ON Tuesday, July 21, Lords Meadow Tennis Courts were transformed into a surprise birthday party venue.

It was Martin Comont’s (President and Founder of Crediton Tennis Club) 85th birthday and the courts were full of past and present players, chatting, eating, drinking and playing.

Martin was born on July 20, 1930. In 1950 he cycled from the North Downs to Devon and bought a stock farm in Copplestone, where he still lives.

He has four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandson,

Martin’s sporting life began with football. He played for Yeoford and Bow. Unfortunately his football career was cut short because of injury.

He then started to play badminton during the winter months and thought it would be a good idea to start up a tennis club in the summer.

So, on a summer’s evening in 1974, he bought some balls and asked Shelley School (now QE Barnfield Campus) if he could use the courts.

The courts were full on the first night and it was so successful that a proper club and committee were formed.

Martin started to play tennis when he was 44 and his enthusiasm, encouragement, energy, sense of fair play and a lovely sense of humour are undiminished.

The club is now looking forward to celebrating Martin’s 90th!