A bowling enthusiast who helped make the Charrington Bowl “world famous” has died, writes Rachel Dickerson.

Jean Ferguson, 74, passed away on September 1 at her home in Douglas Road, Kingston, with two of her closest friends at her side.

Miss Ferguson was born in 1939 in Southend-on-Sea, a place that “remained true to her heart”, according to goddaughter Samantha Daly.

Miss Daly said: “Jean was a kind soul and liked to see the best in everyone.

“She was generous with her time, going above and beyond in her job for many years to ensure Charrington Bowl was a success. Jean made Charrington Bowl world famous.”

Miss Ferguson got her first job with Excel Bowling, the company that ran the alley, aged 23.

Her role involved travelling around the country to help set up new bowling alleys, training staff and helping to show members of the public how to bowl.

A former promotions manager of the Charrington Bowl, she arrived in Tolworth when the alley opened in 1965, later encouraging large numbers of young adults to play competitively against one another.

From there on, the bowling leagues at Tolworth grew, and Miss Ferguson soon helped the alley hold its own tournaments, including the World Cup event in 1977.

An avid supporter of getting more youngsters into the game, she, along with others who regularly attended the alley, created the Tolworth Youth Bowling Club.

The bowlers went on to have national and international success over several years at different competitions held around the UK.

Her godson, John Wells, now plays for England, something that made Miss Ferguson very proud.

She retired in 1999, but was still very much involved with the club, keeping up to date with events and close friends she made during her time.

Miss Ferguson continued her love of travel and often took trips to Spain to see her close friend Maureen and her godson after she retired.

Her funeral will be held at Kingston Crematorium on September 16, at 4.20pm.