Ah - at last - the summer is over - as far as Sidmouth Outdoor bowlers are concerned, writes Susie Bonnell.

Hurrah, some might even say - as we have endured cold and wet weather on many a day since the beginning of July.

The penultimate Thursday in September saw the return in-house ‘grudge’ match - the traditional ladies versus gents encounter, took place.

Alas, for the ladies, once again the men defeated the ladies on all but two of the rinks and overall on the aggregate score. However, it was played in great and friendly spirit and there’s always next year...!

The following day the weather was back to its seemingly typically cold and windswept self as Welsh tourists Lampeter were entertained at Sidmouth Bowling Club.

The tourists, who were staying in Exmouth, arrived by coach in the morning and spent a few pleasant hours strolling around Sidmouth and trying out the local hostelries.

The cold winds and drizzly rain didn’t stop them from thoroughly enjoying themselves on our beautiful bowling greens (with winter warmers served readily in our bar) - nor did it stop them from beating the Sidmouth players on every rink!

The Lampeter tourists were therefore in great fettle by the end of the game and gave the Sidmouth players a demonstration of fine Welsh voices by singing several songs in perfect harmony.

Saturday saw the very last game of the summer played on our outdoor rinks.

With a mixed ‘drive’ across six rinks, organised by competition secretary, Ron Cook, the matches were played with a mixed sense of relief and sadness that it was nearly all over for another year.

So, for now, it’s away with the waterproofs, the scarves, the hand warmers, thermal vests, earmuffs, etc. etc. and, for some of us, hello to indoor bowling, warm and cosy indoors, until summer 2018 when - as always - we will look forward once again to warm summer days!