THERE was considerable upset at the recent announcement that the BBC planned to stop broadcasting the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Disappointment, however, was tempered by the news that instead there would be a livestream of the World Conker Championship. The BBC, ever alert to licence fee-payers’ views, have lined up an impressive selection of sports coverage that should satisfy the most demanding fans. TCW’s Sports Editor reports:
CONTESTS don’t come much harder than the International Extreme Ironing Championships, which for the last 15 years has taken place in the sylvan setting of Lyons-la-Forêt in northern France. A gruelling test for all contestants, it has produced shocks and surprises in equal measure over the years. A decision has been made to change the venue for 2025 to the Bavarian resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Britain’s hopes rest with Ron Thurlsby from Bolton who has already immersed himself at a high-altitude training camp in Flash, Staffordshire. Disqualified last year for an illegal crease in the Button Closure Pillow Challenge, he should do well this time, given his experience.
Ghana will be expecting a podium place with Mbote Ganathang, who missed out on the medals in 2024 by a single point. An admired all-rounder, he excelled in the Pleated Valance Percale Sheeting semi-final iron-off, edging out bookies’ favourite, Juan Fandango of Cuba. Sadly, this diminutive athlete found the Queen-Sized Duvet Steaming a bruising encounter – ending up entangled in an undignified heap in the arena.
BBC4: Nov 11 onwards 9am-6pm
Towel Folding has grown in popularity in the last ten years and it has taken that long for it to be recognised as a sport in its own right – with some suggesting possible inclusion at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Dexterity and good physical fitness are prerequisites for anyone contemplating taking the giant leap into the professional league and waving goodbye to the easy camaraderie of amateur contests.
Overseen by the ITFF (International Towel Folding Federation) based in Lausanne, this year will see the first live-streamed six-day contest. Held in Bergen, this will be must-view television with many well-known competitors battling it out in a series of increasingly complex trials.
Fans will be familiar with face flannel folding through to the bath sheet knock-out phase culminating in the freestyle challenge where maximum points can be awarded by judges drawn from across all continents.
The UK team has been relentlessly practising for the freestyle element by conjuring up elephants, swans and turtles from an assortment of different sized towels, washcloths, beach towels and gym towels. Expect the unexpected!
BBC 3 Nov 22-Nov 28 11am-8pm
Finally, although not yet fully recognised as a stand-alone sport, Make Do and Mend has seen an explosion of interest in this most traditional of pastimes. Devotees will be excited to learn that the BBC will be catering for this burgeoning audience on Christmas Day with a one-off special, Strictly Come Darning. This three-hour spectacular will see celebrities competing in a series of increasingly tricky tasks to win top spot and walk off with the coveted glittering darning mushroom.
The BBC remains tight-lipped about the celebrities who will be taking part, but we have it on good authority that Countryfile presenter Chris Eco-Loon and Breakfast TV’s Pamela Airhead have agreed to try their hands.
Some critics still question whether the BBC provides good value. Looking at these upcoming bright and breezy programming gems, the only answer can be a resounding yes.
