Sportswoman from Warrington who received an MBE for her dedication dies at 94

A sportswoman from Warrington who was the first female to referee bowls on TV and received an MBE for her dedication has died age 94.

Mary Ashcroft, who was one of 13 children, was born in Howley in 1929 and grew up in Latchford.

After attending Richard Fairclough Secondary Modern School, Mary went on to work in a paper mill making bags for the Air Force.

In 1950, Mary married amateur Warrington rugby player, Roy Hazelhurst, and together they had two children – Ann and Lynn.

“They used to take us everywhere with them,” said Lynn.

“We were always together as a family, and we had some really good fun.”

Mary and her husband, Roy, at Walton Park (Image: Supplied)

Mary first went to play bowls in 1960, after being encouraged to go by friends from the Mothers Union.

There, Mary found a love for the sport and within 12 months she started helping the committee, before working her way up to become Warrington League Secretary.

“I spent most of my childhood round a bowling green,” said Lynn.

“She just loved the sport and got involved in everything.  A good organiser and excelled at everything she did.”

“She didn’t do things by halves.”

Mary was the first woman to referee a bowls match on television (Image: Supplied)

In 1979, Mary became the chairman of the newly formed Evening League in Warrington and shaped and nurtured its growth to 31 bowling teams.

Mary went on the be one of the first women in the county to referee for Crown Green Bowls and the first to referee bowls on television.

“Not only did she play and referee the sport in both men’s and ladies matches, but she also commented for ITV on the famous Bass Masters, an all male competition, where she refereed for 10 years," said Lynn.

"She was highly respected by the top bowlers as a player and a referee."

Mary received an MBE for her dedication to bowls (Image: Supplied)

In 2000, Mary was an awarded an MBE as part of the Millennium Honours, for her dedication to the sport, which she continued her love for late into her life.

“We went to Buckingham Palace with her when she got her MBE,” said Lynn.

“It was a fabulous moment, definitely the proudest moment of her life.”

After continuing the sport for over 60 years, Mary retired from competing but continued to help and attend presentations until she was 90.

Mary died on June 12, one day before her 95th birthday (Image: Supplied)

Mary died on June 12 in Appleton, one day before her 95th birthday, and her daughter Lynn feels there are no words to sum up her mother’s achievements.

“Her life says it all really,” said Lynn.

“How many people have mothers that you can say all that about?

"Mary was much loved by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.  She will be sadly missed."

A service for Mary will be held at Walton Crematorium at 2pm on July 4, followed by a wake at The Stag, on Chester Road.