.Brentwood Volleyball Club Tribute

It is with immense sadness that the Brentwood Volleyball Club pays tribute to two of its members James Phillips and Susie Manning who have been lost to volleyball and lost to us as special friends. They will however live on in our hearts and encourage us to approach the sport with the same fun and good humour that they did.

We also wish to pay our respects to Mark Pitman a young player from the West Country (Wessex) with great potential (an England Cadet) who has also been lost to volleyball and his friends there, and those who knew him from various clubs in Essex as a friend and team mate. Mark won this year the under nineteen National Beach Championship with Brentwood & Tendring Player Tom Dean.

James Phillips joined the Brentwood Volleyball Club (formerly Hedley) approximately six years ago. Throughout those eight years he has been a key player in Brentwood winning with his team Wildthings the Essex Division 1 title 5 years in a row, and the Rucanor and Handicap Cup many times over. He also had a great deal of success playing Men’s National League for Brentwood. He will be remembered for many things – local league wise for his great sense of humour and the many varied chants that he lead his fellow players in, at National League level as a daunting block and fast middle attack, but probably he will be best known on the summer tournament circuit where he often represented other clubs. He particularly loved the Jersey, Cambridge, Bath and most of all Poole Tournament. He made through these and various other tournaments many friends from other clubs throughout the Country. He was with his younger brother Simon a great act in the after match celebrations. Together they could out sing anyone else and were always introducing new fun games to the celebrations. Our thoughts are with James family; particularly with his much loved brother Simon and James’ girlfriend Sorrell Davis who thankfully survived the tragic car crash.

James we will miss you dearly but will always endeavour to uphold the spirit of fun you brought to the sport and to our lives.

Susie Manning became a great addition to the Brentwood Club last season along with her close friend Sorrell McCraken Smith who thankfully survived the tragic car accident. Susie was a young beautiful girl, tall and slender, with a great deal of potential. She played Essex local League for the second and newly established Brentwood women’s team. It was obvious that with players like Susie and Sorrell this team would soon be challenging the other Brentwood women’s team who have won the Essex league for eight years running. Susie also joined the Brentwood Women’s National League Team who also had great success last season and we know would have been an even stronger force this year with Susie’s inclusion. Recently Susie and Sorrell have been training with their nearest to home club Romford YMCA and made many good friends there, they like Brentwood VBC had quickly realised what a lovely person Susie was and are grieving her loss along with Brentwood VBC. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and in particular to close friend Sorrel who we wish a speedy recovery.

Susie in the short time we knew you, you made a strong impact, we all realised very quickly what a lovely person you were and a great attribute to the sport and any club You will be missed so very much.

Brentwood Volleyball Club would like to acknowledge and thank all the kind words and condolences that have been sent from other volleyball clubs and friends throughout the country. We would particularly like to thank the organisers of Poole Tournament for the support and kind consideration they gave us at the time of the tragic accident, and acknowledge that they did this at a time when they had lost Mark one of their own local players.

We would also like to thank the members of Romford YMCA VBC who are grieving along with us and although they have always been friends we have been drawn even closer through this tragedy to you. Also thanks to our good friends at Essex Estonians for their support and that of the Essex Volleyball Association.

Brendan Osborne Chairman Brentwood VBC on behalf of all our Members.

Mum, Dad (Anne and Jeff), Robert and Emma

Anita and Scott Radden

I played in the same team and coached you for five years and in that time I can honestly say that nobody, team-mate or opponent, had a bad word to say about you.

You played the game with fierce competitiveness but never lost sight that the main reason we were all there was to enjoy ourselves. Most of the humour and banter in the team came through you and you had the great talent of saying the right thing at the right time. As coach I always knew I had your full support.

Off court you were always great fun.

My thoughts are with Simon and the rest of your family

We will all miss you greatly.

Steve (Shakey)

Seldom have I known such an infectious person.  You won over everyone with your smile, your banter, your personality both off court and on.   It was always you who could be relied upon to come up with the most original calls before and during matches - well I assume they were original; normally I didn't understand a word!

You were an outstanding player front court and were even beginning to come into your own backcourt, although I fancy you always thought you might become a setter one day: "Talk to the hands baby, soft hands, soft hands".

Your off court antics and games have become legendary throughout the sport, with many a tournament virgin falling foul of your charms.  And the shirts and dress sense... woah!  We always knew when you were about, especially when Simon was as well.  Clashing shirts it seemed was an obligatory party of every after tournament party.

You were loved by everyone perhaps more than you knew.  Echoing Shakey, no-one ever had a bad word to say about you.  You were the life and soul of every party.

You will be missed darling.  My thoughts are with Simon and your family.  Hopefully they can draw from the strength that you had at this time.

Claire

Suzy

We only played together for a short while.   In fact, when you stuck your head out of the overcrowded tent on Friday night and asked me if I wanted to join you all, it wasn't until the next morning that I recognised who it was who had propositioned me the night before!

But that was you.  In the short time (and it was too short) I got to know you, I learnt how much you cared for and liked everyone.   You were a very special person Suzy, who like James, was stolen from us way to soon.

My thoughts go out to your family at this torrid time.

Claire

I knew you for 7 years and watched you turn from and girl into a woman.   You never lost the love for life and the indefinable spirit that made you, you.

You brought light into my life and made me who I am today, without you I would be a much lesser person. You were the finest of people, never having a bad word to say about anyone and always forgiving. I will never forget the wonderful times we had together and never stop regretting that they were so short, you were my best friend as well as my girlfriend. You had so much still to give.

My heart was yours and always will be.

Nigel

In horror we did read the message on the BBC site about the traffic incident of James and his passengers. What a tragic loss. We can't imagine what an impact it must have on the team. We hope you will all find strength with each other to cope with this tragedy.

From this site we give our deep condolences to you all and of course to the families who are involved.

 Richard and Ingrid Hofman (VCO Alkmaar, The Netherlands)

We are all deeply sorry for the loss of these young people who had so much to live for. 

Liz Young, Warwick Riga VC 

Anneke Loode, SVA President

It was with deep regret we heard about the accident, but with Jim with you no doubt he is making you smile right now.  Our thoughts are with your family and friends right now.  Take care and rest in peace. Beverley Chiltern, Oxford and The Guernsey side that Jim played with.

James Phillips

This is so hard to write but when we heard the news it was like everyone thinking it can't be and still struggling hard to think that you're not going to be with us in Guernsey this year and that your smiling cheeky ways are no longer here.  When I heard of the accident all I could think of was you in your adopted barbie dress in Guernsey and how it made us all smile so much, even if Tig was most put out that you thought you had better legs than he did, well I guess you can argue that one over a game of 3 man on the other side.

Jim I only really knew you for such a short time and I know that you will be dearly missed by the Guernsey side for so many things.  I've read all of the tributes written about you by people who knew so much more about you and they are so spot on.

Your smile, sense of humour and fun, and general demeanour will always be remembered, as will your loud shirts, pink dresses, games of three man, and true sports man behaviour.   If I have ever seen anyone who lives and breathes the true spirit of the game then that is you and for that you will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with your family too and hope that they hold tight of the memories they have, for they, like you will never fade from our thoughts and our hearts.

Take care mate and I look forward to downing a few pints and playing with three man in a loud shirt with you on the other side.

See ya later love and a big hug Beverley

Beverley Francis

Words cannot express how I feel right now!!

 I shall never, ever forget Sunday night and the words which changed my life! Words cannot describe the pain we all feel!

We can only take comfort in the fact that you lived your life to the full - and enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you so much for being such a great cousin, and sharing my childhood with me. You have left me with sooo many great memories - I cannot but fail to laugh when I remember all we got up to together!  

The annual holidays at Hayle:- ...Sitting on the see-saw at 11 o'clock at night and Auntie Cathy franticly calling us - and us just giggling our heads off and hiding from her! ...Every year on holiday at Hayle you managed to fall out of the bunk bed - which always woke everyone up but you! You just carried on snoring in your usual fashion!... Spending hours at the arcade and on the trampolines.... Spending a fortune on penny sweets (those were the days eh?!) at Mrs Phillips' shop, when we should have been buying the paper and a pint of milk for Granny and grandpa!... Our 6am swims and getting stuck in quick sand crossing the river to Lelant with Auntie Jane and family.... Swimming in the sea with Granny and Cathy (we never could work out why it was always warmer where Granny was standing in the sea!!!Hmmmmmm!) and Grandpa shouting at us to come back - even tho we were only up to our waist!......

And what we didn't get up to at Granny and Grandpa's house!!.... Our wooden horse in the woods in the back garden - the miles we travelled in our imagination on that horse!...  Feeding the goats in the next field...except you always made me stand in front, cos you were too scared!...Catching the Tolvaddon bus into Rosemellin school... Feeding Muffin the Donkey and picking blackberries up the road... Playing tennis and constantly losing Grandpa's new tennis balls in the bushes even tho we promised this time we wouldn't!...Climbing the old oak tree - how come climbing down was never as easy as climbing up?!... Swingball.... Making camps in the garden with Gran's clothes rack, tables and upside-down chairs and blankets.... Fighting over who was going to share the bed with Gran and who was going to get the folding bed!... Waking Grandpa up and running like mad out of the room everytime he made that funny noise with the balaclava on his head - what a sight(!), we were wetting ourselves!.. Grandpa and his "God be praised" speech which left us rolling on the floor with laughter!!!...Granny's cooking, which, if we said you enjoyed it, would be an understatement!!!....

Then there were the "mystery tours" that Granny took us on - which strangely enough always ended up at either Cathy, Gwen or Mel's house!! (Why did we never catch on?!)..... Walking the dogs with Gran, Cath and dogs on the dunes at Gwithian, and playing tennis in the forts....

Scaring the life out of me with your bogey man stories - after which you would promptly fall asleep, and I would be awake all night scared stiff - you rotter!!

I could go on and on...!

James, you were such a huge part of my life, and living next door you were more like a brother than a cousin. There are no words to thank you for sharing all you did with me and for leaving such happy memories. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered with such fondness. I still cannot comprehend that you are really gone, I still keep expecting you to walk through the door and tell us this was one of your practical jokes! If only....!!!

Please know that we will look after Simon and your mum and dad for you. We are all supporting each other through this nightmare - and with all you have left us with, we will get through. For your sake! We can imagine what you would be telling us - "Chill out"!

Until I see you again...I love you!

Tina xxxxxxxxx

Tina Reeks

You were beautiful, kind and lovely person - I'm so sorry to have lost you. You will be sadly missed by myself and many others.

Sorrel

Words surely cannot express the way we all feel right now,  somehow they will have to do, but Jimmy, wherever you are please know that they're meant from the heart.

We are all so gutted that you're gone.  We feel robbed and cheated that such a great friend has been taken away from us, yet so glad that we had you in our lives for as long as we did.  We all feel like the light in our lives has gone out, and I doubt that it will ever burn in the same way again, because you Jimmy were truly special.   I hope you know how much you meant to all of us.  I'll miss your hugs, but I'll always be proud to have been one of your friends.  Our group is like a family, and we feel like the daddy has been taken from us, but I know that despite the way we feel right now you would want us to be strong and we're trying.  You'll be glad to know that we've already drunk one pub out of rum in your honour!

I never played volleyball, but I knew how much it meant to you.  We destroyed you for blowing us out for weekend tournaments all over the country, but you always stuck to your guns and never let your team down, which I guess says everything about you.   Reading these tributes makes me realise that you touched so many people that I didn't even know existed, but I'm not surprised.  To read about your shirts and 3-man and everything else suggests that they were lucky enough to get the same Jimmy as we did.

All the boys I know have their own special memories of you including dancing to Rick Astley and the Bee Gees (never did perfect that one!), measuring your femur and playing drinking games - you always seemed to produce dice from somewhere (2 days before Jess' wedding in the Ferry springs to mind!). 

There are far too many to write down, but I have my personal ones.  The way you always called me "my friend" in that silly French accent!  In that night club in Prague for Jess' stag do challenging all the locals to arm wrestling contests - the words "I am a man of iron" will live on forever. You standing over me singing "she fell over" when I fell off the step in Reading after a day on the beers (cheers mate!).  That car journey down to Anna's birthday party with Kirby and Obes talking about buckets and coat-hangers!  I don't think I've ever laughed so much.   And only a few weeks ago at Wimbledon with Brad and Dom when you fell asleep snoring on Henman Hill after a couple of Pimms - are you a tennis fan? the steward asked you!!!  That was a great day and I'm so glad I spent that with you. I'm sure we are the only people ever to play a game of Caper, Lizards, Gnome!!!   I'll cherish that day forever.

Thank you for being my friend Jimmy, you will never be replaced, but remembered forever with fondness and much love.  If we could all be half the person you were, then this world would be a better place.

Take care up there, we'll join you one day.

Love you old buoy!

Mark (Bentos)

To think that I am typing this tribute to you is something which I never thought I would ever have to do.  To say that I (along with the rest of the group) am completely devastated right now does not come anywhere near close to describing how I feel.

Our group has lost without doubt, its biggest star.  We have spent the last nine years telling each other what an awesome group of mates we are, how close we all are and how important we all are to each other.  Now, through tragic circumstances, our group has lost one of its brothers!

I first met you in 1994 at The University of East London (UEL) while studying for our degrees.  From there, our friendship grew at a rapid pace.  But it wasn't until I went down to Maryland Bar for the first time that I realized what a star you really were.  Without fail, you were ALWAYS the first on the dance floor and the last one off.................but of course, that was never allowed until we got the evenings drinking  games out of the way.  I was always the Chairman, you were always Chick Snick (Chief Snitch) as well as being in charge of weights and measures.  Those Wednesday night memories will live with me forever.  How many times did you say to me while at Uni, "Remember the rules Chairman.........................Chairman plus five ciders equals sick!!!!"................classic!!  Once we would hit the dance floor, it felt as if you had a dance routine for every song they played.............The Bee Gees, Tiffany, Steelers Wheel, Abba, Tavares......................and of course, the legendary Rick Astley.  The thought of "Never Gonna Give You Up" being played without you being by my side brings tears to my eyes!!!

After leaving Uni, a few of the boys and yourself went travelling for a year.  I didn't go................................this is something I will regret forever!!!   Before leaving (as well as at end of every telephone call whilst travelling), you said to me, "The Chairman and the Landlord (another one of your nicknames!) have a bond that will never be broken".  This is a memory which I am clinging onto at the moment, because as far as I am concerned, that bond will remain forever!!!

Since returning from travelling, you really got into all of those "minority" sports that you loved so much.  I think every group member at some point or another caned you for playing so many of them!  We used to moan because you would sometimes blow us out to go and play (or referee) a volleyball game.  Looking back, I now realize that the reason we used to get the 'ump was because we ALWAYS wanted you to be out with us.  But your commitment and dedication to your clubs should make all of the teams that you played for very proud.  We know that you loved them and from reading other's tributes, I am sure that they loved you.

To comment on all the good times we had is impossible, simply because there are so many.  But our trips away will always be special...........particularly team Magaluf, countless Team trips to Cornwall and of course, Team golf trips to Spain.  The nights you and I played cards and "Paper, Scissors, Stone" with Amstel forfeits while the others were asleep were simply classic nights..................................... remember the rules Jimmy, "eating and sleeping is CHEATING!".  In spite of these memories, I think your greatest performance was on my stag doo.  To say you were THE star of the trip is an understatement.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being such a wonderful "stand in stag" for me when I got carried home.  In addition, thanks for the nice little pink dress you bought for me..........................that was alright that, nah seriously!!!

The last time I saw you was to celebrate your 28th Birthday.  As per usual, you were lagging and in great form.  The highlight of that night for me was when you were on your knees speaking to Lou's belly, screaming, "hey, you in there.........its Uncle Jimmy"..............great memories.  The last time I spoke to you was on the Friday before the tournament in Poole (22nd August).  I remember you saying to me, "Jess, this is the last big outdoor tournament of the season.  After this weekend, it is beer and golf all the way my friend!".  To think that you will not be around to take the p*** out of me at golf anymore is simply heartbreaking.

In summing up, all I can say is thank you for being one of my best mates for the last nine years.  I feel robbed to think that there will be no more new memories to follow, but rest assured, the times we had together will live with me forever.   Your great smile (as well as those 'ampsteads bouy!) will be cherished for years to come.  If only the rest of us could live our lives in the same relaxed, smiling, care free way as you did, we would ALL be better people.

Take care Geeze until we meet again.......................at the bar, make mine a cider......wwwwweeeeeellllllllll  !!!!

LOVE YOU FOREVER BOUY!!!

Neil (AKA Chairman, Niall, Jess, Jesstive, Jesper, Tino)  xxxx

Not seeing you over the last few years has certainly not dulled (perhaps heightened) the impact of such a tragedy. Although my liver has undoubtedly improved for the better, your warmth, jokes and genuine aura have been and will be missed forever.

 I’ll always hold dear those holidays with the boys in Camborne (Heineken for brekkie), many nights down the UEL and the legendary Philps girth. The only man who could actually make me dance to Tavares and get my 10, 11 out in one night.  

 A gladiator in all sports, I can’t think of many who have taken a frame, set or match from you, let alone a drinking competition. Then again I guess that’s the kind of person you were, an inspiration. As the saying goes, "do or do not, there is no ‘try’." and I reckon in your short life, you exceeded.

My thoughts go out to your family and to all the lads 

 "We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time."

Kev Morgs morgan maug

We are so sorry that we didn't know you better but when you were young we were away from Cornwall and when we retired and moved back you had grown up and gone so that we only met occasionally although we always knew what you were doing from the rest of the family.

Roger will always remember you as the 'tacker' who grew up and became the only member of the family he had to look up to.

We so enjoyed your company when we met, at your house, your Gran's or your Aunt's or those rare occasions when all the family came to us, like that Christmas a couple of years ago where we have a photo of you towering over everyone. It is so sad that you are gone so young and it seems ironic that the last time we met was a few months ago at your Gran's (Roger's aunt) funeral where both you and Simon were so supportive to everyone. It was a pleasure hearing all your news then and you impressed us as a gentle, caring young man who obviously loved his family dearly.

 If there is a consolation it is that you lived life to the full and packed more into your short time here than most do if they live to be old and grey. From the tributes it is clear that you were not only a very talented young man but one who was a real credit to his Mum and Dad and one who was much loved by many people.

Like Tina, we will be there for your Mum, Dad and Simon if we are needed. Whilst for a very long time your tragic loss will be very hard to bear may the fullness of time take the edge off the grief so that we can end up celebrating the huge success you made of your time with us.

With very fond memories

Roger and Doreen Toms

Keith Rogers, also on behalf of wife Jacquie and all our family. 

Julie and Jonathan Garrard.

tina perkins

Louise (The Queen) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Suzy
I knew Suzy for a matter of days, having met her for the first time at the Poole volleyball tournament this year, and thought her to be a most lovely person.  Always laughing and smiling and so easy to talk to.  Someone I am proud to call my friend, who in her short time on earth left a lasting imprint on all those who met her.

Kate Darlington
Romford Volleyball Club

It is with great sadness that we heard of Suzanne's tragic death. Our sympathies and good wishes go to her family and friends.

BIRMINGHAM VOLLEYBALL

Love Chris (Kodak) xxx

Michael O’Brien

FOR JAMES

TURN BACK THE CLOCK
STOP THE TIME
GO BACK TO THE PAST
WHEN THINGS WERE FINE

WE WANT TO SEE YOU
AND TALK TO YOU AGAIN
WE WANT EVERYTHING TO BE
AS IT WAS BACK THEN

THE FUTURE HAS CHANGED
AND THINGS WON’T BE THE SAME
BUT WE PROMISE YOU JAMES
TO REMEMBER YOUR NAME

WE NEED TO THINK WHAT YOU WOULD
EXPECT US TO DO
ALL OF YOUR MATES IN THE VOLLEYBALL CREW

YOU’D EXPECT US TO DRINK
AND HAVE A GOOD TIME
YOU’D EXPECT US TO CARRY ON
AND HIT DOWN THE LINE

WHAT CAN WE SAY
WE’LL GIVE IT A GO
BUT THE TIMES AHEAD WON’T BE EASY I KNOW

WE PROMISE TO SMILE WHEN WE SAY YOUR NAME
WE PROMISE NOT TO SAY
YOU COULDN’T BLOCK IN A GAME

GOOD TIMES ARE NOT OVER
YOU WOULDN’T WANT IT THAT WAY
YOU’LL ALWAYS BE WITH US
WHEN WE START TO PLAY

YOU’LL BE IN THE CIRCLE
WHEN WE STOP TO CALL
YOU’LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
BY YOUR FRIENDS IN VOLLEYBALL

Tina Reeks