Tony Cale BEM

Tony Cale B.E.M.

Tony Cale -  1928 - 2008

Tony Cale was a well-known character within the Forest of Dean. His activities stretched from being a local Santa to school children in Mitcheldean, to a senior post in the St John's Ambulance brigade, not forgeting his pride in being a Fire fighter.

However we remember him as a a faithful member of the Lea Short Mat Bowling Club where he served as Chairman for several sessions. . He played his favourite game of short mat bowls right to the very end.

Tony will be missed by many folk, none more so than Margaret his widow who like Tony is an indefatigable worker within the local community.

Bill Maxfield Bowler extraodinary

Bill Maxfield

14.03.1914 -  27.07.2007

The Oldest Bowler in U.K.

plays his last end.

Bill Maxfield, who played for the Lea Short Mat Bowling Club and claimed to be the oldest short mat bowler in the U.K. died on the 27th of July, aged ninety-three. This followed a long perod in hospital, firstly in Gloucester and then in Ross on Wye .

 Prior to a cremation at Yew Tree Brake, his life was remembered at a celebration held at the Lea Church of St John the Baptist on Thursday 9th August,.

 Mrs Davina Thomas, a lay reader, and personal friend, of Bill’s for many years, conducted the Service.

 Davina reminded the company of the varied occupations Bill had worked at. However, many people remember Bill in his proud boast, to have been the best metal polisher that Jaguar Cars ever had! A love of motor bikes, a gift for working out crosswords, even a musical talent displayed in playing a harmonica, always on the move, demonstrated a love of life itself, which belied his ninety three years.

An abiding passion, right to the end, for his beloved short mat bowling, will be recalled by a special trophy, the ‘Bill Maxfield Cup’ to be contested annually at the Lea SMBC .