BOWLS, tennis and social members of Ilminster Bowling Club gathered at their Shudrick Lane base to say their goodbyes to club stalwarts, the Ridout family.

John and Sandra Ridout, along with their son Louis and his partner Kelly Irish, are leaving for pastures new in Paignton.

John and Sandra joined Ilminster in 1983. In 1995 Sandra, who was also helping out at Donyatt BC, started helping Bob and Sue Rutter who were running the club at that time.

In 2001 Sandra and John took over the running of the club and with a loyal team of helpers – including Louis and Kelly – carried on the good work started by the Rutters and built the club into the successful business it is today.

Outdoor bowls captain Des Maull said: “A great many bowls and tennis clubs from around Somerset and farther afield have received a friendly welcome and a taste of Sandra’s cooking and are always happy to return.

“John was also instrumental in helping to improve the standard of bowls at the club with many successes in county and national level.

“They will be sorely missed but go with best wishes for the future from members, committee and friends.”

Members also celebrated very successful bowls and tennis season with the bowls section winning the Somerset Premier League for the third time.

The B team came runners up in South West 1 and the C Team held their own after promotion into a very competitive league.

During the season Louis Ridout again played for England at both senior and Under-25 level. He also won the Somerset singles title and the county triples with Matt Hamilton and Steve Turner.

Six players were selected for Somerset in the Middleton Cup with Ilminster’s Neil Rowe as the manager.

The Turnbull Cup returned to Ilminster after 28 years while Angie Thompson played in the St Johns Trophy.

Lyn Williams was runner up in the county unbadged singles to complete a superb season The tennis section also had a great year. The mixed team were runners- up in the winter league while the A team won the second division. The B team were also promoted as were the Ladies A and B teams.