31/12/2025 @ 18.10 BST

OBITUARY

GAIL HEPWORTH

1953 – 2025

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of Gail Hepworth, a highly respected and valuable member of Visually Impaired Bowls England. Gail had not been in good health for a number of years, deteriorating quite rapidly over the last year.

Gail’s passion was Lawn Green Bowls. She had been a member of Metro for nearly 40 years and later became a member of ENAVHB/VIBE.

In the 80’s Gail was instrumental in setting up the VI tournament at Lowestoft which was held annually in the first week of September.

Gail won numerous trophies herself, not only at a domestic level but also in the United Kingdom Championships and at International Level. She was also a very hard-working member of the VIBE Committee, a post she held for many years. She played an important part in the Co-ordinating of Tournaments and as Assistant Team Manager for VIBE. For 4 years she was Secretary of International Blind Bowls Association, a prestigious role in itself.

For those of us, who attended VIBE Tournaments over the years, would also remember Gail’s most iconic phrase,

“Get your Jacks up!”

R.I.P. Gail

David Mears – Chairman, VIBE