BOB WHALEY

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Bob passed away last week. Our condolences go to Pat, Mark and Colin and family.

Bob is a former Treasurer and cricket playing member of our club. He ran our books at time when the club required stability and assurance as it looked to the future. When I joined the club in the 1960’s he was part of the team of volunteers that kept our club alive.

Bob has never been forgotten and never will be by his club.

Outside his family, Bob’s passions included his beloved Bury FC, Cricket and socialising with members at the bar. When I joined Prestwich I remember being invited to join his army of supporters at Gigg Lane and I went whenever I could and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie both before, during and after the game! He once told me that he thought Greg Farrell was more talented than George Best, in my view an outrageous comparison but it just emphasised Bob’s passion for his beloved ‘Shakers’.

At the Club he was affectionately known as the ‘Master of Soft Spin’ his main attributes being his guile, flight and varied pace. He was a regular member of Pete Cope’s very successful 2nd X1 Championship side, contributing with runs as well as wickets.

He always claimed he knew how to get me out and backed it up with many wagers. His wagers on anything were regular and legendary and this added to his love of cards meant he had no compunction in taking money off you!

The bookies are in for a caning up there!

RIP Bob.

The funeral is at St Brendan’s Church, Harwood at 1045 on 22nd August.

Brian Lorenzini
Chairman PCTBC