Tribute to former Classic winner

ERIC RAYNOR, one of the best known crown green bowlers in the Oldham area for more than five decades, has died at the age of 83.

Eric, husband of the late Dorothy and father of Brian, Julie and the late David, was a hugely-popular character.

Apart from his skills as a bowler, Eric possessed an infectious sense of humour.

He put plenty back into the game he loved by helping to run teams and organise competitions.

Eric learned his bowling at Coalshaw Park, but his switch to Nimble Nook, whom he represented for 52 years, saw him established as a top player on the local scene.

His biggest triumphs came in the prestigious Crompton Open Handicap and the Lees and Hey Classic.

Eric turned to bowls after a footballing career cut short by injury.

Way back in 1947, he signed amateur forms for Athletic after impressing for Oldham Industrial in the Oldham Tuesday League.

He never played for Athletic’s first team, but turned out for the reserves and third team before moving to semi-professional club Stalybridge Celtic.

Eric also turned his hand to golf at Saddleworth and quickly reduced his handicap to 10, his only regret being his failure to make it to single figures.

Eric left Oldham in 2004 to live with his daughter in Cheddleton, near Leek.

He had not been enjoying the best of health at that stage and he deteriorated in the last couple of years of his life.

His funeral will be held on Thursday (1pm). Service and committal will be at Oldham Crematorium.