Family of Hastings community stalwart, Mike Cornish, pays tribute to his 'strong sense of social fairness'

Michael Cornish, who was the chairman of Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) and former chief officer of the Seaview Project, died on July 27, aged 72.

His son Matt said: “He moved to Battle in 1974 to take up a post as a youth and community worker for East Sussex County Council, and seven years later settled in Hastings. He worked for East Sussex County Council for 27 years, becoming an area manager for Adult Social Services. He then worked as an independent consultant in the same field, before taking up a senior role with the Seaview Project and later chairing HVA.

“Mike had a strong sense of social fairness and devoted his life to supporting the most vulnerable people in the community. He had many roles with community organisations, including Hastings Area Community Fund, the local Labour party, Winterbourne Close Residents Association and Senlac Masonic Lodge.

“Having lived and worked in Hastings for so long, Mike was a real friend to many people in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

“Although quietly spoken, there was no mistaking that he had a strong personality and while his instinct was towards compassion, he wouldn’t suffer fools gladly. He was generous with his wisdom but also regarded as a good listener and someone who was good at weighing up options before making decisions.

“Mike was a talented gardener and always enjoyed staying fit and eating healthily. He regularly went to the gym, did pilates classes, swimming and walking, and during the Covid restrictions, he and Anne notched up walks in and around Hastings totalling 1,000 miles in eight months.”

A statement from HVA said: “Everyone at HVA was devastated to learn of the death of Mike Cornish, the chair of our trustee board, who has for many years supported our work and the contribution of the voluntary sector. Mike was a really kind and thoughtful person who devoted his life to supporting the most vulnerable people in the community."

Mike’s funeral will be held on August 22 at Hastings Crematorium. The family have asked for no flowers, but donations to the Seaview Project. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, sons Wil, Mark, and Matt, daughter Jo, and seven grandchildren.