It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Norma Beales, a former England international player, a prominent member of Buckinghamshire and Surrey and also a regular volunteer at Bowls England events.
Norma was very highly regarded bowler, who began her journey to the highest level at Burnham Bowls Club in Buckinghamshire and where she would partner the exceptional Mary Price.
The pair would earn Buckinghamshire County Honours between 1995 and 2005, including winning the Ladies’ Pairs seven times, the Triples with Julie Skelly twice and the Fours three times, accompanied by Sheila O’Hara, Gilly Bunce and Bridget and Katrina Jones.
Norma would also go one better in Buckinghamshire colours, becoming a National Champion in the Ladies’ Pairs in 1995 and the Ladies’ Fours a year later. The latter victory gave her team the chance to represent England and compete in the 1997 British Isles Fours, which they won.
After a brief hiatus from playing outdoors, Norma once more found herself on course to becoming a National Champion again, this time winning the title playing for Egham Bowls Club in Surrey. Norma would also repeat her achievement from 1997, winning the British Isles Fours in 2016 under the stewardship of Tony Allcock OBE.
Norma was an extremely skilled bowls player and a wonderful member of the bowling community. Her absence will be felt by many, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 28th April 2025, at 1:30pm, at Easthampstead Crematorium, South Road, Wokingham, RG40 3DW, followed by a celebration of her life at Egham Bowls Club, TW20 9LX.
Norma’s family would love if everyone would wear something pink or purple to honour her favourite colours.