One of Menston’s famous sons, cricket legend Bill Bowes, could soon have a street in the village named after him.
A former player for Menston and Marylebone Cricket Clubs, Mr Bowes represented Yorkshire and England in numerous high profile matches, was a World War II veteran and was an author and sports journalist during his distinguished career.
Known as one of the best bowlers of his time, he lived in Menston with his family for most of his life until his death in 1987, aged 79.
To honour his memory a councillor has called for Bradford Council to name a road in a new housing development “Bill Bowes Court”.
Last year plans were approved to demolish the existing Menston Club building on Farnley Road and re-develop the site with a new clubhouse and 12 mews properties.
Work on the site started last month and is expected to be complete by spring, and tomorrow the Council will decide whether to support Councillor Dale Smith’s request to name the new road after the cricketer.
Mr Bowes was born in Elland in 1908, and started his career at Marylebone Cricket Club in 1928. He played for Yorkshire and England in the late 1920s and in the following years became a household name, and produced England’s most impressive bowling display in the 1934 Ashes series.
He served in WWII and was held in an Italian prisoner of war camp for three years before returning to cricket after the war.
As his career wound down he began writing about the sport in the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.
Coun Smith (Con, Wharfedale) said: “Bill Bowes contribution to the advancement of cricket and his writing has left a valued legacy. He knew how important it was to nurture young players and contributed time doing so.”
The decision on the road naming will be made by the Council’s Shipley Area Committee, which is meeting at Bingley Town Hall on 6pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article