Tributes paid to 'legendary' Kidderminster bowls player who died aged 92

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Tributes have been paid to a bowls "legend" who was the first to be picked for Worcestershire to play for the country.

Peter Coates was born on November 29, 1932, at 150 Baxter Avenue in Kidderminster - the family home of his parents Annie May and Fred Coates.

He was the second of four children, which included siblings Jim, Margaret and Penny.

Peter attended the Knoll and King Charles Grammar Schools where he enjoyed all sports and athletics, particularly rugby and cross country running.

He was particularly proud of making the King Charles School honours board for the 'long throw' of a cricket ball at 106 yards five inches in 1948 - a record he held for many years and one which he displayed in his window for all to see.

Peter started playing bowls in the Kidderminster and district midweek league.

It is believed he started rink bowling in 1955 with his dad Fred and brother Jim playing for Worcester County Ground before joining M.E.S. & S.C. in 1959 and Gilt Edge in 1981.

He was a selector and captain for both M.E.S. & S.C. and Gilt Edge for many years.

Peter Coates with brother Jim (left) and dad Fred (right)(Image: Handout)

He won his first county title in 1955 with his father and brother Jim, playing for the County Ground in Worcester as there were no rink bowling clubs in Kidderminster until 1966.

During his career he won several titles including the County Single in 1964, County Pairs in 1957 at County Ground and in 1962 at M.E.S. & S.C. with brother Jim, and in 1964 and 1970 with Gerry Webb at M.E.S. & S.C, County Triples in 1957 with father Fred and brother Jim at County Ground, in 1962 with brother Jim and Derick J Mitchell and runner up in 1966 with Derick J Mitchell and Gerry Webb.

He also County Fours titles, played for the Worcestershire County Bowling Association Skippin in the Middleton Cup and won the National Pairs in 1964.

In 1969, Peter became the first player from Worcestershire to have the honour of playing for England and was also in the squad in 1970.

Club members said: "He was made a life member of Worcestershire Bowling Association and Gilt Edge Bowling Club.

"He enjoyed going on bowling tours and even based his holiday around a bowling tournament held at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, which did not clash with competition bowling in Worcestershire. He went for over 50 years.

"Peter enjoyed all types of games, including crib, dominoes and darts and was a founder member of the Titton Inn skittles team. which played from the Titton Inn in Stourport from 1966.

"Playing in the Worcester league, he was Captain for many years then became president.

"The club is still playing now, based in Worcester, having changed venue several times over the years."

Peter died on August 24 aged 92 years.

Club members said: "Peter was a wonderful man, always cheerful and will be missed by all those who knew him."

His funeral will be held on Monday (September 29) at 1.30pm at Wyre Forest Crematorium.