IT WAS rock ’n’ bowls down in Harefield on Sunday, as Gus Goodwin’s widow and his friends celebrated his life.
Harefield Hospital Bowling Club held its Captain’s Day match and dedicated the winner’s cup to former member Gus, who died of cancer in January, aged 75.
Back in 1957, he was the host of Gus Goodwin’s Rockabilly Party on Radio Luxembourg, so later that night the players joined spectators for a barbecue and then enjoyed a rock ’n’ roll band at the club, in Hill End Road.
His wife, Avril, 72, who lives in High Street, Harefield, said: “Gus loved his bowls, he played for a very long time.”
The match and trophy tribute to her late husband were the brainchild of club captain Nigel Rushton.
Mrs Goodwin said: “Nigel and his wife, Karen, have supported me so much through this.
“I was only a social member but they have really helped to get me through it.
“They have said that they will continue to present the Captain’s Day cup [in memory of] Gus, year after year.”
A few weeks ago, the Gazette reported on Mrs Goodwin’s fundraising efforts.
She wants to leave a legacy in her husband’s name by providing Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where he was treated for cancer, with a set of new chairs.
She has thanked everyone at the bowls club for their support, and said a special ‘thank you’ to her niece, Sue Kitt, who lives in Ruislip.
“I don’t know what I’d do without her,” she said.
“Gus loved his rock ’n’ roll, and they organsied a rock ’n’ roll band just for him; he would love that.
“It’s a shame he wasn’t a boring man, because then I wouldn’t feel so sad.”
