Tribute to former captain

GOLF: CROMPTON and Royton Golf Club stalwart Ken Smith has died at the age of 89.

Ken was a life member of the High Barn club, and lived a stone’s throw away from it.

A close friend of legendary comedian Eric Sykes, who was a colleague at Rutland Mill, Ken even gained a mention in his book.

Indeed, Sykes became an honorary member at Crompton and Royton, occasionally playing the course when he returned to his home town.

Ken was introduced to golf while serving in the Royal Navy alongside Paddy Crawford, who was the junior Irish Open champion.

After a stint as club secretary from 1951 to 1956, he went on to be captain and president on two occasions.

Ken stopped playing at the age of 75 but remained vice-president, and was asked to present the Hall Cup on the day he marked his 60th anniversary at Crompton and Royton.

Ken had been in poor health since suffering a stroke last May.

He is survived by sons Clive and Craig, and his partner of 33 years, Dorothy Eyres.

Service and committal at Oldham Crematorium is on Thursday, January 20, at 11am.