Sidmouth Bowls Club members were delighted earlier this week when a long-standing member, Tom Forsyth, visited the club for the first time in nearly nine years having suffered a serious stroke, writes Ron Cook.

Members were extremely pleased that Tom has recovered sufficiently enough to now be able to walk unaided.

He was welcomed to the club by indoor captain Ron Cook and outdoor captain Mike Borst.

Tom stayed to watch the game and as expected passed on sound advice to the players on the adjacent rink

Tom first made his mark winning the men’s Championship in 1991. In one year he won all four single disciplines against four different opponents. From 1997 to 2002 he then won the club championship in six consecutive years which is a feat unlikely to be achieved again.

Well known in the County playing circles Tom was highly regarded as a true gentleman and achieved a reputation as a skip that never saw bad in his players.

To Tom, a short, long or wide bowl had merit and his catch phrase was: “That may be useful later on”.

All connected with Sidmouth Bowls Club wish Tom continued recovery and look forward to his visits in the future.