OBITUARY: Stuart Howarth

33/18 News has learnt that Stuart Howarth, long time chairman of the Bury club and father to Neil Howarth, has died. Neil posted this statement on Facebook’s “I was (or still am) a Cycle Speedway rider” page:

“Some of the Cycle Speedway family are already aware that my dad, Stuart Howarth, long time Chairman of Bury Cycle Speedway, died last Thursday, 9 September 2021, following a short illness.

“He was instrumental in the development of the club following the move to Goshen Sports Centre in the early 90s and led the Comets in staging many British, European and World events throughout the 2000s. Serving on the Northern Regional committee for a number of years, he organised the track setup for a series of British Indoor Championships at various venues around Salford. He could always be counted on and turned his hand to every job that needed doing at the club, from repairing the fence to fundraising and sponsorship, roofing cabins to refereeing. My dad, like many others involved with our sport, gave freely of his time to support riders and provide the best experience for anyone spectating. It goes without saying that he will be missed by a great many people.

“The funeral service will be held at East Lancashire Crematorium, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 4EU on Thursday 23 September at 2.30pm.

“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The British Society for Heart Failure at https://www.justgiving.com/remember/903804/Stuart-Howarth“

Condolences to Stuart’s family and friends from everyone in Cycle Speedway and all at 33/18 News at this sad time