A TALENTED bowls player continuing to rack up accolades has his sights set on a major upcoming championship.

Melvin Padmore, 69, of The Street, Bradfield, joined Mistley Bowls Club in 2021 after retiring from coaching squash in Ipswich.

He won the Mistley and Manningtree Bowls Club men’s championship in 2022 and will play in the Bowls England Champion of Champions knock out competition.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: New Passion - Mel got into bowls after retiring from coaching squashNew Passion - Mel got into bowls after retiring from coaching squash (Image: Mistley and Manningtree Bowls Club)

Mel said: “I always thought bowls was for old people and therefore not for me, but I love the game and wish I had started playing 20 years ago.

“I would love to see more youngsters playing and giving us oldies a run for our money.”

Mel quickly got the love of bowling and plays several times a week. 

He started with lawn bowls and has taken up playing indoor bowls at Harwich Indoor Bowls Club during the winter season. 

Mel’s recent victory at the Harwich Indoor club means he can also play in the indoor Champion of Champions competition too.

The men’s Champion of Champions knock out preliminary round is set for Tuesday, May 9.

Mistley and Manningtree’s Bowls Club green is open for the public to try bowling on May 14, 20 and 27 coinciding with the Bowl’s Big Weekend national campaign by Bowls England.

For more information contact Karen Thompson at mmbcmatchsec@gmail.com.