Ralph Durbin Harding (Passed away 15 Oct 2025)

Ralph Durbin Harding
9.9.1926 – 15.10.2025 Aged 99 years

1926 – 9 September born in The Ivy House, Devizes, Wiltshire
Youngest boy of 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Family farm – Manor Farm, Marston, near Devizes, Wiltshire
1936 – sent to Allhallows School, Honiton, Devon. His father and brothers all went to this school and he was so proud to uphold the Harding heritage. He learnt boxing. Played hockey for the school (Old Honitonians) up until 1943. It was stated that hockey teams did not want to play the Old Honitonians as the Harding boys were so good!
1939 – at 13 years of age, pulled out of school to help on the farm due to the war, so did not finish his education.
1944 F Coy 9th Wilts while he was at the Warren then Medbourne, Home Guard, Chiseldon as too young to join the Army. He regretted all his life that he could not be in the military services. Bought his first motorbike which was an army one. One of his stories was that ~Fred Butcher and him, rode figure of eights in Chiseldon Village Hall.
1945 – Started playing hockey for Devizes Hockey Club and also got into the Wiltshire County Team. Last played for the county in 1960. A county member of Bournemouth Sports Club. Represented them at the Ramsgate Hockey Festival together with Charles Whatley and played with them for 4 consecutive years.
1949 – met the love of his life, Pauline Doel, at Devizes Tennis Club.
1950 – 1960s – Played for the Moonrakers Hockey Club
1953 – Married Pauline Doel on the 14th February in the Town Hall Devizes. Moved into his parents farm Manor Farm, Marston
1954 – 1st son born, Mark Durbin Harding
1955 – 1958 – Captain of Devizes Hockey XI
1955 – Captain of 21C A Company 4 Wilts Battalion Home Guard.
1956 – 2nd son born, Stephen Edward Harding
1957 – 1st daughter born, Sarah Elizabeth Harding
1960 – Moved to Liddington Warren Farm
Joined Albourne Lawn Tennis Club and coached juniors. Helped out with the maintenance of the grass courts.
1961 – 2nd daughter born, Katie Harding
1963 – Chairman of Aldbourne Lawn Tennis Club till 1988
1980 – 2001 Chairman of Swindon & District League Tennis
1985 – Last played with Marlborough Hockey up till then. Vice President of Marlborough Hockey Club
1988 – 2000 -WLTA Associate Membership Secretary
1989 – 1995 -Senior Chairman Aldbourne Lawn Tennis Club
1990 – 1999 -Wiltshire County Administrator National League
1990s - suffered smoke inhalation from putting out a corn stubble fire at Liddington Warren as it could have spread to many acres of fields. He was retired early from farming life but then went on to Volunteering.
1991 – Started NHS voluntary work at Roundway Mental Hospital. Then transferred to Devizes Community Hospital as Porter. Sorting out medical records, gardener and minibus driver
1991 – moved to Devizes
1995 – 2010 – President of Aldbourne Lawn Tennis Club
1999 – Devizes Town Council Service to People Award
2000 – Nominated for the Daily Mail Unsung Hero Award
2001 – Lawn Tennis Association Meritorious Servce Award
2001 – 2010 – Elected President of Swindon & District Tennis League and life member
2003 – Received the People of Wiltshire Award
2006 – Awarded 15 years of NHS Voluntary Work Certificate at the age of 80 years and intended to retire from voluntary work, however, was persuaded to carry on with reduced hours
2010 – 14 September - Wiltshire & Swindon Sports Awards Certificate for outstanding contribution to Wiltshire Sport
2010 – 29 November – Wiltshire Tennis Awards special achievement award for services to Wiltshire Tennis
2014 – Received a Devizes and Roundway in Bloom Award in recognition of his 23 years work in the hospital gardens
2015 – Life member of Devizes Tennis Club.
2025 - Passed away aged 99 years on the 15th October
2025 - Funeral on the 12th November at 12 noon, St John's Church, Long Street, Devizes then back to the Devizes Sports Club, London Road, Devizes to celebrate his life.