A former mayor of Biddulph and leading figure on the north Staffordshire crown green bowling circuit has died aged 85.
Graham Swift, town mayor in 2014/15, was a former president of Stoke-on-Trent and District Bowling Association.
He had also been chair of Biddulph Bowling and Recreation Club and was one of those behind its establishment at St Lawrence’s recreation ground on Congleton Road.
Mr Swift died last Saturday following a short illness.
He leaves wife Irene, (83) and three children – Liz Nicosia and Alan and Ian Swift – as well as nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
At the end of his term as town mayor Mr Swift, Biddulph born and bred, had said: “In my acceptance speech a year ago, I spoke of how proud, privileged and honoured I felt becoming town mayor and I spoke of how thrilled I was to have my family there to celebrate the occasion.
“I can honestly say that the pride, privilege and honour has never gone away in promoting the town in the Moorlands and beyond.”
During his year in office as Biddulph’s mayor Mr Swift raised more than £4,000 for his chosen charities – Alzheimer’s UK, Help for Heroes and Prostate Cancer as well as Biddulph Ukulele Group and Biddulph and District Youth Orchestra.
When Mrs Nicosia was a councillor for one term, it is believed to have been the first time that both a father and daughter had served on the town council at the same time.
Mr Swift had stood down ahead of last year’s local elections.
Among the tributes that have been paid, many have come from by his bowling colleagues.
A message on the website of Staffordshire Short Mat Bowling League, under “Friends no longer with us (Graham Swift)”, said: “Our condolences to the family and friends of Graham, former president of the Potteries and District County Bowling Association P&DCBA and County committee member for many years.”
Tributes were also posted on the social media page of Potteries and District County Bowling Association.
One described Mr Swift as “long-term supporter” of the local bowls league and “a man who took some beating on the bowling green”.
Someone else who posted their commiserations to his family said: “Really was an outstanding bowler in his pomp, especially at Biddulph Working Men’s Club. You didn’t want to draw Graham. RIP.”
Another said: “A top bowler for the Potteries and worked tirelessly to get the artificial green at Biddulph in place when Biddulph Labour Club closed its doors.”
His daughter said: “Dad was an extremely good bowler and even went in the All England Championships as well. My mother and bowling were his passions!”
Mrs Nicosia recalled her mother had eventually followed in her dad’s footsteps on to the green.
“Mum had said if you can’t beat them, join them and also took bowling up in her 50s, maybe older. She was in Biddulph Ladies’ Bowling Club and she also won competitions as well. Dad won shields and cups but my mother won glassware and crystal.”
Mr and Mrs Swift had been married for 65 years.
Mr Swift had been an engineer by profession, having completed an apprenticeship at Cowlishaw and Walker in Biddulph. During his working life he was also a sales rep for Findus and Bird’s Eye and was an insurance agent for London and Manchester.
Apart from bowling, Mr Swift’s other passion was travelling.
Mrs Nicosia said: “My son Domenic went to Australia for a couple of years in 2008 and they visited him the following year. It was a trip of a lifetime for them. At one time they thought of emigrating to Australia but it never happened so when Domenic went to Australia it was a dream, come true that they could actually go over there.
“They also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Florida and Tenerife. And mum and dad loved going to Llandudno. He was always very determined to drive them there and would never let anyone drop them off instead.” Paying tribute to Mr Swift, Biddulph town councillor Wayne Rogers said: “He was always dedicated to his role at the town council and put his heart and soul into everything he did.”
A committal service will be held at Carmountside Crematorium on Tuesday, 3rd September, at 11.30am followed by a celebration of life service at Biddulph Methodist Church.
