Bowls England regrets to announce the passing of former England international Robert Burch.

Remembered as a true gentleman and a long-standing advocate of the bowls community serving both Club and County for over fifty years, Robert represented England 12 times between 1972-1975 and was a regular Middleton Cup player for both Devon and Cornwall.

His list of successes includes;

• County Champion in Singles, Pairs and Triples, and the over 60’s singles Champion in 1998.
• British Isles Police Singles Champion in 1976
• Madeira’s Indoor Chairman 1993/1994
• Madeira Bowls Club and was the Club President 1997/1998.

His bowling career started in 1954 at Plymouth Hoe BC, also a member of Tavistock, Redruth and Pinces Gardens, before joining Madeira Bowls Club in 1977.

Robert qualified as an Umpire in 1988; as a County Umpire in 1991 and as a National Umpire in 1995.

He was Club Chairman in 2004, whilst Chairman, he was still winning Club Competitions.

Robert also received the Bowls England “Certificate of Merit” in 2010 in recognition of his achievements both on and off the green.

He was the “Complete Bowler” a giant of a man in every respect; he had time for everyone and treated everyone with courtesy and consideration.

The Bowls community as a whole was saddened by the news, especially members at Madeira bowling club, who said it was a real honour to have Bob as a member for so many years.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Brenda and their son Graham at this sad time.