North East Sports Quiz League

Bill was a long standing member of the North East Sports Quiz league and also the recently closed Cleveland Sports Quiz league.
They certainly broke the mould when Bill was born, a man with a competitive spirit second to none, nevertheless humble in victory and respectful in defeat. Bill was a wonderful character, never shy to share his opinion, he made his mark in any quiz he participated.

A feisty individual with a 'never say die' attitude that pulled victory from the jaws of defeat on many occasions. Bill motivated me to further my sporting knowledge and I owe him a great debt for the tremendous enjoyment I now gain from sports quizzes.
A proud man of great integrity, Bill will be sadly missed by all who played with and against him in the sports quiz league. Thanks Bill.
Mike Sowerby (Leeholme)

On behalf of the League I would like to pay my respects to Bill, a great competitor and always a worthy opponent, determined but fair-minded. He was one of the mainstays of the Leeholme team and was always in the frame when Open Pairs time came around - he was very proud to have won the competition in the 2002/3 with Mike Sowerby - which he pointed out to me in no uncertain terms when I made an error of the Roll Of Honour and listed him as a runner-up! On another occasion I was talking to him after a league quiz about the early years of the league and a few days later the very first handbook the league had produced arrived in the post - with a note from Bill attached. He will be greatly missed.

He was a former member of the League who had appeared for the Masons Arms, the Bewicke Park and most recently East End Nomads. He will be sadly missed by former colleagues, family and friends.

Tony was a member of the league from its early years. He was the captain of the Stockton-based team which included in its line-up Stan Gray, Chris Rivers & Ray Nicholson amongst others and played as the Mile House, Roseworth Social Club & most recently the Castle & Anchor. He introduced many teams to the League from the Cleveland & County Durham area, who were also members of the Teesside Sports Quiz League of which he was Secretary. Tony's team played in the North-East Sports Quiz League up until this season when commitments forced their withdrawal. The League would like to pay tribute to Tony for the years of support he gave, he will be sadly missed.

On behalf of East End Liberal Club, I should like to express our deep sadness at the news of Tony Kiddle's death. He was a fine man, whom we shall always remember as a knowledgeable and wise individual, a fair and honourable opponent, and a witty, engaging raconteur. Above all else, we shall recall his sheer verve for life, his energy and his engaging laughter. Thank you, Tony, and goodbye. Brian Hannaford, East End Liberal Club

This is desperately sad news. I first met Tony about 26 years ago and he was always a genuine and fair competitor and great to have a chat about sport with. I'll never forget that infectious laugh of his. One of the real personalities of our league. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this sad time. Barry Wilkinson, East End Nomads

Sad news. Tony was one of life's good blokes. John Doyle, Key Club

Tony will be missed as a quiz colleague and good friend. His humour, his commitment and passion for sport. He always said people without Sky Sports were dull. Thanks for all the years of travelling and enjoyment. You will never be forgotten. Ray Nicholson, former team-mate

It was with regret today that I learnt of the sudden death of Tony Kiddle. Tony was a larger than life character in every way. It was a privilege and honour to know this effervescent personality who gave so much to the two sports quiz leagues. Without Tony the Cleveland sports quiz league would have folded many years ago. Tony lived life to the full and we matched our sporting knowledge on many competitive but enjoyable occasions. Thanks for the memories Tony. Mike Sowerby, Leeholme SC

Very sad news indeed.Tony was a true gentleman and always excellent company.My sincere condolences to his family. Lenny Lauchlan, Philadephia CC

Very sad news indeed. Condolences to the Kiddle family. Paul Davison, Washington CC

I first met Tony in 1978 when I joined ICI and going onto to a small plant called Cumene. Tony first struck me as a loud mouth who knew everything but after getting to know him over the years that followed I realised that he did know everything and that despite his size was game for anything, football, squash and golf being probably his favourite but he could turn his hand and give a decent performance at anything he tried. Quizzes was another of his many talents and I remember vaguely going to the Tyne Tees studios to see him perform on a TV quiz but unfortunately they never won that one. We became very good mates and we travelled the globe together Europe, the Far East covering Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong in a three week period, America and best of all Kenya. I remember phoning Tony and telling him I’d been invited to visit friends in Kenya but how I didn’t have the nerve to go on my own. Two days later he phoned me and said “Davy its burn bridges time I’ve found us flights, should I book them”. After saying yes to him I never regretted it as Kenya was probably the best holiday I’ve ever had in my life and that was again thanks to yours truly, the big man. Dave Oliver, friend