Mike Booth

Mike Booth

MIKE BOOTH by himself What inspired you?I’m not sure really. I swam for Huddersfield when I was 11 but there can’t be many things more boring than swimming so I wanted to do something more interesting.I had always liked to be upside down so when I was 11 my dad...
Dick Gradley

Dick Gradley

DICK GRADLEY in conversation with Meg Warren Before Gymnastics Dick was born on the 6th March 1932 on the Mile End Rd in the east end of London. On leaving school, Dick had several jobs including farming. His dad was an enthusiastic sportsman and boxer and served in...
Nik Stuart

Nik Stuart

NIK STUART by Jim Prestidge Company Sergeant Major Instructor Wray Stuart, MBE, alias “Nik” became a gymnastics legend during the fifties and sixties. He first came to prominence quite suddenly during the 1955 British Championships. Favourites in those championships...
Frank Turner

Frank Turner

FRANK TURNER taken from the Gymnast Magazine 1959 In 1932 a very special little boy aged 10 ½ years was given special permission to join the Broad Street Lads Club where his two big brothers were already members. Within 3 months he had amazed his fellow members by...
Pat Hirst

Pat Hirst

PAT HIRST by Meg Warren Pat Hirst’s sporting career started many years ago. In fact so many that she was loathed to tell me just how many. Strange as it may seem, this young lady who was later destined to compete in three Olympics, represent her country in many...