John loved his sport and was a big Aston Villa fan
FORMER county bowls player Arthur John Hall, who was a husband, father and a true gentleman, has died aged 85.
Born on 11th May 1939 in Welford, to Edwin and Ethel Hall, he was the eighth of nine siblings. Known to the family as ‘our Johnny’, he preferred to be called by his middle name, John.
Although times were hard, John had a happy childhood and recalled many memories of his much-loved family. One of his fond memories was of missing school to go with his older brothers, Eddie and Bob, to watch aircraft land at Long Marston Airfield.
However, this was cut short after a call from the truancy officer at the family home and led to the brothers being ‘grounded’ for a significant length of time.
In his teenage years, John played football for Bidford Football Club, and his passion for the sport persisted through to his final years as an avid supporter of Aston Villa.
After leaving Bidford School, John became an apprentice at Ball Brothers, in Arden Street, Stratford. Around this time, during the early 1960s, he was one of the last to be called for National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which he thoroughly enjoyed and made many friends.
On his return, he went back to Ball Brothers where he worked with his brother Bob. He also attended a day release course at Coventry Technology College to gain his City and Guilds Accreditation certificate.
After leaving Ball Brothers, John went on to work at Stratford Mineral Water Company with his brothers, Bob and Dennis, later moving to Masons Storage in Stratford and working with his brother, Eddie.
He also worked at Avon Soft Drinks, Arrow Soft Drinks, The Beer Seller, Precision Antennas and finally, Inn Express, again with his brother Dennis as well as nephew Richard and son-in-law Jim until he decided to retire at the age of 84.
John began his bowling journey at the Civilian Sports and Social Club (CSSC), Long Marston, where he spent many hours helping to raise funds through raffles, bingo and other events, striving to improve the green and facilities.
When the CSSC closed, he joined Welford Bowls Club where he had many happy years, making friends and going on various bowling tours which he thoroughly enjoyed.
John played for the county on many occasions, which he was very proud of, but his proudest moment was becoming the president of Welford Bowls Club in 2018.
John had two daughters, Angela and Nicola and, in time, he became the very proud grandad to Connor, Fiona and Jordan.
Often found supporting his family at their various performances and sports or attending Aston Villa football matches with his youngest grandson, John was always present for his family.
Since John died last month, he has been described as a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour and as a fiercely independent individual.
He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
