Andy Morton Memorial Trophy – Northcliffe Park CGBC

Andy Morton Memorial Trophy

Andy started bowling at the age of 9 when his grandfather gave him a set of bowls for his birthday. He continued to use the same set of bowls right up to the day that he had to stop bowling due to a deterioration in his health.

Andy had played at various clubs within the Bradford Bowling League for many years whilst working as a baker, making hundreds of teacakes each day. He joined us at Northcliffe Park CGBC in the summer of 2020 when clubs were able to meet whilst maintaining Covid guidelines.

Andy survived a cardiac arrest in 2021 whilst out walking his beloved dog Tinker. Luckily he was found by a neighbour of his who commenced CPR. He recovered & continued playing competitive bowls in the Worth Valley & Aire-Wharfe Leagues until he had to stop playing in the summer of 2022 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive Brain Tumour.

Andy was the Captain of the Worth Valley Vets team in his final bowling season, 2022.

Although his physical health deteriorated rapidly & he was unable to attend matches, he maintained an active role in picking his team weekly, assisted by other members.

His team were unbeaten throughout the season & won the league division trophy, leading to promotion. Andy was unable to attend the presentation evening, so the trophy was collected on his behalf & taken to his home, so that Andy could see the reward his team had worked hard for. Andy maintained his dry sense of humour throughout his illness.

Sadly, Andy died in December 2022. He is missed by those of us who had the privilege of playing bowls with him & we have our own memories to remember our time spent with Andy.

The members at Northcliffe Park CGBC decided that they should do something in Andy’s memory, and the first Andy Morton Memorial Trophy took place in August 2023.