William Michael Holbrook Remembered As time pAsses, if we are lucky, we can reflect on life’s journey and those we share it with. Depending on our experiences and how we relate to others that reflection can be tainted by cynicism and the downward drive of bad times; conversely, there are days when you smile because a memory is triggered, even a conversation with friends who remember such ‘shared experience’ and give their own perspectives; if clarification were needed it is at this time we tend to miss those who made such a difference to events, not necessarily recognised at the time, but now leave a void because the individual is no longer with us. William michael Holbrook, known to us all as ‘mick’ was the tRF isle of Wight Group rep; it all started with a fellow rider peter mogg in
38 trail Spring 2019
1985, when in conversation, mick related, “there is a club for that sort of thing.” Later meeting up with southern Group tRF for arranged runs, they got to know Frank and penny page, mike may and peter Wildsmith, mick was very grateful for their help with maps. As time passed he became well respected within our area, both by other tRF groups and the local Council Rights of Way office; his easy going nature while attending reclassifications had mick on first name terms with the ROW staff, on meeting sussex group on our sunday run from the island, we were pleased to see Bevis Billingham and his group, the first question we were asked was “is mick with you?” it is really easy to see how this could be possible; peter Woodford remembers mick