The following article is taken from Jay's Clifton Chronical and is provided by Dennis Vittel.
The information was kindly provided by Richard Brooks (Mike's son) and Graham Chamberlain
MICHAEL BROOKS – 1933 – 2025
Michael Brooks was born 5 June 1933 and lived almost all of his life in Bristol.
He was educated at Clifton College and became a Chartered Surveyor, ultimately joining his father’s business, Chappell & Matthews in the 1950’s.
Married to Val in 1961, they have two sons Richard and Jeremy, a daughter Nicola, and four grandsons.
Mike did his National Service in the 1950’s serving in the RAF and was stationed in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Mike was a passionate supporter of organisations whose prime objective is to help those in need. He became an active long-term member of several of the principal ones including Rotary, Round Table, 41 Club and Abbeyfield
Abbeyfield was introduced to Mike when he acted for them when purchasing their first property in Elgin Park in 1966. The property needed clearing out and making it presentable which was carried out by members of Westbury on Trym Round Table, of which Mike was a member. The partnership between Mike, Val and Abbeyfield continued for the next 50 years culminating in his role as National President of the Society.
Mike joined Clifton Rotary Club in 1974 and served in most of the senior roles in the club including Club President. He was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship.
A keen sportsman as both a player and spectator with cricket being his favourite sport, having represented both YMCA and Clifton College. Mike played his last game of cricket on the field at Clifton at the grand age of 80 years in a match a featuring 3 generations of Brooks’ where he was joined by his sons and grandsons versus a Clifton XI. Mike was also a member of the MCC and was a regular visitor to Lords, as well as to Barbados!
Mike’s other sporting love was golf, firstly joining B&C Golf Club in 1990 before moving to Henbury Golf Club where he achieved what all golfers dream of – A hole in One – achieved at the 7th Hole in the early 2000’s
For many years Mike, Val and their family have been regular visitors to Dartmouth where they kept a house, and a mooring for their boat, and hosted many Rotary sailing weekends.
Mike has been a valued member of Clifton Rotary Club for over 50 years and will be sorely missed for his cheery wit, love of the French (???) and total commitment to Rotary principles.