WELL-KNOWN sportsman and teacher, Robert 'Bob' Welch, has died at his home aged 91 after a short illness.

Born in Oakfield, Bob was educated on the Island before training as a teacher and joining the Royal Army Education Corps.

It was during his teacher training, based in London, that he met his wife Norma and the pair married in 1949.

Bob worked in army education before leaving Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater, and joining the staff at Fairway Secondary Modern School in 1958.

He taught geography and games until the school became part of Sandown High School. After a brief spell on the mainland, he then taught at Downside Middle School until his retirement in 1985.

Throughout his life, Bob was a keen and accomplished cricketer. He played representative cricket for the county and the army, and his bowling achievements feature in the record books of Shanklin Cricket Club.

He was the first Island cricketer to take 1,000 wickets. He also played golf until knee injuries took their toll and Bob decided to take up bowls.

Other leisure activities included woodwork, and trying to ensure accountability in officialdom. During this, he was declared a 'vexatious correspondent' — a label which caused him both outrage and pride.

He leaves behind his wife, his sons Neil and Jeffrey and three grandchildren.