The organiser of a bowls tournament in memory of his father has described the support it gets as “amazing”.

Ipswich Star: Tom Stanes memorial bowls match. Mark Selby bowling.Tom Stanes memorial bowls match. Mark Selby bowling. (Image: Archant)

Rob Stanes puts on the annual Tom Stanes Memorial Cup at Stone Lodge Bowls Club and this year said the event was the largest it has ever been.

Mr Stanes’ father was a member of the club for 20 years before is death from cancer in 2007.

And now his name has been given to the tournament held to remember him and which raises vital funds for the sports club.

“It was a very, very good day,” Mr Stanes said. “We had nearly 100 bowlers and 20 to 30 people, maybe more, come up to watch.

Ipswich Star: L-R Harry Harris, David Price, Rob Stanes,Andy Rackham, Kevin Faiers, Michael Buck.L-R Harry Harris, David Price, Rob Stanes,Andy Rackham, Kevin Faiers, Michael Buck. (Image: Archant)

“The weather was a bit pants but we can’t control that.”

Mr Stanes said the event, now in its eighth year, had grown and grown since its inception.

“We started off with 60 bowlers, then we got 80 or 90. Last year we just fell short (of the maximum 96) but this year we were maxed out.

“It started out as a thing for me and my mates just to see how it went and then the second year I bought a banner and a cup, then we got the sponsorship.

“Every year we grow that little bit each time.

“It’s just a fun day really. It supports and generates (money) for the club to help it survive another year.”

Mr Stanes also said the day’s success, and the number of people who turned out to remember his father, meant a lot to him personally.

“It’s giving me goosebumps now talking about it,” he said. “I don’t know how you put it into words.

“You lay on this day and the feeling you get on that morning is amazing.

“These people give their time and their money and their effort and to me it’s almost a surprise every year.

“Every year we have to work as hard as we do but my mates are ringing me up in March asking about it.

“For me it’s the day of the year, it’s amazing.”

Mr Stanes wanted to thank Stephen Clarke and Tony Flegg for their help in setting up the event and everyone who turned out on the day.