THE local game has suffered some distressing news of late, with the untimely passing of four great characters and personalities from the bowling scene.

The most well-known of these was Barry Turnbull, of Silsden, who died quite suddenly from coronavirus, having had underlying health problems. He was 77.

Barry had played for almost 60 years in the Skipton League and was one of the most well-liked and popular players in the area.

He played for Glusburn and Silsden PF but made his name at Silsden BC, where he was a stalwart for many years.

He was league president in 1986/87 and won most of the league events over the years. He represented the league at Inter-District level and was a great ambassador for the game locally.

He had a change of scenery a few years ago and joined Ilkley BC in the Aire-Wharfe Association. He had more success there as well, winning the Guardian Merit and Champion of Champions title in 2017.

In a long career, he also played for Oakworth, Crosshills, Broughton Road and Gargrave, as well as for Clayton in the Bradford and Halifax Leagues.

He gained representative honours for Yorkshire Parks' Senior and Veterans teams and for the local federation sides.

Success also came in events further afield, with a 1992 victory in the Rycroft Trophy and three Veterans titles in the Yorkshire Parks, plus winning the Keighley BC Vets Doubles with his old sparring partner, the late Donald Varley.

John Jubb, of Addingham, was a member of Ilkley BC too and was also the treasurer for Addingham BC, where he was well known and respected.

He supported the Skipton League many times in competitions.

Eddie Boocock, of Sutton, has also passed away recently and was a well known member of that club.

Eddie was rather outspoken at times and stood no nonsense from anybody, but loved his bowling for the club.

Jean Smith, of Whins Wood, was not a player, but a popular supporter of many local events and especially for her husband ‘JD’.

To everybody concerned, our sincere condolences at this time. Things won’t quite be the same again.