Vale: Mervyn Hannam
Mervyn Hannam passed away at 4 am, 2nd.January 2008, at the
Royal United Hospital, Bath. Mervyn was a long standing BEC member, and the
proud holder of BEC membership number 104.
On behalf of the BEC , we extend our deepest sympathy to his
wife Dorothy and his family. Further to all those who caved and knew him with
him over the years.
At his funeral the following Eulogy was delived:
I speak on behalf of the BEC, especially the older members.
Mervyn joined the club in the late 1940's and has remained a life member ever
since; although he gave up active caving when hobby time became in short supply
due to work, including working in Canada, and family pressures.
During his active period he was especially involved in
opening up and exploring Cuthberts Swallet. It was during this period that
Mervyn was allocated the initials T.B.C.O.M. , the best caver on Mendip from
his habit of ensuring that every new member of the club recognised his, self
appointed, status.
Some special meetings come to mind.
When Mervyn reached retirement age he found time to organise
a lunch at the White Hart in Trudoxhill, which has its own brewery, thereby
proving that he could organise the proverbial piss-up in a brewery.
Mervyn missed a visit to the air museum at Kemble when he
was North Africa lecturing on oil and gas pipe-line protection but he did help
by finding information on the internet, for a visit to Woodhenge. Regretfully
plans for future visits to sites will have to be reconsidered.
Mervyn had an infectious laugh, was a great friend and will
be sadly missed.
Tony Sett