A MINUTE’S silence in memory of former club president Jim King, who had died that week was held at North Tawton Bowling Club before the start of matches on President’s Day, Saturday, July 9.

Mike Thwaites took over as president from Mr King in 2017, since then he had been able to hold one President’s Day and two evening social events because of covid restrictions.  It is the main social event of the year.

Ten teams played a round robin, starting with a spider, the teams being announced by club chairman, John Kinsey.  For the spider, members place themselves around the four sides of the green, place one foot in the ditch and have a single bowl in their hands.

The President then throws the jack and at the same time all members bowl their wood. Nearest to the jack wins the prize.

Mike was chairman of the club from 2011 to 2017.  He was chairman when the new clubhouse was built and was one of the driving forces to achieve this.  Members did a lot of the building work as well as professionals.

John said that Mike has been an incredible servant of the club.  Last year he was made a Life Member, joining 11 others from 1992.

Born and bred in Okehampton, Mike went to South Wales, playing rugby there for a few years before returning to Devon and to North Tawton.

He became chairman of North Tawton Rugby Club, playing for the town, continuing to play rugby into his 50s. For many years Mike was the North Tawton dentist.

He was joined by his family including his son and family and daughter and her family plus grandsons during the afternoon.