Players at the Kent vs Nord Maritime competition held at the Plough and Chequers on Sunday 12h August were stunned to hear that Michel Hourcastagnou had died that morning. A minute's silence was held by the organisers as the 30 teams from Kent and France honoured Michel.
Michel had been a major player for three decades, competing in his first World Championships in 1978, going on to represent the UK ten times at these championships. He won National honours several times at Singles, Doubles and Triples level. He represented the South East and Kent for the last seven years at the Inter-Regionals at Brean, six years of which were as South East 1.
He was last seen at Hartley in the Fourth Regional Qualifier which he characteristically won with fellow players George Jarrett (below) and Martin Baker wearing his famous battered green hat.
Michel was 50 and leaves a wife, Louise, a daughter, Maryanne and a grand-daughter.
The funeral will be held at 3.45pm on 23rd August at Croydon Crematorium. Flowers are welcome but not wreaths. Cards of condolence can be sent to Louise at:
42 Bygrove
Field Way
New Addington
Croydon
Surrey
CRO 0DJ