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Malcolm Gray A Few Memories
Pre. St. Margaret’s Bowls Club, Thursday evening saw a group of rookie, would be bowlers rolling up on the Abbey Park green. This of course, would necessitate a later visit to Anstey Lane Social Club for liquid revitalisers.
On one such evening, a Mum, Dad and little girl joined us for a try at this strange past-time.
Mal, Jackie and little Rachael Gray were hooked and became regulars, both on the green and the social club.
It wasn’t long before Mal became a full and active member of Abbey Park Bowls Club. The club, unfortunately for Jackie had no active Ladies section. Mal’s solution was to resurrect Chummy Night. Thanks to his enthusiasm and organising skills, the mixed Chummy Bowling Night became a very successful feature of Abbey Park bowling.
The little Social Club on Anstey Lane was where Mal and his new pals put the world to rights. We drank, laughed and even argued some. Mal wasn’t one to hide his feelings if he didn’t agree with you. He was also extremely generous and would help anyone who had fallen on hard times.
One of our group worked for Mal at his printing firm. We had many a lecture on how Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas were printed in gold and silver leaf. Seeing how much gold & silver leaf became stuck to their hair and eyebrows we often wondered how successful this process really was.
We all enjoyed our time with Abbey Park, but were tempted by an advert for bowlers whilst at a fund raising dance at the Co-operative Social Club. We applied, some would say under false pretences, and eventually became members of St. Margaret’s.
Rachael was by now a young lady and had more grown up things to do.
Mal and Jackie both became very motivated members of their new club. Jackie, a founder member of the Ladies section was to become Lady President.
Mal became a Captain, Committee member, President and with Len an organiser of the successful 100 Club.
Sadly, over the last few years Mal was dogged with poor health, not helped by his business worries. Mal though, with great courage and fortitude continued to support and enjoy his bowls.
Jackie said at Mal’s funeral I have lost my best mate. A feeling shared by his old rookie drinking pals: Terry Seare, Brian Cockcroft, George Lock and ex member Mal Wetton.
We can only offer our deepest sympathy to Jackie and Rachael and volunteer our help as required.
P.S. Though perhaps most members called him Malc, to us he was always Mal.
George Lock