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Roy Cronshaw

7/11/2008

A MAN who opened the first cabaret club in East Lancashire has died aged 79 in the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

After returning from his national service, Mr Roy Cronshaw of Priestley Nook, Accrington, founded a meat packaging company in Wilpshire with his late brother David and brother Brian.

He later founded The Ace of Spades cabaret club in Whalley.

During its heyday the club featured acts such as Bill Haley, Diana Dors, Matt Monro and Freddie and the Dreamers.

Mr Cronshaw relocated to the Midlands to become a publican but returned to Accrington after retirement.

He enjoyed family gatherings, following Blackburn Rovers, playing the organ and listening to his grandchildren sing.

Mr Cronshaw was the son of the late David and Doris, and leaves children David, John, Lynda, Christine, Roy, Andrew and Gillian, 24 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He also leaves a brother Brian and sister-in-law June, who live in Florida, and childhood friend Vinney.

He will be cremated at Accrington on Monday following a service conducted by the Rev Phil Talbot.

Arrangements: Wolstenholme’s.