The NCSMBA is saddened to learn of the death of John Poynter this week. John was a member of Costessey SMBC and was also a regular with the Norfolk Over 60’s Squad with whom John and his wife Margaret enjoyed many trips away at home and abroad. John was part of the Norfolk Over 60’s Squad that introduced short mat bowls to Malta, as well Paphos in Cyprus, several years ago. On these trips John could always be seen with his camera taking photographs where-ever he went. For many years John was a loyal club member of the now defunct Sprowston SSC playing his bowls in the City of Norwich League. In addition to trophies won at club level John also reached three Norfolk County Championship finals. In season 1999-2000 he was runner-up in the Norfolk County Triples playing with David Dewing and Margaret Poynter, they lost in the final against Kirby Bedon’s Teresa Goldsmith, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith. Several years later, in 2011-12, John reached the Norfolk Triples final again. Playing with his wife Margaret and Joan Costello they were defeated by Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & David Dewing in an all Sprowston final. His other appearance in a Norfolk County Final came in 2001-02 when he played with Margaret, Peter Smart & David Dewing in the County Fours Final where they lost to Kirby Bedon’s Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith, Phil Watson & Selwyn Goldsmith. John always enjoyed his short mat bowls breaks at Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea and in 2019 was delighted to reach the final of the Potters Shield event playing with Margaret and popular Essex bowler Tony Ealham. They finished as runners-up to Geoff Payne, Mike Boswell & Keith Cooke and John is pictured here at the Presentation Ceremony with his triple and Potters entertainer Mark Brewer. John will be remembered fondly by his many friends at club level and at the Over 60s where he could often be found in the foyer between games chatting with his friend Geoff Payne and others. John was a real character who was part of the short mat bowls scene for many, many years and he will be greatly missed by so many of his bowling friends. The NCSMBA wish to express their deep condolences to Margaret and the family.
John Poynter, pictured with his wife Margaret, Tony Ealham and Mark Brewer of Potters.