I first met Matt in 2022 when my husband Simon and I rented a house on the outskirts of Cambridge. What began as an exclusive rental soon evolved into a lively, 40-something farmstay-sharehouse when Matt and others joined us for a memorable spring and summer.☀️
Matt was a rare gem—brilliant, grounded, and equally happy to pitch in with house TLC or muck about on the land. Whether he was repairing things around the property or simply taking in the peace of the countryside, he always seemed at ease.
Weekday evenings became a cherished ritual. Simon, our resident culinary wizard, would whip up dinner, and afterward, Matt would get a fire 🔥 going. We’d gather around, swapping stories, laughing, and reflecting on the day’s events. Those moments were simple but golden.
On weekends, we explored Cambridgeshire, with Matt as our guide. His deep knowledge of the area, paired with his wit and charm, made every outing memorable. He appreciated the beauty of the land and found joy in life’s small pleasures, from pub garden curry nights, scarlet-sunsets over neighbouring fields to the antics of our beloved animals.
Our little menagerie—Fuzzy the cat (Vale Fuzzy) 🐈⬛️, the ducks, geese, chickens, and even the occasional hornet—became Matt’s companions. He shared his iPad with Fuzzy and his time with anyone who visited, always ready for a game of makeshift crazy-croquet or a BBQ 🍖 in our wild, undulating back garden.
One unforgettable gesture was Matt’s VIP tour of Duxford for Gerald, our neighbor and avid aviation 🛩 enthusiast. That day left an indelible mark on Gerald’s heart—a testament to Matt’s thoughtfulness and generosity. He had a remarkable way of seeing the needs of others and quietly stepping in to meet them.
We shared more than a house; we shared our lives. Friends and family—JC, Jim, Mum, Maddy (mine), and Ioannis, Al, and Mike (Matt’s)—became part of our extended community. Together, we created memories that still make me smile.☺️
When Matt’s apartment purchase finally went through, the chapter of our farmstay came to a close. I felt a pang of loss as he moved on, but we stayed connected. He visited us at our new place in Bartlow, and we shared tinnies 🍺 and stories while watching harvesters work the fields. It wasn’t quite the same, but the bond remained.
There are so many moments I’ll never forget:
• The quirky Quentin Blake-style doodle I drew of Matt, which he framed and proudly hung in his (incredibly well-appointed) loo. 🚽
• The time I dressed in full protective gear, armed with a lacrosse stick and mitts, blasting bee sounds from a Bluetooth speaker to take down a hornet—and, in Matt’s words, “Save his life.” 🐝🎵
• Matt suiting up in oven gloves to gather eggs from the chicken run, a daily task he approached with both humor and determination. 🐓
Matt brought joy, kindness, and a little bit of magic wherever he went. The farmstay may be a memory now, but it’s one Simon and I shall cherish forever.
Vale Matt Hall.
You were truly one of a kind, and you will be deeply missed.
