Category Archives: History

Looking Forward to the Goodwin Cup, the Middlesborough Hundred and remembering Flo Payn

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Tony Taylor

This coming Saturday, August 13 the Goodwin Cup 10 kilometres will take place in Chorley, changing facilities at St Peter’s Church Hall, Harpers Lane, PR6 0HP – start at 1.00 p.m. As is now customary it would be helpful, if … Continue reading →

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Chris Bolton’s 19th Nijmegen – he was only there for the beer!

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Tony Taylor

A couple of years ago I vowed to accompany Chris on his latest Nijmegen exploit but COVID intervened. Little did I know that he sneaked off this year to add to his tally. Wonderfully bonkers, Read on. Chris reports. This … Continue reading →

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Thirty Years Ago this Month – Ron and Ian became proud Centurions

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Tony Taylor

With Ian Garmston’s permission, I’m really pleased to post this lovely account of his and Ron Wallwork’s journey to becoming proud Centurions. All the more so, given our club’s great history in the 100 miles event – see Honouring the … Continue reading →

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Marion Fawkes – outstanding services to and performances in race walking recognised

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Peter Fawkes writes: You may well know that Marion is currently President of Yorkshire Walking Club as well as being a life member of that Club and North Shields Poly.  Marion’s name was put forward by the Department for Digital, … Continue reading →

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Urgent News: D&Z Smith Track Races postponed to June 11th

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Tony Taylor

As a significant number of people are unavailable this coming Saturday, the Dick and Zena Smith races will now be held a week later on June 11th. Thanks to Roy’s good offices, the Bury Athletic Club has been understanding and … Continue reading →

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Macclesfield in the rain – Lol Allen triumphs in the 1951 National 10 miles

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Tony Taylor

As we bemoan the unfortunate cancellation of our recent race at Macclesfield it’s fascinating to recollect the staging of the National 10 miles championships over seventy years ago in the very same town. Roy Gunnett has unearthed this Pathe News … Continue reading →

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ERIC HALL RIP – Fond memories of a Belgravian in Lancashire

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Sadly we have to inform you that Eric Hall of Belgrave Harriers and a double Olympian passed away on March 20th, 89 years of age. Eric has a special place in the history of our club and is fondly remembered … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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