Long time volleyball friend Janet Inman talks about Stewart and his contribution to Volleyball over the years.

I have been trying to think how long I have know Stewart and its more years than I would like to admit.

Stewart has been an integral part of volleyball for as long as I can remember, in his role as a referee, at all levels, and being recognised for his international service by being inducted into the Don Anthony Hall of Fame in 2010. As an administrator, coach and player and another dedicated volleyball nut.

He played a key part in the development and delivery of the London 2012 Volleyball event at Earls Court, I know all the volunteers that worked at that event enjoyed every minute thanks to his leadership and untiring support.

At every major event that Volleyball England has delivered over the years Stewart has been a major part of the team working behind the scenes or on the stand. I remember when we held an international match at Loughborough and Stewart was the event manager, the protocol started and Stewart was buzzing around making sure everything was in place, I think my responsible role was giving out bananas! As the match got underway Stewart came rushing over and said ‘Do you think anyone noticed we were 30 seconds late starting?’ Always the perfectionist.

If you asked Stewart about our relationship he will tell you that I have persuaded him to do something he wasn’t even considering TWICE! The first occasion was following the tragic loss of Nev Lewis, who at the time was the President of Volleyball England, both Stewart and I were on the Board and we had been selected to accompany a school team to an international event, Stewart as the Technical Delegate and me as Head of Delegation, this meant that Stewart and I sat together on the flight back and I suggested that he should step into the Presidents role, which he kindly did, doing an amazing job.

The second occasion was much more recently when I was recruited to take on the role of the CEO of Volleyball England, I realised I needed someone who had an understanding and was well respected in Volleyball to help me reshape the organisation and take us through the Governance review being placed upon all sports by Sport England and UK Sport, once again Stewart stepped up and we had 3 great years working for the sport and people we both love.

His experience of working for the Volleyball England, CEV, his role at 2012, being a board member of Volleyball England and the Foundation, part of the SE Regional Association, an international referee and now President of NEVZA make him a unique person in our sport. He has always been there ready to help when needed.

Thank you Stewart.