SKITTLES captain Ron Greenway, of Bathealton, last week retired from the job he has held for an incredible 70 years.

More than 40 skittlers, wives and family gathered for a surprise presentation to Ron and his wife Joan at the Blue Ball Inn, Sampford Moor.

Ron started a skittles team when he was 19 in 1948 at the instigation of his father Leslie after taking over as chairman of Wiveliscombe Young Farmers’ Club the year before.

His team, now dubbed Ron’s Old Codgers, play friendly fixtures on Tuesday nights from April to September. They are based at the White Hart in Wiveliscombe after previously being at The Globe at Appley.

Ron, who has selected the team and arranged the opposition and skittle alley, is still a good skittler having the second highest score in his last game as captain. He says he is one of only two players in the history of the team to score a maximum 27 pins with three balls.

He is finally passing over the captaincy to Lawrence Webber, now he has reached the age of 89. Ron said: “I will still be available to be selected, if the new captain picks me, and promise not to be too bossy.”

Ron and Joan, his wife of 63 years, received a cut glass engraved fruit bowl and six whisky glasses on what he said was a ‘wonderful, unforgettable evening’.

The Blue Ball put on an excellent spread and Ron’s nephew Roger and a friend played their ukuleles, accompanied by witty lyrics, assisted with harmonies from Ron.