RIP Barry Bradshaw

RIP Barry Bradshaw

The Cricket Club have received the very sad news that one of our most trusted and loyal members, Barry Bradshaw, has died in New Cross Hospital. Barry has not enjoyed the best of health over the last couple of years but his passing has come as a great shock to family and friends.

Barry, born and bred in Doncaster, came down to the West Midlands at sixteen years of age to join Wolverhampton Wanderers as an apprentice footballer. He never returned to his beloved Yorkshire, putting down roots in his adopted City, where he met and married local girl Vera. Unfortunately, he was not retained by Wolves but went on to become a very accomplished sales representative. He continued to play football on a semi-professional basis for Stourbridge and Willenhall Town. During this time both clubs enjoyed significant success.

Barry and Vera moved to live in Cricket Meadow, Fordhouses  where they brought up their family – Steve and Kate. Their back garden bordered the old Taunton Avenue ground and consequently Barry and his family became a familiar part of the cricket club scene. He was  a committed, conscientious Management Committee member including taking on the role of Fixture Secretary. Like most ‘Tykes’ Barry loved his cricket and will always be fondly remembered by the local cricket fraternity as Fordhouses 1^st XI umpire. He was widely recognised by all players on the field for his integrity and fairness.

Since moving to Wobaston Road,  Barry has provided a supportive presence at our Birmingham and Staffs Clubs games. He also continued to contribute to Club life by skillfully refurbishing match balls.

He was simply a great guy, fantastic character and will be sadly missed. Fordhouses Cricket Club wish to express their sincere condolences to Steve, Kate and their families.