Queens Park Tennis Club is sad to learn of the death of Cy Pollard, for many decades the captain of our friends and rivals Dyke Park.

Dyke have one of biggest and best squads in the Parks League, regularly finishing in the top three, and winning the Parks League Division 1 title in 2010, 2012, 2017 and 2019. That is largely down to Cy’s influence.

He was a big supporter of Parks tennis, as a coach, administrator and team captain, and is one of the key people who have made the Parks League the success it is today.

Cy’s influence stretched beyond Dyke to all the parks clubs of Brighton & Hove, including Queens. To give you an example, here is a true story (from 2019) about our very own Katie Moorman, who went from banished 12 year old (!) to top D1 player thanks to his influence. He admired Katie’s fight and dedication above all.

Every year, Cy came to our annual Parks League meetings here at Queens, and he was always the source of much plain-speaking good sense. He understood the challenges of grass roots tennis, and he leaves behind a flourishing club and a fantastically popular competition in the Parks League.

Cy’s last visit to Queens was for the Parks Cup Finals Day in July. See photos.

From Sheila Deen, Dyke Park Tennis Club:
“To all Parks club secretaries and committee members: I just need to share the sad news that Cy Pollard, our club captain at Dyke for as long as we can remember, passed away last night. He was surrounded by many of his family members in the Martlets hospice.
“Cy had a huge appetite for tennis and devoted so much of his time and energy to Dyke and the B&H Parks leagues. Our club has flourished under his leadership with ever increasing membership, coaching opportunities and significant improvements in our standards of play !
“He will always be a legend for us at Dyke. I’m sure that many of you can recall his competitive spirit and determination to avoid conceding any matches !
He will be sorely missed – RIP CY.”
Sheila Deen ( General secretary BHPLTA)