Dunmow Catholic community pays tribute to Father Martin Nott

Father Martin, who was born in 1939, died at Broomfield Hospital on June 1, following a short illness. He had been parish priest of Our Lady and St Anne Line since 2007.

Born into an Anglican family, Father Martin was educated at Sherborne and studied theology at Kings College, possibly with a view to being ordained in the Anglican ministry.

He did not complete his studies, and after a short period with a firm of chartered surveyors joined the world of commercial banking - with posts in London, the USA, Africa and Chile.

While in Chile, Martin embraced the Roman Catholic church, and decided to become ordained.

After studies at the Beda College in Rome, he was ordained by Bishop McMahon for the diocese of Brentwood in July 1990.

He held various posts in the diocese, including spells serving at the cathedral in Brentwood and in the sister diocese of Dundee, South Africa.

A spokesperson for the Catholic community said: "The ministry that Father Martin exercised in Dunmow was gentle, understated.

"His sermons were short, simple and direct, encouraging a straightforward spiritual life amidst the hurly-burly of the every day.

"He disliked complication in administrative matters, but was shrewd and decisive, particularly on the financial side."

Outside of his role in the church, Father Martin had a lifelong interest in both cricket and equestrian sport - continuing his interest in racing until the end of his life, which fell on the day of the Epsom Derby.

During his time at Our Lady and St Anne Line, Father Martin had periods of ill health - and in the last few years was aided by an artificial leg and an occasional wheelchair.

The spokesperson added: No word of complaint or self pity ever passed his lips. He died in office, devoted to his parish until the end of his life."

His funeral mass was held on June 19, conducted by the Bishop of Brentwood, and his committal took place at Church End.