Hastings Winkle Club mourns stalwart who gave 30 years service

Mike Trigg had been a Club Committee member for over 30 years and a Silver Winkle recipient, given for distinguished service. Two years ago, Mike was made a Vice President of the Club.

Mike lost his short battle against cancer on October 6 in St. Michael's Hospice.

The Hastings Winkle Club was founded by Old Town Fishermen to fund a Christmas Party for their children. This tradition still survives until today. Mike was a regular sponsor of this and many other Winkle Club fundraising events.

Club President, Richard Stevens said: '”Mike's passing was tragic and happened so suddenly that it has left our membership in complete shock. I have also heard from many members of our Old Town community who were equally stunned to hear the sad news, All our thoughts are with Mike's family and those closest to him.”

The Winkle Club will be represented at any future thanksgiving for Mike's life and will also dedicate a plaque to Mike on Winkle Island in the Old Town.

Mike moved to Hastings in 2002 and took up a job with South Eastern Railways to be closer to his daughter Melinda and he became a well known and enthusiastic member of the Old Town.

Melinda fondly remembers the times spent with him at many of the celebrations Hastings has to offer, watching him play with his “big train set” (South Eastern Railway) walks on the Fairlight hills with jam sandwiches, kite flying on the cliffs of Pett Level and spoiling their Border Terrier, Biddy who was well known in Hastings Old Town.

Prior to moving to Hastings Mike was born and lived in Surbiton and worked at HMSO from the age of sixteen. Mike had many interests in life but most notably a lifelong interest in motorcycles, especially vintage projects, and he was also a keen angler.

Melinda said: “Mike was a kind, supportive and caring person who touched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together with memories and celebrate Mike's Life at 2pm on November 7 at Hastings and St Leonards Angling Association, Marine Parade, Hastings TN34 3AG, in Hastings Old Town.

“It would mean a great deal to see everyone come together to remember him and share stories and memories of his life.”