BOB Bell, who hails from Redruth and who is a former Pool School and Community College teacher, secured memorable badminton successes in 2006, writes John Tresidder.

He 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.

In October 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 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 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 24-29.

Last month Cornwall Vets over-40s team, of which Bob is a player, registered their second ICC win, when they accounted for the Isle of Wight, by eight rubbers to four - having already fdefeated Gloucestershire, last season's champions, in November.

However, Bob has found it difficult to come to terms with the loss of Bob Northcott, his friend and Cornwall/England Veterans international, the holder of around 250 Cornish senior caps, who died in August and with whom he registered the national title, as well as the All-England in 1999.

Next Sunday Bob Bell - with an enormous appetite for badminton - 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 St. Austell's Polkyth Leisure Centre (12 noon start), with supporters and spectators most welcome.

More information can be obtained from Mike Nancekivell, the tournament secretary, Saltash, telephone 01752 848646.