Messages are pouring into the Wids following the shock news that John Barrow died yesterday, most commenting that he had been so full of life and enthusiasm. Full details of funeral plans and proceedings will be passed on when known.
As many will testify, John was a leading member of an extended sporting family and would try his hand at any games, outdoors or indoors. He was a keen contributor to the club Heritage projects with recollections stretching back to growing up in Farnworth and playing for the Wids on Saturday afternoons, having turned out for Wade Deacon in the morning. As a Colt, John was part of the team that was so successful in the 1960s Oxford Sevens that an invitation to return was never received. He graduated to first team level and was spotted by a Wigan Rugby League scout. He was signed and joined that club under the captaincy of Eric Ashton who explained that a quirk of the contract system meant that he would only have a limited number of games.
Consequently, John was the last club member for many years to be re-admitted after turning professional. As everyone is aware, the RFU had its own quirks.
John had a key role in building work at Heath Road but his Wids team play was restricted for some time to the Thursday night dominoes league.
John's reminiscences can be found elsewhere online, including a YouTube video made with his childhood friend and fellow Past President Dave "Ace" Robertson.
To link with this, complimentary copies of the Widnes RUFC 50th and 60th anniversary books will be available at this Saturday's home game.