Following the recent death of Christopher, residents may wish to read some details of his interesting life.
Christopher Croft 1932 – 2026
Christopher first appears on the Sleepers Hill Residents’ List in living in Downlands in 1971. Bob Jones (d.2026) was the only resident who has resided on the Hill for longer.
Born in Kent in 1932, he attended Sherbourne School and Cambridge University, where he obtained a degree in Engineering. Whilst at Cambridge, he taught himself Norwegian in order to chat-up the female Scandinavian language students. This is how he met his wife Brit, and explains why there was nearly always a Norwegian flag flying at Downlands.
After university, he joined the Royal Navy where he remained until his retirement. He was a specialist in guided missiles and rose through the ranks, retiring as Commodore. During his service, he was appointed Naval Attache to Oslo in the early 70s.
Being a fluent Norwegian speaker, in retirement, he set up a Scandinavian translation service. Around this time, he became active in the Sleepers Hill Association, serving as Chairman 1993 to 2000.
In his private life, he had many interests: a very good tennis and squash player (Navy Champion), an accomplished wood carver, a lover of insects and flowers (he could identify and name every British butterfly), a keen skier, expert at tying knots and could entertain children with his magic tricks.
He and Brit spent a lot of time helping the Vietnamese boat people when they needed settling, and kept in touch with a local family until his death.
He leaves two sons, his wife Brit having pre-deceased him.
Steve Osborne, with help from his son Chris Croft.
June 2026