Obituary: Breckland councillor Ian Martin dies aged 65

When Ian Martin moved from Kent to Yaxham, near Dereham, with his wife Susan in 2005, he was already determined to make a difference to local people.

A former law graduate of Southampton University, Mr Martin spent his career working with Shell and travelling around the world. 

In 1997, he stood as a Conservative candidate for parliament but was unsuccessful in his endeavour. That was the year which saw Labour end 18 years in the political wilderness, returning to power with a parliamentary landslide. 

Ian Martin (Image: Newsquest / Courtesy of family)

Following the move to Nelson’s County, the couple had been actively involved in community life while living in the Garden of England - so hard work was already a familiar feeling for Mr Martin. 

One of the first issues he got his teeth stuck into was in 2007 during the proposed change from Breckland Nursery to what has now become Yaxham Waters.  

The long saga lasted many years and created much discussion about how the village should develop. This is turn created the Community Led Plan in 2013, followed by the setting up of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group in 2015. 

Mr Martin became the main architect of the plan that was adopted in 2017 - the first in Breckland.

That year, Mr Martin joined Yaxham Parish Council and, after the resignation of the late David Myhill in 2018, he became vice chairman and then chairman after the 2019 elections. 

The same year he was elected as Breckland Council’s councillor for Mattishall Ward representing East Tuddenham, Garvestone, Mattishall, Hardingham and Yaxham.  

Ian Martin (Image: Newsquest / Courtesy of family)

Then when Covid struck in 2020, he became instrumental in the launch of Yaxham Cares, one of Breckland’s first community voluntary response groups to be set up encompassing more than 100 volunteers.  

During that time, he also secured tens of thousands of pounds for the village halls in his ward to keep them going while they were closed due to the pandemic. 

He had also been on the board of governors for Yaxham Primary School, where he had been responsible for the project that expanded the school’s capacity to 105 pupils.  

A LIFE-CHANGING DIAGNOSIS

In 2021, he was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and in May 2022, a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) led to his resignation from all of his public facing roles.   

His wife, Susan, said: “Ian has fought ME/CFS and MND initially striving to stay ahead of the disease, but you can do only do that for so long. 

“He fought MND with fortitude, humour and strength. He is missed more than he would ever know. 

“This year it finally overwhelmed him. The struggle is finally over, and he is at rest.  

“He wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped and made the last 19 years in Yaxham so memorable.”  

TRIBUTES TO THE MAN WHO 'FOUGHT VERY HARD'

Following his death, his Breckland Council colleagues described him as “a courteous man of principle who fought very hard for Yaxham”.

Maggie Oechsle, chairman of Yaxham Parish Council, led a minute’s silence in his memory at a recent meeting.

Ian Martin with Maggie Oechsle (Image: Newsquest / Courtesy of family)

She said: “Although not everyone agreed with his politics, as a member of the Conservative party since his teens it was universally recognised how hard he worked to represent all his electors.  

“On a very personal level, Ian was a wonderful friend to me particularly after my husband died. He was always there to advise and support and I miss him enormously.  

“He showed immense courage in combating the disease and always tried to remain upbeat in what must have been a huge challenge as the MND took hold. 

“We all remember Ian in so many different ways; his thoughtfulness, his kindness, his service to others and his generosity of spirit - particularly when sharing his favourite malt with friends and colleagues.” 

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held at St Peter’s Church in Yaxham on October 4 and saw 180 people attend. More than £5,200 has been raised in his memory for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.