Bowlers pay tribute to well-respected chairman Bob

His funeral cortege visited the club’s base in Richmond Road, Bexhill, and representatives from clubs throughout the area turned up in uniform to line the street before bursting into applause as the hearse inched past.

Among the many tributes received was one from former Bexhill BC captain and long-term friend Sandra Willis, who said: "Bob will be greatly missed.

"He was one of the very large characters of Bexhill Bowls Club and worked very hard, always with the interest of the club and its members at the forefront of his mind, always there to help when needed and a great friend."

Members said their love and condolences went out to Pearl and the family at this difficult time.