OBITUARY

 

BARRY WOODCOCK 1941-2007

 

 

Barry Woodcock (left) pictured alongside Derek Garnett

in the Norwich League versus Manchester League match

at Eaton Park, Norwich in 1964

 

BARRY WOODCOCK – posted 7 December 2007

 

One of cycle speedway’s most charismatic riders has died.

 

Former Galley Pirate, Barry Woodcock, passed away suddenly last Sunday (2 December) aged 66.

 

In the mid-Sixties Barry Woodcock was a household name in cycle speedway circles – and one of the best riders of his generation.

 

Along with fellow Norfolk riders, Mike Parkins and Clive Hurrell, he regularly featured in open events up and down the country in a grand prix series for the “Rider of the Year” award.

 

Known affectionately as “Woody”, Barry won countless individual events all over the country and was Norfolk champion several times.  Surprisingly, Barry only reached one national final, finishing ninth at Hungerford in 1962.

 

Flamboyant, extrovert but always hugely likeable, “Woody” was synonymous with one club, the famous Norwich team, Galley Pirates, who raced on wasteland at the bottom of Bowers Avenue where he lived as a boy.  The Pirates subsequently transferred their base to nearby Sloughbottom Park where they hosted the 1974 national final.

 

Barry was a very successful business man.  He headed an engineering design and drawing company that established a world-wide reputation for developing and manufacturing mushroom growing machinery.

 

At one time Barry was one of Norfolk’s top ten-pin bowlers and played for CTS Dynamos, in the top-tier Classic League.  He was also a keen golfer and was captain of the Royal Cromer Golf Club in its centenary year, 1988.

 

Barry had been unwell for some time and two years ago under-went a kidney transplant.  It was thought he was making a full recovery but he was rushed into hospital and was put on dialasis.  He died suddenly last Sunday.

 

spokesman-online extends its sincere condolences to Barry’s wife of many years, Gloria, his son Robert and daughter Sarah and all the family.

 

Update - Barry's funeral is provisonally arranged to take place at Colney Wood on Friday 21 December (time to be confirmed).  A reception will be held at Dunston Hall.  We’ll bring you more news of the funeral arrangements immediately we get them.

 

UPDATE

 

Barry's funeral wil take place at Colney Wood Burial Ground, Watton Road, Norwich at 12noon on Friday 21 December.