21 Jun TRIBUTE TO DERRICK RADLEY

DERRICK RADLEY

1930 -2023

Derrick was raised a stone’s throw away from Skelmanthorpe Central Bowling Club and spent all his bowling life there in which time he filled every position within the club. Not an outstanding bowler, but no dummy either, his main claim to fame was once reaching the last 8 of the Yorkshire Merit. However, his knowledge of bowlers and greens was exceptional, still remembering events in the 50s up to the present day.

In 1983 he became Secretary/Treasurer of Yorkshire County Crown Green Bowling Association, when South Yorkshire clubs were still members of the Association, and remained in post for 11 years after which he became Competition and Match Secretary for a further 5 years. Derrick led from the front, didn’t suffer fools gladly, but developed the administration of Yorkshire so much so that his basic structure still underlies current administration. Much of the success that Yorkshire currently enjoys stems from the framework that Derrick established some 30/40 years ago. Despite his brusque manner he was well respected throughout the bowling world both locally and nationally. His directions to greens was not via certain pubs, as is often the case, but by fish and chip shops of which I believe he was the world’s most knowledgeable.

Derrick spent the last 10 years or so of his life in care homes – not really his cup of tea but he made the best of it. Unfortunately during the last 6 months age caught up with him and he became bedridden with no understanding of events around him. He lived a good life, working hard and playing hard, a character the like of which we shall probably never see again.

Finally, a story which I believe sums Derrick up best. Derrick used to attend many BCGBA meetings, and the procedure when wishing to speak is to introduce yourself by name and county e.g. Radley, Yorkshire. One meeting his mind was obviously somewhere else; he stood to speak, and when he did the meeting always paid attention, and said “Radley, Shat Central”. Apart from those few Huddersfield people present, confusion reigned. Despite his travels Derrick was always a “Shat” person and I would like to think we remember him as such.

Rest in peace Derrick, you will be sadly missed.

Written by Alan Stephenson, a friend and colleague on the Yorkshire scene.