BOB Codd, the sole survivor of a car crash which claimed four lives in January 1977, has died suddenly at the age of 87, writes Barry Knott.

Bob was one of four Wellington Bowling Club members on their way to a match when they were involved in an horrific accident with another car and lorry on the A303 road at Horton Cross, near Ilminster.

The Wellington club president, John Bird, and teammates Keith Jarman (secretary) and Ken Gough (captain) all died instantly, along with the driver of the other car.

Bob was rushed to hospital with head and chest injuries and eventually made a full recovery. He later went on to continue playing bowls and became president of the club.

Their deaths shocked the town with the chairman of Wellington Parish Council, Maurice Jennings, saying at the time: “I knew them all personally and as chairman of the council I know I speak for the whole town in expressing our sympathy to their relatives. They were on their way to play the game they loved.

“We seem to be becoming something of a town touched by tragedy when you look back over the past few months,” he added, in reference to the death in October of three year old Julie Sydenham.

“One would have hoped that the New Year would have brought something better but these deaths are a terrible way to start the year.”

The deaths of the three bowlers brought tributes from all sections of the Wellington community. A minute’s silence was held at various sporting events.