Mrs Norah Clarke died at the weekend at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, after a short illness.

Mrs Clarke, who lived at River House, Chippenham was 86. She was well known on the local bowling scene from the 1970s through to the 1990s. She was born in Sheldon Road, Chippenham, the fifth of seven children and went to school locally.

Just after the outbreak of the Second World War she met her future husband Harold, known to all as Nobby, when he moved into the area with the RAF. Following the birth of their two children, Ken and Denise, Norah began work as the first female caretaker of a Wiltshire school when she took over at Westmead School, Chippenham.

A serious operation forced her to give up the caretaker's role but led to her taking up what was to be become her life's passion, bowling.

Husband Nobby was already well known around the local sports scene as a footballer, cricketer and bowler and it was a case of if you can't beat 'em join 'em'.

Norah soon became a proficient club bowler and went on to represent her county on numerous occasions, both indoors and out.

In the 1979-80 season she was a member of Christie Miller Fours (Molly Baker, Gladys Davis, Doris Powell and Norah) who won the National Fours Championship.

This led to an international trail for the four women a year later. Norah also appeared in National outdoor finals as a member of the Chippenham Park club, although never collecting a winner's medal.

Following success as county players, Molly Baker and Norah served together as county selectors, enjoying success in the 19 Johns Trophy. Her commitment to the game led her to serving the EWIBA as Area Secretary in the 1980s, which gave her a place on the EWIBA Council.

Following husband Nobby's death in 1998, she withdrew from active participation in the game but was still keen to learn of the success of the many friends she had made over the years.

She leaves her two children and grandsons, Chris and Richard and great-grandchildren Duncan, Megan and Hannah.

The funeral service is to be held at St Andrew's Church, Chippenham, at 2pm on Tuesday, followed by interment at London Road Cemetery.