TRIBUTES have been paid to a former vice-president of Bolton Cricket League and a life member of Bradshaw Cricket Club who has died aged 90.
Barry Taylor, a dedicated Wanderers fan, followed the club for over 70 years and was at Burden Park on March 9, 1946, when 33 people were killed in a crush.
His son and league secretary Ray Taylor said his father bought his first season ticket just after the Second World War and watched them until earlier this year when arthritis in his knees made it too painful to walk from the car park to the ground.
Ray added: “For many years he watched many of the away matches, retaining programmes for each and forming part of an impressive collection. He was present at the Burnden Park disaster and told the story of his journey home on the tram where Tonge Moor Road was lined with anxious and tearful wives and mothers wondering if their husbands and sons had been injured or killed.”
The same year, Barry's cricket career began at Bradshaw, playing first and second XI cricket, winning championships and cups in both teams. He once held three club first team partnership records. But his highest individual score was 96 for the second XI.
He ceased playing aged 31 because of work commitments but was a committee member by then and later served as chairman and secretary. In 1984 he became a life member of the club, published the club’s centenary book, and he also was on the Bolton League committee.
A spokesman for Bradshaw CC said: “The club are saddened to hear of the passing of club stalwart and life member Barry Taylor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy, Ray and his family at this sad time.”
Barry leaves a wife, Dorothy and Ray, his other son Barry Neil predeceasing him, and four granddaughters and a great-grandson.
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