Norman Routledge

It was a very sad day for the world of bowls when Norman Routledge died on 15th January 2010 in Hospital at Sunderland after a short illness.

Before the Liberty Trophy match against Cambridgeshire at Alfreton IBC on the following day, an address was given by Alan Cooper, Past County President, to all of the players, officials and supporters of both teams. This was followed by a minute of applause in memory of Durham Team Manager,Norman Routledge. The result of the game was a win by Durham on all six rinks. A success motivated by a picture displayed on the dressing room wall of 'Big Norm' to whom the players dedicated the win.

'Big Norm' will be missed throughout the country by many 100s of bowlers who have known him as a player, bowls retailer, bowls official and friend for many years. A true gent and such a loss to his friends, family and everyone connected to bowls.He was such a big influence in County Durham bowling as both a player and latterly as Team Manager. There are some people who make a lasting impression on your life and Norman was certainly one of those. He was passionate, honest and truthful and his passing is a massive loss to Durham County..

Many have benefitted greatly from his knowledge of the game and enjoyed his stories which would keep everyone amused for hours. His enthusiasm for the game both on and off the green was a joy as anyone at a Durham County match can vouch when he tried to liven up the team with vocal encouragement. He is totally irreplaceable and the sport of bowls has lost one of its greatest characters.

The following is an article from the Sunderland Echo on 23rd Jan 2010 written by Richard McKie.

" The local bowls scene has suffered a massive blow following the sudden loss of Norman Routledge(52). Probably one of the most recognisable figures in bowls with his ginger hair and big frame. He was someone who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. A few years ago he suffered an accident at home which seemed to be the trigger for a run of bad luck with his health but even the loss of an eye failed to knock his spirit as he was soon back on the green displaying one of the smoothest deliveries on the bowls circuit.

On the green Norman built up an impressive CV after starting outdoors at Mowbray. As his reputation increased he moved to Hylton Colliery Welfare. It was at Hylton where alongside the Lambert brothers he collected two County titles in the same season which resulted in trips to the National Championships at Worthing. He progressed into the Durham County team and worked his way up from the "C" team to become a regular fixture in the "A" team. A brief spell at Ryhope was followed by a short return to Hylton before a business opportunity saw a move South where he joined West Wycombe, Bucks.

Norman Routledge

Indoors, Norman was a member of the Crowtree Leisure Centre based Sunderland Club where he won severel club titles. His highlight was a win in the blue riband Vaux Singles in 1992. A place on the Club's Committee beckoned and he progressed to become Club Secretary which lasted for three years. In 1992 he was made an honorary life member. During the Club's run to the National Denny Cup final in 1996 he was a vital part of the team, not only as a player, but as a motivator. Despite only making three appearances for the County Indoor Team he qualified for the National Championships at Melton Mowbray.

Away from the green Norman joined forces with Surrey based businessman Ronnie Newman to run a local bowls retail outlet called Callaghans. With his enthusiasm and personality the business went from strength to strength and he was offered a move to Surrrey as General Manager within Ronnie's main company Bowlswear Direct. With the combination of Norman's personality and Ronnie's business head they built up one of the country's best bowls outlets.

For many years Norman demonstrated his player management skills as he led a Sunderland Under 25 Double Four squad to national glory. His ability was noticed at County level and following a change in the County Indoor administration he landed the job of Team Manager for the County's Liberty Trophy team. The rest is history as four Liberty titles and a National Double Four Under 25 County title were secured. This season he was also installed as Team Manager for the mighty Beckenham, Kent, club Cypher's Denny Cup squad and was on course to become the first team manager to win both the Liberty and Denny in the same season.

Finally, there will never be another Norman Routledge. He was a big man with a big heart and a brother to hundreds of bowlers. He will be sadly missed by many. Our sympathy goes to his mother Sadie and the rest of the family ".