A FIXTURE of Oxford’s bowls scene has died aged 79.

Frances Baker  was a member of East Oxford Bowls Club and latterly South Oxford Bowls Club, where she became its first female president.

She held many posts at the club, and served on the management committee. Her winters were spent with the Oxford & District Indoor Bowls Club at Sandy Lane West, Cowley where she was director, and secretary to the Wednesday League and Ladies Captain.

Frances Deas was born in London on February 10, 1934. Her father served in the Navy on torpedo boats and her mot-her was a secretary to Winston Churchill.

Aged six she was sent to boarding school until she was 16.

She later met Gill Leach who was in the RAF. The couple married in 1955, with son Ian born in 1957.

She and Gill later divorced.

When she came to Oxford, Mrs Baker took on the position of manageress of launderettes in Cowley Road, Oxford and Oxford Road, Abingdon. Eventually she bought her own launderette in Kennington, where she built a thriving business.

During this time she married John Baker. They later divorced.

Frances Baker died on December 22 and her funeral took place at Oxford Crematorium on Wednesday, January 22.

She is survived by her son Ian, two grandchildren and a great grandson.