Bowls England is sad to announce the passing of former international bowler and selector Gill Jones at the age of 80.

Gill was also a member of Consett Park BC for many years, a former women’s county secretary, national fours champion and BIBC champion.

Her international career spanned the years 1984 and 1985 and she used this experience in later life to play an important part in selecting the national squad.

Gill was a key part of Consett Park BC and Durham County for many years, carrying out a wide range of duties with enthusiasm and determination.

She joined her club in 1987 and quickly became a team selector two years’ later.

Gill’s talent for getting things done allied with her likeable demeanour then saw her become ladies’ secretary in 1990.

She was to hold this role for an incredible 26 years either side of a two-year interlude between 2000 and 2002 when she was ladies’ county secretary.

According to her successor Ann Mitchell, the early part of the century brought great success for Gill and her teammates from Consett Park.

“In 2002 Gill was Skip in the winning Fours team consisting of Lead Margaret Robson, Maureen Gowland and Edna Stokoe,” she said.

“Then the following year they were entered into the British Isles competition in Ballymena, Ireland, where they came away with a silver medal.

“As is obvious from the reaction to her passing, Gill was highly respected in both outdoor lawn bowls and indoor.

“She was so pleased to be presented with an Honorary Membership by Bowls Durham just before she passed away.

“This was another great achievement to go with her many others. Gill was a strong, determined, competitive and lovely lady, it was an honour to know and learn from her, in many ways.”

Gill is survived by her daughter Alison plus sons Stephen, David and Mark plus her devoted partner Jim Ruddick and his family