Tributes paid to owner of 'fabled' repair shop

Michael Clegg was well-known in Ilkley for running the electrical repair shop

Tributes have been paid to the owner of an electrical repair shop which served a West Yorkshire town since 1939, after he died aged 77.

Michael Clegg was well-known in Ilkley not just for his shop - Clegg's on Railway Road - but for the role he played in the local cricket and rugby clubs.

John Hope, of Ilkley Rugby Club, said the shop was "fabled and famous for its stock and service level".

Ilkley Cricket Club said Mr Clegg, known as Cleggy, was a "club legend" who "dedicated himself to our club in so many ways."

Clegg's had been open in Ilkley town centre since 1939

The shop started out at 39 The Grove, and sold batteries, radios and other electricals - later known for selling TVs and renting them out on a weekly basis.

During World War Two, Clegg's - which was previously owned by Michael's parents - used to deliver batteries to people in Ilkley and collect them to be recharged.

The shop moved to Railway Road about 40 years ago, and was the local go-to for electrical parts or repairs.

Mr Clegg's nephew, Andy Clegg, said he died on 9 February while being treated in hospital for acute leukaemia.

He said it was a shock for the family, but they were determined to celebrate his life.

Recalling visits to the shop on The Grove as a child, he said: "They did a lot of TV rentals they had three vans and they were going out and repairing them.

"I remember one year, when Ceefax and Teletext was launched, he was urging people to get a new TV so they could get Ceefax on their telly."

Cleggy was a key member of Ilkley Cricket Club and Ilkley Rugby Club

Terry Pattinson, Chair of Ilkley Cricket Club, said Mr Clegg had played a key role at the club over the years, as "player, scorer, umpire, committee member, bar manager, selector and countless other roles some of which we will only find out in time".

He added: "He filled various roles with the league over the years , always the MC at the cup finals , and had extremely close contacts with most other clubs, especially our neighbours at LS29."

The family electrical business was opened in Ilkley in 1939

Writing on the Ilkley Rugby Club website, Mr Hope said Cleggy "had strong opinions on all things sporting, though never one that impinged on friendship or buying the next round if was his turn".

"He was a loyal Patron of Ilkley Rugby Club (his annual donation of a torch (batteries not included) to the Xmas raffle is apocryphal!

"He will be missed by his many friends."

His family said his funeral would be held on 12 March at Skipton Crematorium, with the cortege passing the shop on Railway Road, the former shop at 39 The Grove, and both the cricket and rugby clubs.

It is not yet known if the shop will remain open.

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