Jimmy Johnstone - 'larger than life'
21st April update on Jimmy Johnstone - kev
On Friday 19th April at the West chapel Overdale Jimmy Johnstone was laid to rest. r.i.p.
The funeral cortege left 'Funeral Care' on Crompton way at 1.30 and passed by our club [ picture below with club members giving him a send off ]
The photo below that shows his friends and relations at Overdale which was a lovely service of Jimmy's life and loves and below that another photo at Bar Lane Club where tasty pasty and peas were laid on for everyone.
Thanks to Doreen and her family for sharing with us the passing of Jimmy and hope that time will help them with their loss.
Love from his club friends and aquaintances at Astley Bridge Park, and beyond.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prior to Jimmy's funeral we held a memorial bowling competition on Good Friday - details of which are below
The 'random round robin pairs'
Jimmy Johnstone memorial OPEN comp on the 29th (Good Friday) went ahead with 40 entries and plenty of spectators.
The refreshments were sponsored by Asda
- So a big thank you to them for making this event free for all.
Thank you also to everyone who helped to make this event so successful -- like the marquee preparation /chairs/cushions /kitchen/food/tidying up /marking games/rubbish collection/and supporting this event which will become an annual 'Good Friday Jimmy Johnstone memorial competition'
We started the memorial competition with a short speech by Paul Pover (club chairman) and a minutes silence and then a short speech down 'memory lane' with Mike Bailey (form Tonge Park).
Thank you to them for getting the comp' off to a thoughtful start .
There were some 50+ bowlers and spectators from Egerton park/Tonge Park /Darbishire Park/Moss bank Park, as well as Astley Bridge Park members - all coming together in memory of Jimmy - what a lovely gesture of friendship for a 'larger than life character'.
The weather was kind to us all through the day, with only a 5 minute squally shower just before the finals started - so a really great day - with a quite a few bursts of warm sunshine.
Everyone got 3 short games of pairs bowls where I am sure folk met colleagues that they hadnt seen for quite a while - especially at 12.30 when 'feeding time' brought everyone together - a tasty spread of mouth watering sandwiches 'grazing' pies/sausages/cheese tray + cakes and biscuits with plenty tea and coffee to get everyone warmed up for the second half of the competition.
The photos below from top to bottom
1- remembrance time and 1 minute for Jimmy (by Paul)
2- 'memory lane' by Mike Bailey
3- ready for the 'off'
4- 5 blocks on green and 20 players in pairs
5- finalists (with their Easter eggs) from left Mary Southern+Alan Finch /Lawrence Catterall+Joe Counsell
6-Winners with their mini cups and 'Jimmy Johnstone memorial trophy' Lawrence Catterall + Joe Counsell - well done to them and also everyone who joined in the remembrance day comp.
------------------------------------------------------
Announcement
Really sad news on Thursday 7th March - Jimmy Johnstone passed away suddenly - Doreen contacted us last night to break the news and let club members know asap.
We will keep you informed here and on whatsapp AB group as we know more.
Our thoughts are with his family and R.I.P. Jimmy
The photo below shows Jimmy as part of the team winning the Vets cup in 2014 - sadly you can also see other club characters who have passed away since then : Dave Thornborough in front , 'practical joker' Ernie Bembridge at the back and 'teapot' Jack Smith holding the cup.
Thoughts/condolences of some members up to 8/3/2024 🌷💐🌹
Paul
No no oh no such a sad loss Jimmy will be much missed by all who knew him.
Kev.
Jimmy was always there with his dry humour 🤣 and a decent bowler too - he will be missed - R.I.P. Jim. - my thoughts are with his family right now- hoping that all the arrangements go well - we will all be there at the park gates giving him a good send off.
Mick
RIP my friend
Very sad news great man always cheerful will be missed sorry doreen
Jean
Aww thank you Kevan, can’t believe we were talking to Jim and Doreen Monday afternoon.
Our condolences Doreen 💐 Jean and Terry Naughton
Andy
Sincere condolences to Doreen.
Karen
I’m not sure I knew Jimmy but with all the texts coming in he must have been a lovely guy. RIP Jimmy and condolences to his wife Doreen .
Ian
Sorry to hear that Jimmy as passed away R.I.P
Jim
Really sad news lovely man always had a smile on his face RIp Jimmy
Dave
I am so sorry to read about your loss, Doreen. My thoughts are with you through this difficult time .
Barry
Very sad news a well liked member of the bowling teams he played for. Will be missed by all who knew him.
Ray
Lovely fellow always had good crack with him, God bless.
Norman
Another bowler who helped me every match to do the bowling teams scoreboard. Thanks Jimmy I will miss you. God bless.
Ken
Very sad news I spoke to him on Saturday night he was looking forward to coming to bowling on the 15 th .they will give it out on Saturday night at the club where he was a member of
Peter
Very sad news , thoughts and prayers for Doreen and may he RIP. ❤️
Malcolm
Very sad news, I was looking forward to seeing him play in this coming season 😭
Mark
RIP Jimmy
Edna
I'm very sorry to hear that, Kevan. It's so sad Doreen will miss him.
Billy
Very sorry to hear that always had a. Talk with him l will miss him keep strong god bless
Audrey
Very sad news ,so sorry ,he will be missed ,
Lawrence
Oh god bless lovely person
-----------------------------------------------