Clive and Lisa Vickers said that the legacy left by dearly departed Martin was the most fitting tribute imaginable for an ‘inspirational man’, who was adored by hundreds of customers and colleagues alike at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate.
Martin passed away suddenly on Friday 20 September, aged 82 and his funeral took place on Monday 4 November. While still coming to terms with the devastating news, the family was keen to salute the impact of their extraordinary founder, who will not only go down as one of the most influential figures in the English wine industry but moreover, a much loved dad, grandad and friend.
Owner Clive Vickers helped his Dad plant 400 vines on a tiny patch of land on their farm in 1983, which has now grown to a 30-acre site where hundreds of thousands of bottles are produced each year.
None of it would have been possible without Martin’s forward thinking and indefatigable spirit, the like of which will never be seen again. He was so passionate about the industry that he even helped plant a new vineyard at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, in an attempt to safeguard the English wine industry by developing a new generation of talent in viticulture.
Clive, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandchildren Imogen and Emily said that life would never be the same without him, but they’d continue to work hard to keep the place special for everyone, in honour of the fantastic things he achieved.
Clive said: “We’re all absolutely devastated. The loss of Dad will leave a hole in all our hearts, the like of which we will never be able to fill. Looking back, you could say he was something of a trailblazer to create what he has here. But more than that, he was the best dad, father-in-law and grandad that we could have ever wished for.
“We are going to miss him dearly, and I know that our customers and colleagues will do too. But we remain as committed and passionate about the future as ever. This is what Dad would have wanted, and the legacy he has left is a more fitting tribute than any words I could currently muster.
“We will need some time to come to terms with the loss, which is one we were completely unprepared for. But we appreciate everyone’s kind words and thoughts at this time, which mean a great deal to us all.
“I am able to reflect of the harvesting season which is now underway. If there is one pledge I want to make to Dad, it’s that we’ll put of our heart and soul into making this year’s crop as tasty as it’s ever been in his honour.”
“As a founder – and more importantly a family member and a friend – we are going to miss him dearly.”
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