A Renaissance Woman

A Renaissance Woman

Just some of the many tributes that flooded in for Hana Tiller, our late Editor

Many of you will know Hana Tiller for the parts she played in so many areas of the Club. As the much-loved and respected Editor of the magazine, she adamantly agreed with previous editors that we should never print obituaries. The reason being, of course, was to leave room for more uplifting articles!

Now I have to say here this is NOT an obituary. Heaven forbid – Hana would strongly disapprove. However, as so many friends, members and staff, have written in to say how Hana had actually brightened up and changed their lives, it seems only fair that I should share some of their words with you here.

From a personal point of view, I remember first meeting Hana in 1983. It was the year when Hurlingham’s magazine, Club News, was born and Hana, working at the family design and printing company, Surface Images, played a key part in its creation. Since those early days, working on a ‘state of the art’ Golf Ball typewriter, Hana very soon got to grips with and began to enjoy her first ‘high tech’ computer… and the rest is history – she never looked back! I wonder now if she realised what a vital and integral part she always played within our editorial team, as she worked on no fewer than 141 issues – the last 32 of which were as our esteemed Editor.

I don’t know anyone who gave so much time, support and love to so many people in all sections of the Club. Just take a look at the evidence here...

Our Hana will never be forgotten.

JEAN BIRD

What does one say about Hana? The very best of friends, a singer extraordinaire and a splendid actor. I personally will not forget that little look in her eyes when she knew I had spotted that she had forgotten the words in the chorus, but she mouthed them beautifully – we giggled! I particularly loved her joie de vivre; off to this exhibition, that concert and my, what she did for the Club. She was not one ever to say ‘no’. She was one of a kind.

SANDY CAHILL, CLUB CHAIR, 2013-2016

The Hurlingham Players lost a dear friend and long-serving star. Hana was a leading light on the Hurlingham stage and of the costume and wardrobe team. Builder of the Hurlingham magazine, organiser of Carol Evenings and devoted friend, she was in all senses of the word a pillar of the Hurlingham community. The memories of her beautiful singing, her fantastic friendship and her dedication to others will remain with us always.

TONY DE LACEY,CHAIR,PLAYERS

Hana will be sorely missed by all who were touched by her beautiful character and her willingness to help everyone. I personally experienced both. She helped me list and sleeve the rich Players’ archive, always arriving with some sweet treat for coffee time and those memorable evenings in the Polo Bar supping Dexter’s cocktails.

CARRIE STARREN, CHAIR, HERITAFE; CLUB ARCHIVIST, 2014 - 2024

We at the Hurlingham Players’ Wardrobe team all miss Hana, our team leader, dreadfully. We still can’t believe that we won’t see her again. She was an inspiration to us, talented, creative, outgoing but above all our kind, generous and wonderful friend.

WENDY THORNTON FELL, PLAYERS WARDROBE TEAM

Hana made a tremendous contribution to the Club in many roles over the year and was always very supportive of me and all the Hurlingham staff. Never afraid to stand up for what she saw as right and what she believed in, I particularly appreciated that strength of character on many occassions. On top of that, she was great company in the Polo Bar!

ALAN FLITCROFT, HURLINGHAM CEO AND SECRETARY, 2017 - 2021

Hana may not be here, but her spirit lives on in the many places around the Club where she was such a big presence. She seemed to be everywhere! Not many have contributed so much to the Club, over such a long period, whether in a formal or informal capacity. And that doesn’t begin to acknowledge the support she gave to so many people, whether in a professional or personal capacity. A very special lady, who aways helped others shine. Henry Finlay, Chair, Member Events The Hurlingham Club Foundation remembers Hana with fondness and a smile. As Ambassador, her tireless support for the Foundation saw her constantly show up to volunteer, selling raffle tickets, baking cakes and doing almost anything she could to further our work. We would not have gained the backing or achieved what we have without Hana’s tireless efforts in publicising the Foundation and we will be eternally grateful for her help.

LEANNE AYIN, HEAD OF FOUNDATION AND PARTNERSHIPS