Bill Isherwood: A true gentleman
Darwen Club President Bill Isherwood who has passed away at the age of 81
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MEMBERS of Darwen Cricket Club have paid tribute to Club President Bill Isherwood who has died at the age of 81.
The sad news casts a shadow over the Club's Centenary Year.
Bill Isherwood, described by all as a 'true gentleman', dedicated over 50 years' service to Darwen Cricket Club.
Though he never played cricket himself Mr Isherwood became involved in the administration side of the game during his time as general manager of Belgrave Mill. The owner of the mill, John Watson, was heavily involved in Darwen Cricket Club.
Mr Isherwood later worked at Walkers Steel in Blackburn.
He was Club Secretary from 1958 to 1967 and Chairman from 1968 to 1975; he fulfilled the role of President from 2003 onwards.
Mr Isherwood was also a life member and trustee at Birch Hall and also served as treasurer of the Northern League between 1969 and 1970.
Northern League Chairman Mr Norman Poole said: "This is very sad news and our thoughts go to Bill's family at this time. Bill was a lovely person and a magnificent servant to Darwen Cricket Club in particular and the league and cricket in general. He was a good friend to the league and will be very sadly missed."
Darwen Cricket Club Secretary Colin Charnock said: "It is a tragic loss to the club. He was a true gentleman. Nobody in Darwen had a bad word to say about him.
"He dedicated a lot of his time to the club and, until old age caught up with him about 18 months ago, he was a regular at matches."
Current Darwen Cricket Club chairman, Graham Ainslie, said: "Bill was on the committee and he was the one who gave the club direction.
"He was vital in driving the club forward and he was responsible for setting up a fundraising 500 club."
Club Life member Dave Bonner added: "He always had a word for everyone, one of the strongest handshakes, and the writer of many letters of congratulations to many young cricketers."
Bill died of a stroke in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Sunday, April 3.
He leaves wife Dorothy, son Philip, daughter Judith and was grandfather to Nicola, Joanna, Matthew, Abbie and Matt.
(With thanks for information to the Lancashire Telegraph)
