Author Archives: Tony Taylor

MANCHESTER – BLACKPOOL WINNERS 1908 – 2008

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Enormous thanks to Roy Gunnett and Dave Evans for pulling together this roster of Blackpool victors. As for the photo of Bobby Bridge found by David Lamb to be seen below. It shows allegedly Bobby passing through Chorley on his … Continue reading →

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The Alison Trophy beckons in the Spring

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports and takes photos of the action Spring had arrived and there was certainly a spring in the step of the 12 competitors who set out on a glorious day of pleasant sunshine if you ignored a coolish … Continue reading →

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ALISON TROPHY 15K, MARCH 5 – another race tinged with sadness

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Our club races at Chorley are indelibly associated with the Crompton family, staunch supporters of our sport across the decades. Sadly we lost the much-loved Dave back in 2018 and now Marion, Eric’s wife has passed away unexpectedly. I have … Continue reading →

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John Dowling RIP – Ireland and Sheffield’s Legendary Race Walker

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Tony Taylor

The year was 1963. My first encounter with John came, sponge and drink in hand, at the Halfway House, Chorley, living up to its name on the road from Manchester to Blackpool. ‘Paddy’, as he was affectionately but problematically labelled … Continue reading →

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Sam Shoebottom results plus Captain’s honour for Greg

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports: Wet, wet, wet. Another race with no respite and rain throughout. The Lancashire walking club aquanauts are now used to this weather so did what they always do and that’s get stuck in and race. Quite a … Continue reading →

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January Virtual 5 Kilometres Handicap: A Result to Make You Smile

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Tony Taylor

That tower of strength, our respected club handicapper, Dave Evans won’t live this down in a long time. He’s pipped Greg Smith by three seconds to win January’s Virtual Handicap! Bravo, Dave! JANUARY VIRTUAL 5 Kilometres HANDICAP The result shows … Continue reading →

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Looking Back’ards and For’ards with Sadness and Optimism

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Tony Taylor

There are two elements to this post. The first part looks to the past in remembering one of the great characters of Northern race walking and athletics. Guy Goodair takes up the story. Ken Bingley passed away last Thursday after … Continue reading →

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Remembering stalwarts of our sport, the latest is the compassionate Geoff Hunwicks

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Just over a year ago we were mourning the loss of Paul Nihill, a giant of our sport. In 2021 we witnessed the deaths of other major figures, Bernard Kannenberg and Gerhard Weidner from West Germany, Vladimir Golubnichy and, easily … Continue reading →

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2022 FIXTURES – Living with COVID?

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Tony Taylor

It’s difficult, even absurd to look forward to the New Year without mentioning COVID. Almost two years of draconian, damaging restrictions on normal life and relentless propaganda have not stopped the spread. The vaccines, it is agreed, do not prevent … Continue reading →

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New Year’s News – Faster Walkers have Healthier Minds!! Plus Some Blackpool Memories

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Tony Taylor

In these doom-mongering times some research we can all agree with, even if we’re a touch biased! Last week I was laying the fire with some very old newspapers donated by a neighbour and at the last minute rescued this … Continue reading →

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