A BOWLING and tennis club has paid tribute to a “truly great family man and clubman” who passed away after a short illness.

Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club has shared a message paying tribute to Mark Denslow, who was remembered as “one of the best clubman, and bowler Donyatt, Ilminster & Somerset”.

The club’s message read: “It’s with great sadness I have been informed of the devastating news that Mark Denslow passed away after a short illness.

“Mark was a truly great family man, friend, clubman, and bowler one of the best Donyatt, Ilminster & Somerset have ever seen during his time.

“Mark won multiple county championships and qualified to the national finals indoors and outdoors on multiple occasions and as part of winning Turnbull Cups and county league winning teams over many years.

“Mark helped Ilminster reach their first national final in 2012 in the two fours and also in 2023 reached the semi-final of the over 60s fours at Nottingham.

“Mark was also a Somerset Middleton Cup selector until recent times and helped move Somerset forward with his contributions and again played for Somerset for many years.

“Mark worked hard supporting the club with coaching helping develop young bowlers in the next generation of stars which he was extremely passionate about in later years.

“Mark will leave a huge hole in all our lives and our thoughts at this time are with his wife Kate, sons Phil, and Simon, brother Paul, and his grandchildren.”

Mark's funeral is Monday, December 4 at 2.40pm Yeovil Crematorium, and the wake will take place at Ilminster Bowls Club.