Then & Now: Ian Ross, Thongsbridge bowler

Bowling Memories

The cuttings below from the September 1981 issue of the Bowlers World magazine provide a comprehensive record of how Thongsbridge bowler Ian Ross won two All-England titles in 1981. Adding the British Parks Champions title staged in Stockport to the BCGBA Merit title won earlier in the year in Shrewsbury. The reports below cover the stories behind both title wins.

Ian wasn't a member at Thongsbridge at the time of his success only joining the club in the early part of this century since when he has been a single club bowler. He was a member of the successful Thongsbridge club team which collected such honours as the Subscription Cup, the Mirfield Division 1 Championship and the Yorkshire Cup, not forgetting being a key member of the World Club Championship winning team of 2015. Still well thought of by top club bowlers even though he isn't playing at that level nowadays.

The club would love to lure him to play for their Veterans League team but he splits his leisure time between bowling and golf nowadays which presents problems for him. Ian is still bowling for the Thongsbridge 'B' team in the Mirfield League and last season topped the Division 6 averages winning 14 of the 15 matches he played in and helping his team to the Division 6 title.

I am very grateful to Richard Armitage for up to date information about Ian's current standing and to Martin Holt for providing copy of the articles in the Bowlers World magazine with many more extracts to come over the coming weeks.

Ian Ross receiving the All-England trophy from Doug Lawrence, President of the BCGBA at the British Rail Club in Shrewsbury. Looking on is Eddie Harley, director of the sponsors Holsten Pils.