Local bowls player selected for special celebration match

A player from Warminster Bowling Club has been selected to represent his club in a national bowls event this month.

Martin Purnell has been chosen to play in one of Bowls England’s Bowling with a Disability Celebration Matches after applying through the organisation’s disability initiative, which aims to make bowls accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability.

He has only been playing bowls for a year and said it was an “honour” to be selected.

“I assumed there would be hundreds of bowlers throughout the country interested in playing so didn’t expect to be selected and didn’t give it another thought until receiving the confirmation email,” said Martin.

Martin has several health conditions that affect his mobility and can make day-to-day activities challenging.

“Playing sport again was never a consideration until I saw a sign for the Warminster Bowling Club open day and went along on 24th May 2025 and absolutely loved it, realising that, although it would be difficult and painful, it was something I might be able to do physically,” said Martin.

“The club was very welcoming with a lot of very experienced bowlers happy to share their experience and was equipped with specialist equipment that would assist with my health concerns.”

Martin will play in the match on 20th June in Charlbury, Oxfordshire.

Pictured: Martin (centre) with fellow players from the Warminster club