Why there will never be another like our Eric...

GODFATHER of comedy: Eric Sykes, 1923-2012

THOUGH he hadn’t lived in Oldham for decades, golf fanatic Eric Sykes remained an honorary member at Crompton and Royton Golf Club.

Chadderton resident and club member Dennis Hollingworth (83) said: “He was a very friendly man and of course very humorous.

“He did come back to play at the club when he moved away, but I think it must be at least 30 years since the last time. “He absolutely loved his golf. I remember playing with him when I was captain in 1979, and his brother John — who is also no longer with us — was president of the club.”

Oldham Athletic also joined in tributes to the comedy legend.

The former Latics director and lifelong fan began watching the team in the 1930s and had a spell on the board in the 1970s.

Athletic chairman Simon Corney said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to Eric’s family.”

Oldham Coliseum, executive director David Martin said: “Eric was an important part of the theatre’s history. He cut his teeth right here in Oldham and went on to do great things in his life. We offer our condolences to his family.”

Eric had served at Normandy during the Second world War, where the noise of the guns affected his hearing. In later life he had a hearing aid built into his trademark heavy spectacles.

After the war, Eric worked at Oldham Rep and it’s alleged he was sacked for demanding a pay rise from £3 to £4.

In the 1960s Eric, now a wealthy entertainer, moved to exclusive St George’s Hill in Weybridge, Surrey, where his next-door neighbour was Beatles legend John Lennon. Later he moved to nearby Esher.



GLODWICK-BORN actor Bernard Cribbins first met his long-time golf buddy at the local rep theatre in Oldham in 1949.

He said: “I was on demob leave from the Parachute Regiment and went to the theatre just to see people.

“I got chatting to Eric and he suddenly started doing a one–legged darts player routine in the middle of the street, which I have never forgotten.



LEGENDARY entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth was another golfing partner of Eric’s.

The “Strictly Come Dancing” host said: “We used to play golf with Sean Connery. We were a great golfing fraternity. He was just one of the funniest men ever.”

“My only sadness is that I haven’t seen him recently. He was very lovely, very gentle.”



MONTY Python star Michael Palin said of Sykes: “He was one of the nicest, most decent men in the business and one of a kind. No–one else could do what Eric could do. ”



FELLOW comedy writing legend Eddie Braben called Sykes a “monumental man of comedy.”

“He leaves an enormous gap in the field of fun. His was the comedy of innocence. He didn’t raise any bruises, only laughter. We were great friends.”



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