Gordon Daley
Gordon Daley was a great character within the Cross Roads village and had many friends and associates. He was born on the 23rd January 1929, and died only weeks before his 76th birthay on the 11th March 2005, and is very dearly missed.
His great passion in life was Bowls and he was a member and supporter of the Cross Roads Bowling Club for 60 years plus. He served the club in many capacities and was well respected amongst his fellow members.
Whilst not claiming to be the greatest of bowlers his vociferous support for his club/team mates never dwindled.He worked tirelessly as Secretary and Buster organiser ensuring the future of the club by raising funds, working closely with Derek Mitchell the Treasurer. He was also the 'main man' when it came to organising club competitions and refreshments; tea, biscuits, sandwiches, scones etc. He never missed a club trip to Thirsk or the annual outing to the races, Dales or wherever, he was always there and determined to enjoy himself.
His favourite catchphrases will live long in the memory:'Get stuck in', 'Nowt for short', Bit more co-op', 'Better gravy', 'We av em' and 'Tea up'.
Gordon also had nicknames for everyone including: Bang, Rocky, Pope, Gus, Twinny, Plonk, Wilky, Orville, Morph, Cocoa, Lucky, Barney, Laidback etc.
Such was Gordons support for Bowls he was made a Life Member of Cross Roads Bowling Club, The Worth Valley Bowling Association and The Yorkshire County Parks Bowling Association.
When not Bowling Gordon would enjoy walks around the area and call and visit his friends who were unable to get out and about themselves including his long time best friend Eric Pickles who Gordon visited for the best part of 25 years. He would also visit Dennis Mechem, and Nellie Walsh among others.
Gordon enjoyed other sports also and in his younger days played football and enjoyed watching rugby league and cricket.
After he retired he would enjoy wednesday bus trips with his friends Alan Bancroft, Terry Walsh, Jack Moore and David Green to various haunts in West Yorkshire where they would play Dominoes, have a drink or two and watch Horse Racing. He also travelled regularly with Robert Bailey to various destinations.
His working life was spent at British Mohair as 'boiler man' and he also worked at Prince Smiths, Dean Smith Grace 1978-1982, Smith Bros Agricultural plus Sharp Poultry Farm.
Gordon was one of three children of the late Arthur and Edith Daley, Arnold his brother lives in Somerset, and Gladys his sister died several years ago. Peter Clay the Cross Roads Bowling Club President (1975-2005) was cousin to Gordon.
His memory lives on and 'Daley Day', 10th July 2005 is dedicated to him.
The Gordon Daley Trophy
Following the death of Gordon in 2005, we, the members of Cross Roads Bowling Club decided that we would like to have a permanent memorial to ensure that his name lived on for many years to come and it was decided to purchase a trophy in his name.
However this is not a trophy which is played for annually as over time this would fade, and it is difficult picking a day to avoid clashes with other events.
The trophy is basically an honour bestowed upon someone who our members consider to have achieved much or contributed much in the realm of bowls or in the general Crossroads area.
Peter Clay (2005)
First presented in 2005, we awarded the trophy to Peter Clay, cousin of Gordon who had been President of Cross Roads Bowling Club for 30 years, thanking him for all his hard work.
Maurice Carter(2006)
In 2006 the award was presented to Maurice Carter who has maintained the Yorkshire Parks following the death of Frank Robinson.
Maurice has been President of British Parks/Yorkshire Parks and now the Bradford Association.
He has been actively involved in the administration of the game for many years for the benefit of others and is a worthy recipient of the Gordon Daley Trophy.
The trophy is to keep for the coming season but the clock/ornament is a keepsake forever.
Mick Walsh (2007)
Mick Walsh was presented with the Gordon Daley Trophy this year in recognition of his 25 years as captain of the Saturday team and 18 years as club secretary. A great achievement, and long may his commitment continue to benefit the club and its players.
He also recieved a cut glass decanter which he can keep as long as he promises to fill it
with brandy and share it with the rest of us me.
Congratulations Mick, you work hard on behalf of the club and you deserve it.
Garry Foster (2008)
This year the Gordon Daley Trophy was presented to Garry Foster. He has been a friend and team mate and a very prolific bowler at Crossroads for more years than most can remember (approx 20 years) and this year he was made a life member in recognition of his long service in the club.
Garry has always been a fierce competitor and a passionate socialiser (bowls or beer...it's a difficult decision....he'd say both, at the same time if posible) and it is this fierce determination that has helped him in his struggle against what has become a debilitating illness.
Keep up the fight Gaz and we'll all hope for fast greens this season so you can teach us a bit more about your favourite little round peggers.
Fred Rothwell (2009)
Fred Rothwell...Mr Common-Sense...what can I say. For the last 15 years, as secretary, this guy has taken the Hebden Royd League from strength to strength. More teams now play in this Monday night league than ever before, with seniors and vets, and soon to come, a junior league, fantastic.
On and off the green, Fred has the respect of all our Crossroads bowlers, who enjoy playing in the league games and the well run competitions not to mention the great presentation nights we've enjoyed over in Heptonstall.
Thank you for all your hard work and for being so approachable, helpful and damn good at what you do, cheers.
The picture below, of Fred and Garry, was taken at our presentation night Jan 2010 where Fred was presented with the Gordon Daley Trophy.
