Tribute to Arthur Richards – 1922-2021
T
he life of recently deceased and revered Sorrento bowler Arthur Richards can best be described as remarkable.
For in reaching the age of 99, Arthur was able to accumulate a staggering list of achievements during the toughest of times during the 20th century which included the Great Depression and World War II. But during those troubled times and beyond, Arthur ploughed through and his contribution to a fascinating and diverse range of prominent ventures speaks volumes for his willpower and integrity. Fast forwarding, from a Sorrento Bowling Club point of view, Arthur was pure gold. He was Club Secretary in 1997-98, President during 1999-2000, Chairman of Selectors two or three times, worked on Match committee, played in the top division as a Skip and was a qualified coach. Born on 26 June 1922, Arthur grew up in difficult times like countless other kids, and during his primary school education rode a horse seven miles each way to the nearest school at Wedgiegarrup in the Wagin Shire. He finished his secondary school education in Bunbury and at the age of 20 was the sole teacher at Hyden Rock in the south-eastern wheat belt. Even at that tender age, Arthur had a burning desire to be a fighter pilot but his parents insisted he forge a career before they would sign the papers to enable him to volunteer for the RAAF. Having met that criterion, Arthur learnt to fly Tiger Moths at Cunderdin, before get-
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