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Hadleigh Nub News delves into the life of former Hadleigh resident, sailor, writer and cricketer Evelyn Martin.

Martin was born on March 22 1881 in Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire to a well-to-do family with connections to Martin's bank, which merged with Barclays Bank in 1969.

Martin was educated at both Eton and New College, Oxford, the latter being where he was awarded a cricket Blue as part of the Oxford University cricket team.

Martin played for Eton a number of times, suggesting that cricket has enthralled him from a young age.

In 1899, he took ten wickets in a match against Harrow at Lord's. Four years later, he made his debut for Oxford against Gentlemen of England at The Parks. In this match-up, he claimed five wickets. His formidable 6'7" height was undoubtedly being a strength of his in the sport.

In the season, he took a total of 37 wickets at a bowling average of 19.18. In the next two seasons he played 15 games, all for Oxford, picking up 29 and 32 wickets.

His cricket career only spanned from 1903 to 1907 yet he made an impact on the Oxford University team.

During the First World War, he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Aside from cricket, Martin had a keen interest in working sailing boats. His interest was initially kindled by his outings on Brixham trawlers.

In 1923, he bought the French pilot cutter Jolie Brise and sailed her to victory two years later in the first Fastnet Race of 1925 in a time of 6 days, 14 hours and 45 minutes. He later won the 1929 and 1930 race.

In 1927, Martin sold Jolie Brise, through an advertisement in Yachting World to Captain Warren Ferrier and his partner Dr. Brownlow Smith.

At the post-race dinner of 1925 at the Royal Western Yacht Club, the new Ocean Racing Club was formed and its first commodore appointed, Jolie Brise's then owner, Evelyn Martin. He later became Admiral, a title which he held until his death.

After he sold Jolie Brise, he worked on Thames barges on England's east coast.

Martin died from heart failure in Hadleigh at the age of 64 on April 27 1945.