Bob Bell, who hails from Redruth – who is a former Pool School & Community College Master - secured memorable badminton successes in 2006, writes John Tresidder.

Firstly, Bob won the Over-55 Men’s Doubles in the English National Veterans’ Championships, whilst partnering Roy Lord, of Essex, at the National Badminton Centre, Milton Keynes.

Then, on October 22nd he was victorious in the Over-55 Men’s Doubles in the prestigious “Hi-Tec Masters” International tournament, played in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he partnered Steen Kjorbo – to defeat Soren Haldager and John Kirkeby, in the final.

November, ’06, saw Bob and Roy combining, once more, to secure the Over-55 Men’s Doubles title in the Kent Veterans International Tournament, held in Folkestone.

Bob and Roy now look forward to 2007 very much - when they will team up again - in the McCoig Trophy Vets International match against Scotland, in February, followed by the World Senior Badminton Championships, scheduled for China’s Taipei, from April 24th - 29th 2007.

Vets ICC win:

Meanwhile, on December 10th, the Cornwall Vets Over-40's Team, of which Bob is a player, registered their second ICC win, when they accounted for the Isle-of-Wight, by 8 rubbers to 4 - having already famously defeated Gloucestershire, last season’s champions, in November.

Former doubles partner missed:

However, Bob has found it difficult to come to terms with the loss of Bob Northcott, his friend and Cornwall/England Veterans International compatriot - the holder of around 250 Cornish senior caps - who passed away in August and with whom he registered the National Title, as well as the All-England - back in 1999.

Cornwall Vets Closed Championships:

* Finally, next Sunday, January 7th Bob Bell – with an enormous appetite for his beloved sport - will be competing, once more in the Cornwall “Closed” Veterans Championships, where he teams up with Nigel Holmes and Lynda Beer in the men’s and mixed disciplines.

The event is being staged at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell (12.00 noon start), with supporters and spectators most welcome.

Contact: Mike Nancekivell, the Tournament Secretary, Saltash, tel: 01752 - 848646.


John Tresidder
Cornwall County, CYB & Duchy “Open” Badminton Press/PR Officer.