Bowls England regrets to announce the passing of former EBA president and BE Honorary Member John Tolley.
John was a prominent and popular figure and good friend of former Bowls England Chief Executive Tony Allcock MBE.
John worked at both the national and county levels, and recognised as someone who engaged and welcomed everyone into the sport.
John began playing bowls at Hewell Bowls Club, Redditch where he served as Honorary secretary in 1983, Club President in 1990, and Men’s Captain in 1993.
He was elected President of Worcestershire Bowling Association in 1998.
John Weston, a long-time friend at Worcestershire described him, “as a true gentleman, who made significant contributions to the sport.”
As EBA President he oversaw a tour to Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia.
Remarking in his Presidents message, “his main objective was to publicise the value of the sport and to welcome potential changes in the game.”
Reflecting his modern outlook of expanding and developing the sport.
After his presidency, John returned to his bowling home of Hewell, where he was re-appointed President between 2014- 2017.
He remained an active member of the club, both on and off the rink.
John is remembered as a popular, kind gentleman, who will be missed not only at Hewell but throughout the bowling community.
The game acknowledges a great debt of gratitude, to a man who gave so much to the game.
Our thoughts are with his wife Christine and their family at this time.