For nearly 20 years Mr Hannington, or 'Mr H' as he was affectionately known, encouraged many youngsters to take up such outdoor pursuits as canoeing, camping, orienteering and archery, as well as other activities including fencing, amateur dramatics and photography.

His enthusiasm and his passion to help young people by offering them the opportunity for adventure, together with his good humour and an ever-present pipe, are fondly remembered. The annual Christmas parties, which he organised at the HYC for the children of Dr Barnado's home, were hugely enjoyed by children and club members alike for many years.

Michael Hannington was born in Uganda in 1921. He was the grandson of Bishop James Hannington, the first Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa who was martyred in Uganda in 1885. After a childhood spent in South Africa, Mr Hannington joined the Royal Navy during World War II, commanded a motor torpedo boat in the Eastern Mediterranean and was Mentioned in Despatches. At the end of the war he joined the Colonial Police in Tanganyika and reached the rank of Assistant Commissioner before retiring to England in 1962.

Michael Hannington married Elizabeth Tubb (now deceased) in 1949 in Tanga. He leaves behind a son and daughter, Robert and Jennie, and two grandchildren. 'Mr H' will be fondly remembered by a generation of young people who grew up in Heathfield during the 60s and 70s, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.