BBC Breakfast’s sports presenter Mike Bushell rose to the challenge of adding another sport to his repertoire.
Irene Taylor, Colchester Bowling Club’s women’s secretary, emailed the presenter contesting the BBC only shows football, cricket and snooker on television - but never bowls.
So she challenged Mike to a game of bowls at the club in Colchester Road, Ardleigh...and to her surprise he accepted.
Member - Mike Bushell interviewing John Gould on the lawn
Her calls for his visit came after bowling clubs around the country were asked by Bowls England to promote the game to new people of all ages.
Mike, who presents the sport on BBC Breakfast on Thursdays, Fridays and at the weekends, is well known for trying his hand at different sports.
He holds the world record for participating in the greatest number of different sports on his Saturday morning slot on BBC One and he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, when he and his dance partner Katya Jones were the seventh couple eliminated.
Mike told Ms Taylor he could contact Bowls England to get someone within it to come to Colchester Bowling Club with him. After many emails back and forth a date was set for the big match.
Colchester Bowling Club also invited Clacton Coastal Academy students to join in with the filming and the school selected four pupils from Year 10.
Mike arrived to the club with Commonwealth bowler Ed Morris and head of communications for Bowls England Rob Short.
Peter Cookson, Colchester Bowling Club’s secretary, said: “The day started with house keeping then we went down to a demonstration with the Clacton Coastal Academy children - in turn they were shown how to play bowls.
Filming - Mike Bushell with students from Clacton Coastal Academy
“Ed Morris gave instruction and within a few minutes the children were playing bowls.
“They didn’t take long to pick up the game and bowled very well and enjoyed the game.”
Mike interviewed Mr Short for a piece which will be broadcast on BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning.
Ms Taylor’s bowls match with Mike will also be featured on the show.
While there, Mike interviewed John Gould, who had been a member of the club since 1977 and honourable secretary for 17 years until he decided to stand down this year.
A spokesman for the club added: “Colchester Bowling Club would like to say thank you for the hard work carried out by Irene and Mike for making this happen and to all the members who worked tirelessly to prepare the club for this big event.”
Competitors - Irene Taylor challenged Mike Bushell to a bowling match
This weekend Colchester Bowling Club will be showcasing its Big Bowls Weekend and inviting new visitors to go to the club between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday to have a go at bowling.
If they like the sport, the club is offering free membership for the rest of the season.
For more information, go to www.colchesterbowlingclub.org.
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