Bowls England is saddened to learn of the passing of Roy Thomas (Royal County of Berkshire), former President of the English Bowling Association (EBA), at the age of 96.

Roy was an Honorary Member of Bowls England and dedicated many years to the sport.

He held a number of roles at Club, County and National level, which included as the President of his County Association in 1988 before taking on the EBA role in 1991.

Roy served with the Royal Air Force during World War II, whilst his late wife Joy worked with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The pair married at Maidenhead Register Office on 30th December 1946, a marriage which lasted more than 70 years, and went on to have three children together.

He was a proper gentleman, who kept himself to himself, and was a very organised businessman.

Roy went on to work for the family firm, HW Thomas and Sons, and spent 10 years as a Maidenhead councillor, including two stints as the town’s mayor from 1966-68, which included bowling the first bowl at the opening of Maidenhead’s Desborough IBC in 1966.

Roy was a great supporter of our sport and a major figure in the history of Maidenhead Town where he held the positions of President from 1970 to 1985 as well as Chairman, Life Member and Trustee. Even in their later years, Roy and Joy kept a close interest in the well-being of the club and its members. Roy was also a Life Member of the Dennyside Bowling Association.

Roy and Joy celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in 2017, before Joy passed away the following year.

No details are yet available for the funeral but it is expected that due to the current Covid-19 pandemic that it will be restricted to immediate family only.

Bowls England sends its condolences to Roy’s three children and family and friends. He will be remembered and missed by many.

[Photograph shows Roy and Joy Thomas celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017, with thanks to the Maidenhead Advertiser]