MORCHARD Bishop Bowling Club was delighted to welcome 100 year-old Gordon Short during his bowling challenge to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance.
Burrington resident Gordon, who is a member of South Molton Bowling Club, played a challenge match against Morchard Bishop Bowling Club’s youngest player, 11-years-old Jake Tapp.
There was a round of applause for Gordon from club members and guests when he arrived at the club.
In his latest fundraising challenge, set by his son Graham, Gordon is playing five ends of bowls at what was originally 20 different clubs across Devon, meaning he would play 100 ends in total, equalling his age.
The first game took place on July 20 at the Plymouth Hoe Bowling Club, where Sir Francis Drake was playing when the Spanish Armada was spotted.
Morchard Bishop was the 21st he had played as part of his challenge.
Family members organised numerous charity golf days, donated diamond wedding anniversary gifts and most recently gave £1,000 in celebration of Gordon’s 100th birthday.
Gordon is a Burma Star Veteran. He left the army with the rank of Captain. He probably would have made a Major, but he took his commanding officer’s girlfriend on a date. The colonel found out and demoted him.
He has been a director of J.Pickard and Co Ltd at Burrington for all his working life. Throughout his life he has always had a passion for Bowling. He has been the President of the Devon Bowling Association and has played all over the world.
The Morchard Bishop Bowling Club President extended a welcome to Gordon and his son and it was announced that Morchard Bishop Bowling Club was the 100th green established in Devon in 1983.
Jack and Gordon enjoyed tight games at the club.
Just a few weeks ago Gordon played bowls against the Bowls Devon Ladies President, Christine Marshall at Crediton Bowling Club.
To-date Gordon has raised nearly £6,000 for Devon Air Ambulance.
If you would like to support Gordon on his fundraising quest you can do so on his Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gordon-Short100 .