|
|
 It is with profound sadness that we mark
the passing away of Barry Twomlow, International Darts Ambassador. Everyone at Unicorn sends our thoughts and best wishes to Margaret and their family. Barry
worked for Unicorn for 29 years, retiring - sort of! - in 1999. How better to remember this giant of a man than with this tribute
delivered by Stanley Lowy, Chairman of Unicorn at a surprise retirement dinner thrown in Barry’s honor in Atlanta in 1999.
To Barry Twomlow Esquire, Gentleman
Sportcraft Dinner,
Saturday 13th February 1999
“I am so pleased to be with you on this your special evening to add my own
tribute to the many you have received and to join with all those guests assembled to thank Mike Nally and everyone at Sportcraft for so generously
and thoughtfully hosting this event.
It was in February 1970 that you first attended the NSGA Show in Chicago,
the forerunner of today’s Super Show. I had offered you a 10-day or so expenses paid holiday in the USA (I probably forgot to mention the weather in
Chicago at this time of year). Little did any of us expect that ‘holiday’ to last for almost 30 years.
It took me no time on that trip to realize what a good companion you were,
that you were conscientious, courteous at all times, honest, trustworthy, hard working, charming, disarming, discerning, quietly commanding attention and
respect, a teacher, a philosopher, a negotiator and, apart from the ability to consume prodigious quantities of beer and similar beverages, you also threw
a mean dart , all without seemingly the necessity to sleep. Sportcraft and their customers embraced you at once.
It was at breakfast in The Empire Room at the Palmer House on the morning
after the show that we talked of the possibility of you joining Unicorn. You could earn your corn, I thought, as a salesman and when we needed a dart or
two thrown you could do that too. It is a breakfast that I shall never forget, for it set seal on an association and friendship that I will always cherish.
I am sure that many stories will be told tonight by you and others, but it will, I
know, be said over and over again, as it has been these last very many years, what an Ambassador you have been for the sport of darts, for
sportsmanship, for Sportcraft and for Unicorn. You truly were in large measure responsible for teaching so much of the World to play darts and for
gently bringing many Sportcraft customers to the realization that darts equipment would make a fine addition to their merchandise program. You
never put anyone down by crushing them with your magical skill, yet on the other hand you never let them go until they absorbed a little of your passion
for the game.
The time has come, much too quickly, for us all to let you go, at least a little,
for you cannot escape from our affection. Margaret, who has supported you uncomplainingly the while you travelled to every continent on gruelling
schedules, needs and deserves your attention and presence and you need time to sort out the souvenirs, letters, gifts and memories of a unique career.
You have our sincerest thanks and our every best wish for a long, happy and
healthy retirement. Ann and I raise a glass to you, and drink to your health as we chat through the happy memories that we are privileged to share because
we are fortunate to know Barry Twomlow.”
Unicorn plans to publish a Tribute Page on their website to Barry so all his
friends from around the world can pay tribute to him and also share their own memories of him with everyone else. Please email Unicorn with your own
tribute. www.unicorn-darts.com
Barry Twomlow
Barry Twomlow was, and is still, known world-wide for his role as Darts
Ambassador to the World. Former News of the World Champion, and one of the best known and well-liked darts personalities in the Darts industry, Barry
traveled the world year-round, putting on darts exhibitions for Unicorn Darts, Ltd.
Although he played darts for almost 40 years, in the past 26 years, Barry has
roamed the world, preaching, teaching, imploring, cajoling and most importantly, smiling with people. People who are, or are about to become,
dart people. Barry’s darts have included the old wooden stems to the more modern tungsten barrels. Finally, Barry threw his signature Golden Unicorn 22grams.
Unicorn, who pioneered darts in the USA with General Sportcraft, found a
messenger in Barry, his love of the game of darts is legendary and infectious.
Barry’s roamings have brought him to the United States over 100 times,
including three times to Hawaii and twice to Alaska. He had made multi trips to such countries as Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. There
have been five trips to Australia and South Africa. He had also traveled to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manilla, Germany, Austria, France Hungary
and Russia. Barry’s experiences gave him immense knowledge of the game of darts, and darts folk (plus folklore!). His clinics and demonstration
challenges were based on this knowledge, imparted with vigour to his audience.
Residing in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England was very handy for practice
with John Lowe! For those unfamiliar with Mr. Lowe, he was the first player to throw a perfect game of 501 on television, thereby winning £100,000 for the
feat. John Lowe has also been World Champion more than 5 times. Barry played local league and super league whenever possible, at the Devonshire
Arms and The Unicorn Tavern. It’s no coincidence that both sell fine “cask conditioned ale” at the right temperature.
Past President of Derbyshire Darts Organization, an affiliate county of the
British Darts Organization, the treasurer of a local British Legion branch, ex-military service organization, and a keen gardener, Barry enjoyed a “full life.”
Titles are not Barry's only “Claim To Fame,” people were... darts people. Over
the years, Barry had introduced darts to many thousands of people, in virtually every part of the world. This is probably why Barry was the first Life
Member of both the British Darts Organization and the American Darts Organization.
Barry had been retired from serious darts for several years, however, a few of
the hundreds of titles Barry holds include:
- News of the World champion-1969
- North American Open Mixed Doubles champion-1976 (with Anne Specht)
- Royal Hawaiian Mens Doubles champi on-1983 (with Kevin White of Australia)
- Unicorn Darts America Open Doubles champion-1985 (with Keith
Waddoups) and in 1988 (with Paul Lim)
The World will miss this gentleman of darts…Bary Twomlow.
You Taught the World To Play Darts
Barry Twomlow was part teacher, part showman, part salesman and part
communicator. Blessed with marvelous “people skills”, he connected with
people at every level. Local pub players, darts organizers, manufacturers and professionals alike, had great respect for the “genial giant” --- who gave
patiently and unceasingly of his time and talent, to teach darts…to promote darts…to infuse a love for darts…and ultimately, to sell darts (preferably
Unicorn, of course!!)
Barry, perhaps your most endearing quality was your outgoing personality….
.yet warm and humble manner. Those who knew you, marveled at your uncanny ability to remember virtually everyone you ever met! They admired
your dedication and willingness to go “above and beyond the call of duty” --- whether gathering autographs in a special tournament program, for a
physically challenged darts enthusiast, in Seattle…..or arranging for Tom and
me to deliver a U.S. silver dollar to the daughter of a friend, in Australia. You
‘cared’, Barry, and thereby garnered the love, respect and admiration of the world-wide darts community.
I have known you for 34 years. Ironically, you left us just 34 days after we
lost Tom! What's more, your funeral will take place on the same day as
Tom’s Committal Service. There is no denying your "brotherly" connection!!
I will miss you, Basil. For years, you willingly chauffeured the Fleetwoods all
over England…..and nearly sent me through the wind shield, the first time you drove our Cadillac, with power brakes! I admired the gracious
enthusiasm with which you shared your darts wisdom, in a rural English pub….and challenged your interpreter, as you captivated a stage full of young
, wheelchair-bound darters, in Japan. I watched you pick fresh limes from my back yard tree, in California,….and fresh strawberries, in Kent, while
wearing your Sunday suit!
Tom and I shared our California redwoods with you and Maggie….and, just
over one year ago, watched as you planted two new roses in my garden. I well remember how gently and lovingly you cradled our Sarah, as a
newborn….and shared your pride in the lovely young woman my goddaughter has become.
Bowie, you enriched my life with your loyal friendship. Losing both you and
Tom is nothing short of a bad dream!! Thankfully, the two of you have left
Maggie and me with a treasure-trove of wonderful memories. You will live on in our hearts, forever.
Rest in peace, my friend.
—Della Fleetwood
|
