ONE of Bude’s finest fencers is taking to the Middle East to compete on the national stage.

On Sunday, November 16, Becky Ragland flies out to Manama, Bahrain, for the 2025 Veteran World Fencing Championships. She’ll represent Great Britain in foil at both the individual on Tuesday, November 18 and team event on Thursday, November 20.

Becky is known locally as the ‘Bude Bond girl’ following her stint as an extra in Die Another Day. The former co-owner of Big Blue Surf School in Bude, Becky returned from retirement in October 2024 after a 20 year gap in competitive individual fencing.

Earlier this year, she took silver at the Exeter Open competition and bronze at the Westley Foil in Tiverton. However, despite these impressive performances, the World Championships will provide a much bigger challenge.

Becky has been preparing for the competition with training at both Truro Fencing Club with coach Rhys Melia, Exeter St Thomas Fencing club with sparring partner Grace Hay and occasionally Bristol Blades Fight Night.

In preparation for the competition, the Peak Performance gym in Bude has seen Becky working with an instructor to build explosive leg power and resilience.

Becky qualified by right for the competition after becoming National Veterans’ Champion all age groups in the spring and will be in a field of 43 fencers from all over the world. Her team mates Ann, Kate, Fiona and Catherine and Donna will all fence in the Category 2, Women’s 50+ foil.

“It’s my first Veterans’ World Champs, so I don’t have much context,” said Becky. “I’ve discussed my aims for the individual competition with a very experienced international fencer and friend who has supported me to set realistic goals. I will definitely be using patience, keeping my eyes wide open and looking to take the right opportunities to attack when they present themselves.”

Manama is three hours ahead of the UK. Becky has been preparing by ‘de-jet lagging’ ahead of time to be used to the time zone on arrival and being ready to compete early in the morning. She has also been studying previous vets’ competitions to help gauge competitors’ style.

The competition is being screened on Fencingtv.com where the Cornish contingent can cheer on Becky as she fights it out. Results are screened live at fencingtimelive.com.

Becky isn’t the only person representing the South West, with several female athletes from the region competing in the competition, including Ann Dawkins from Bristol at foil, Caroline Martin from Truro at sabre and Caron Hale from Gloucester at sabre and foil.

“It’s exciting to be part of a group of fit, feisty and over 50 fencers, all dedicated to performing at their best in Bahrain,” added Becky. “I feel so lucky to have a second bite of the cherry in my 50s, after retiring at 32.

“Fencing is a sport you can do as long as you can walk. It’s never too late, so check out www.britishfencing.com/clubfinder/ to find a club near you.”