Stan's floral tribute

Saddleworth Rotarians and their wives, who gathered at a touching celebration of the life of one of their members Stan Bowes, each received a special gift of crocuses.

They were presented by Stan’s widow, Sheila, as a poignant reminder of Rotary’s fight for a polio free world.

The presentation came after a dinner at the Roebuck Inn to share mrmories of Stan, a popular local figure, who died at the age of 75.

For many years, Stan wrote an informative weekly column and produced a weekly ‘Useless Information’ paper that was popular not only in the community, but in many other countries.

It was a record of historical events, along with humorous aphorisms.

Rotarian John Ainley, senior partner in an Oldham legal firm, recounted that he had been inducted into the Rotary movement on the same day as Stan over 25 years ago, and he had the honour of presenting Stan with a Paul Harris Fellowship a few years ago - the highest award to be bestowed in Rotary. 

Stan had been elected President of Saddleworth Rotary Club on two occasions and held a number of other positions.

He was described as an ‘outstanding Rotarian’ and Alan Chorlton recalled how Stan moved up the ladder to become District Governor in 2016, responsible for all the Rotary Clubs in the area. 

Other memories were provided by Rotarians Lawrence Perrins, Douglas Greenwood, Ken Bennett, Rob Knotts and Clint Elliott. 

Said Mr Ainley: "They testified to Stan’s sense of humour, his willingness to always help others and his extensive knowledge of virtually every subject. 

“He was an expert ornithologist and gave presentations on climate change and photography.

“In his working life, he was Managing Director of W H Shaw and Son in Dobcross and served for many years as President of EPAL, the body governing the manufacture of wooden pallets in Europe.”

Finally, Stan’s wife entertained the guests with some stories of their 46 years married life together and recalled despite his many talents, cooking was not one of them. 

On one of his few ventures into the kitchen, he produced toffee sauce instead of gravy!

Added Mr Ainley: “Stan is still sorely missed but will always be remembered for his kindness and unstinting charity work.” 

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