wednesday the 10th September. Mick had been the club’s central figure and personality for more years than most members can remember. The club was reformed in 1950 after the Second World War and in 1951 a young Mick Burgess took over as secretary until he was called up into the army. He returned from National Service in 1955 and remained at the centre of club life for the next 50 plus years.
See the following copies of our mag for memories & pics of Mick |
Beside his Wanderers role, Mick was a major character in the East Sussex Cycling Association (ESCA). He took over as racing secretary in 1976 and continued in that demanding role until ill health forced him to stand down in July. He organised and MC’d the ESCA awards lunch held in January this year; an event attended by over 100 people from across the East Sussex cycling community. He also attended the Wanderers awards lunch on 17th February; this was sadly to be Mick’s final appearance at a club event. Along with all his practical work for both ESCA and the Wanderers, Mick was a passionate cyclist who loved time trialling and racing. He raced at all distances and amongst his many successes and club championships, he won the Lewes Best All Rounder (BAR) competition in 1979. Health issues curtailed his racing performances after May 2004, but he continued riding socially and on club runs for a couple more years before finally being forced to give up his beloved bike. Over the years Mick helped, supported and encouraged several generations of club cyclists and will be dearly missed.
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