I was delighted to meet a bit of an Isle stalwart who is still setting sporting records at the tender age of 84!
I’ve mentioned before in these pages about the brilliance of Branson Hoole and I finally got to meet him to talk all things billiards.
I really enjoyed meeting him and his wife Mavis, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 7. I heard all about Branson’s tales of how billiards has taken him across the globe to the likes of New Zealand and Australia.
Still representing England, Branson is someone to be proud of in the Isle and I’m delighted to be able to get the chance to tell his story.
Expect Branson’s feature to appear in these pages shortly.
Elsewhere, the rain failed to dampen the spirits of a host of junior football clubs who all descended onto Epworth Showground to compete in this year’s Epworth Colts’ football tournament (pictured).
We’ll have all of the action in one of our upcoming Bells editions so you can see how your sides got on across the two-day event.
Meanwhile, it’s a pleasure to announce that this year’s Owston Ferry 10k has surpassed previous years in terms of numbers.
Organisers are already looking at the 350-mark in terms of athletes signing up to take part on Sunday.
And there’s still time to register - just see our back page to find out how.
You can also register on the day.
Good luck to everyone taking part and make sure you check out the Bells for all the results both in print and online soon.
It’s been a busy week for sport despite the rainfall and I had the opportunity to grab a bit of an exclusive chat with Doncaster Knights scrum-half Chris Hallam.
I’m sure Bells readers will be interested to read his story as to why he’s retiring from the sport which has given him so much success from the Premiership to National One.
Chris was somebody I found who was honest and thorough in his reasons as to why he’s retired from rugby.
His bespoke jewellery-making business is growing from strength to strength and that’s something to be proud of - which Chris no doubt is - and is certainly a good reason as to why he wants to step away from rugby to concentrate on this venture more.
I hope you enjoy what Chris has to say on his retirement because it’s worth celebrating - afterall he’s amassed over 100 appearances for one of the area’s top rugby sides.
Over the coming weeks I’m sure you’ll be reading more from Chris regarding his thoughts on Doncaster Knights’ promotion into the Championship.
There is also a very good success story in this week’s edition on teen Peter Beresford.
He’s just scored a once-in-a-lifetime football scholarship to the USA.
What an achievement that is and something Peter should cherish throughout his sporting successes.
As always, we’re keen to hear from readers. Get in touch to see your sport in the spotlight.