Last autumn a seed of an idea was sown by Ron Cook when a nearby bowls club cancelled its annual tournament.

This idea was developed over the winter under the chairmanship of Stuart Hamer and last Saturday it flourished into a very successful one day tournament held by Sidmouth Bowling Club.

The weather was set fair and the teams started arriving from 8am and were marshalled by Dutch Holland into car parking arrangements kindly agreed with the Sidmouth Rugby Club.

Welcoming refreshments were served and then down to the serious matter of the bowling organised by John Chew and John Mason.

All 12 rinks were in use with mixed rinks from as far away as North Somerset and Bodmin. The tournament was played over three one-and-a-half hour sessions with suitable breaks in play.

Everyone agreed that the highlight of the day was a sumptuous mid-day meal for more than 100 prepared and served by Sylvia Cook and her team of helpers.

At the end of the day all the visitors were full of praise for the meal and organisation and were making plans to return next year. The result was almost incidental.

Nevertheless the club’s president, Len Catford, thanked all those who contributed to the day and presented the shield and prizes to the winners from Clevedon, runners-up Combe Martin and third place to another team from Clevedon.

Sylvia, you can sit down now, well done!