Category Archives: History

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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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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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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LOOKING BACK IN HISTORY TO 1957 from 2021

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Tony Taylor

In between the turkey butties, sprouts, pudding and sherry you might relax and peruse this fascinating glimpse into the year 1957 put together by Ron Wallwork, to whom we are very grateful. I’ve acquired a new printer, which has allowed … Continue reading →

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DICK MAXWELL MEMORIAL TROPHY AND XMAS HANDICAP 10KM. DECEMBER 4

Posted on November 26, 2021 by Tony Taylor

We are looking forward to a grand turnout for our annual Xmas event at Simister, especially as no one need be deterred by talk of the Nightmare course!! In the spirit of goodwill to all men and women, not least … Continue reading →

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Andrew Fraser RIP, standard bearer for Scottish Race Walking

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Tony Taylor

We were shocked to hear that Andrew Fraser died very recently. As Dave Evans noted in response to the sad news, Andrew was a regular supporter of our club races until a few years ago, much liked and respected. The … Continue reading →

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