The library recently lost another good friend in Martin Crosfill. Martin passed away on 9th September at the age of 94. He joined the library back in 1978, and during that time was a loyal volunteer, supporter and friend. Martin served as a Library Trustee, and at various times held each of the Officer posts with the exception of Treasurer (for which he was extremely grateful!). Most recently, until 2019, Martin was our Honorary Librarian, providing inspiring and generous support to Lisa, our present Librarian, as she negotiated her way into the unique world of the Morrab six years ago. He organised the lecture series, chaired the Book Selection Committee, and organised themed book displays. Martin also started the Morrab book fairs which became a national event in the booksellers’ calendar. He organised a Spanish Armada symposium – a three day event with lectures by experts from all over the country – as well as theatrical evenings with music and poetry. He always rolled up his sleeves and worked incredibly hard, sending out letters, putting up posters, organising festival evenings, moved an inordinate number of books up and down the stairs before the days of the lift, and even helped clean the drains .
Even in retirement from holding a Trustee role, Martin continued to volunteer until 2023, teaching himself the dark art of Excel spreadsheets so he could contribute to adding our paper-based archival index to the National Archives DISCOVERY catalogue. Throughout the Covid lockdowns he would ask the librarian for projects he could complete at home to ‘maintain his sanity’ as he put it, and generated a prodigious number of spreadsheets for us, returning in person as soon as he was able. He also attended the weekly Shakespeare classes at the library until April this year. A dedicated bibliophile, Martin was always full of fun and exciting ideas , with many stories to tell of his time working as a surgeon in the Scottish Isles and here in Penzance, and hosting many parties at his home in Heamoor with his late wife Jean.
He was a loyal friend and cared for his friends and the staff at all times, giving them voice even if he disagreed with them. He will be greatly missed by so many of us.