04/11/2024
In memory of Chris Walkinshaw.
On behalf of everyone at Bishop United it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a member of the cast.
Chris Walkinshaw, who hailed from Essex originally and settled latterly in Coundon, was a fully participating member of the cast of Bishop United Radio Play.
Chris (also known as the ‘Durham Rhymer ‘and the ‘Poet of Coundon’) played the part of Duncan Edwards in the play and delivered a rendition of a poem he had written specifically for the show, which he performed brilliantly. The poem, entitled ‘Bishop Auckland Football Club. 1886 and counting’, was well received by audiences throughout the Bishop Auckland area and it was always a pleasure to listen to.
Chris was an ex-military man and businessman, he loved his blues music and poetry (as well as Trebor extra strong mints – always had a packet in his pocket!).
It is without doubt that you will be missed by all of the team Chris. We send our condolences to your family and loved ones.
In honour of Chris’ memory here is an extract from his poetry book ‘A Collection of Poems’ entitled ‘My Prayer’:
‘Lord hear me when you can,
I am one of the ordinary, with doubts, uncertainties, but I am your man,
With you there is hope, without you there is none,
Only you know the rocky road I have come,
Sometimes life’s road is a hard one to travel,
But your presence helps the tangled difficulties to unravel,
With all my faults and you know them well,
You can see what’s in my heart and can tell,
That my faith in you is strong, you help the bad things in my heart, wither and be gone,
When you decide my time on earth is nigh,
And if you will take me up on high,
I ask not for grace or favour,
Just your love for me to savour,
To bathe in your unending light,
In that peaceful last long goodnight.
Amen’
Rest in peace Chris.
