One of Caerleon Bowling Club’s popular figures and former champion bowler, Brian Richards has died at his home in Norfolk aged 97.
He had moved with his wife Lesley to Knapton to be near their family.
Brian was a native of Bedwellty and moved to the Caerleon/Ponthir area in the 1970s. He was in business as a shopkeeper, first in Griffithstown and later at the Lodge, Caerleon.
He began bowling on retirement at the age of 65 and was still bowling at 90.
He was Caerleon Club secretary from 1998 to 2002, was captain three times and became chairman in 2004 - a post he held for eight years.
Four years later he was Newport Bowling Association chairman.
In 2002 he was the club champion in the year it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner he organised. In 2012 he became a life member.
Present club secretary Mike Jones said: “ Brian was a truly memorable character. As a former miner he was he was a familiar figure on the valley greens. We all remember him as a friendly chap with a good sense of humour.”
His funeral takes place at Cromer Crematorium, Norfolk, on Wednesday July 31 at noon.
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