HELEN BLAKE

Many members will be already aware that Helen passed away earlier this week after a six week stay in hospital and an illness that lasted over the last two years.

A stalwart and a wonderful character that crossed many activities in the club including cricket and bowling and work on the club committees.

She was extremely competitive in everything she did and many of you will remember her striding across the bowling green arms raised claiming her points.

She enjoyed nothing short of legendary status when she was working on the bar with members quivering with fear daring to ask for a drink out of the established waiting order.

It is the bar where she lovingly attained her nickname of the FPO (Fun Prevention Officer). The then young cricketers who dared to call her the FPO were constantly reminded by Helen that she offered a pure quality but undervalued service and waiting to be served was a privilege when she was working.

I know many people who she worked for in her working life, some of whom I have spoken with this week, and all confirmed the quality and commitment of her work across many differing disciplines.

I have known Helen for over 50 years, we went to the same secondary school at St Clare’s in Blackley. She constantly reminded me that she was academically superior at school and we regularly discussed our memories of that era and enjoyed banter whenever we met.

It was always a pleasure to be in her company as she always displayed a wicked sense of humour.

All at PCTBC send their heartfelt sympathies to Harry, Steven and Alex and all the family. RIP Helen you will always be a Class Act in my memories.

Brian Lorenzini

The Funeral is at Blackley Crematorium on Thursday 16th April at 12pm and afterwards at her club.