The early days of trampoline

The trampoline first appeared in circus acts, stage shows, and perhaps on occasions like this one. This photo, taken in the late 50s, is from an occasion at the Central YMCA in London. Several international events in men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics were held at the ‘YM’ during these years. 

The Amateur Gymnastics Association (forerunner to British Gymnastics), which at this time was struggling to stay solvent, decided that perhaps they should promote this new activity. The first British Trampoline Championships were held at the RAF Arena in Stanmore, Middlesex, in 1957. The AGA had a tradition of Vaulting and Agility Championships, so it was decided to combine the two events. This term, agility just conjures up someone being agile, but at this time in the British gymnastics world, it was the term used for early attempts at tumbling. The competitions were for junior boys and girls, and men & women.

Above – Ted Blake with three schoolgirls from Bedminster Down School

SET WORK FOR NATIONAL TRAMPOLINE CHAMPIONSHIPS 1960

Men
1. Layout Backward Somersault to Feet.
2. Barani.
3. Backward Somersault Tucked to Feet.
4. Forward Somersault Tucked to Feet.
5. Barani.
6. ½ Twist to Back Drop.
7. Cradle.
8. Full Twist to Feet.

Women
1. Backward Somersault Tucked to Feet.
2. Tuck Jump.
3. Forward and Backward Split Jump.
4. Full Twist Jump.
5. Seat Drop.
6. Swivel Hips.
7. Knee Bounce.
8. Forward Somersault Tucked to Feet.

A fourth British Trampoline Championship

The 1960 British Championships were held again at the RAF Arena Stanmore but without the Vauting and Agility competition. There were 49 competitors across the boys’, girls’, men’s, and women’s events. The set exercises are shown here. There was also a veterans section, but there were only 2 entries. Sid Aaron was the eventual winner ahead of P Carter. 

There was a full report of the championships in the summer edition of The Gymnast magazine, as well as a report from the Scottish Trampoline Association reporting on an East vs West match at the Kelvin Grove. Another point of interest is that Aberdeen University had acquired a Nissen ‘Flashfold’. Down south at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London,  two Saturdays in May were given over to a course to try to offset the serious shortage of trampoline coaches. Jack Garstang of the Poly was the course leader, ably supported by Geoff Elliot of pole-vaulting fame.

Of course, once again, such events could not run without the help of Ted Blake and the Nissen Trampoline Company. Five trampolines were on hand for the forty students at the Polytechnic Course.

Marilyn Clee wins girls trophy, Tony Evans wins the boys, Jackie Allen wins the Women’s Trampoline Championships, Wembley Town Hall, in Feb 1961 – photo Jim Prestidge

The 1962 British Trampoline Final

In 1962, the women’s British final was held at the Albert Hall along with the men’s event. Mary Chamberlaine, seen above, was one of the five finalists in this first year for the women, when Yvonne Horne won the title. Mary would go on to win in 1963. 

At the end of the trampoline competition, the trampoline would have been folded up and pushed to one side, and then the other apparatus would have been brought out onto the floor to continue with the artistic events; it may have looked chaotic, but it worked.

Above – In 1961, Great Britain’s men competed against Germany, which resulted in a win for Germany. The British men are (L-R in tracksuit tops) Johnnie Ions, Dave Clarke, and Chris Netherton. Joyce Cosgrave is on Dave’s right side.

In 1961, Great Britain’s men competed against Germany, which resulted in a win for Germany. 

Could we do better next time? In 1963, two teams, men’s and women’s, competed in Holland in a five-nation event. The Netherlands won the women’s team competition, with England 2nd and Germany 3rd.

It’s embarrassing when the nation is termed as England, but on this occasion, all the trampoline gymnasts were from England. In the individual final held in the evening, Joyce Thomas, later Cosgrave, secured 1st place with Bagchus of the Netherlands 2nd and Germar of Germany 3rd.

For the men, it was a clean sweep, with England winning the team event and the three men, Chris Netherton, David Smith, and Johnnie Ions coming 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively. Here’s the complete team with the Germans. Notice that the English girls’ leotards didn’t match; they were obviously told to bring along one of their personal leotards, no outfit sponsors at this time.

This photo gives you an idea of the chaos and confusion. Could the television cameras in the foreground follow the proceedings? Jim Prestidge, editor of The Gymnast magazine and soon to be the first paid assistant secretary, stands with his back to the stage; what was he thinking at this time?

A British World Trampoline Championship

Someone in their wisdom decided that Great Britain was the place to hold a World Championships, and what better venue than the Royal Albert Hall. So, with the backing of the Nissen Trampoline Company,  the first World Championships were held at this iconic venue. Bill Cosgrave reports that Rob Walker and the organising committee did a great job making the event a success. 

The great man himself, George Nissen, is seen congratulating Gary Irwin of the USA on his 2nd place. Teenager Danny Millman of the States was first, and Dave Smith of England was 3rd. For the women, Judy Wills, in a class of her own, beat Linda Ball of England. On this occasion, it is seen that the home nations were represented, with Francis McLeod of Scotland, Marilyn Clee, and Mike Williams of Wales.  

Jeff Hennessy from Louisiana was so pleased with his visit to the UK on the occasion of this first World Championships that he wrote a letter of thanks to The Gymnast magazine.  He makes special reference to Joyce and Bill Cosgrave for giving him and his party a tour of London, but was disappointed that he didn’t meet the Beatles!  Some wonderful friendships would have been made during this time. 

Above – poster for the 2nd World Trampoline Championships held in London, at the Albert Hall in 1965.

A 2nd World Championships in London

It’s 1965, and the 2nd World Championships come back to London, to the Albert Hall. By now, the event is organised by the British Trampoline Committee. On this occasion, the first World Tumbling Championships were held with Jimmy Wilson of the Army and Great Britain coming second to Frank Schmitz of the USA.  Once again, Nissen is there presenting and supporting the event. 

This tumbling championship is not recognised by the later formed International Federation for Sports Acro, IFSA.

Above – Dave and Mike on the rostrum at the 1967 Worlds. Now Mike Williams does look happy. 

The British Trampoline Federation starts in 1967

Three young girls took the honours in the 1965 women’s British Championships at the Albert Hall, all from the same school, Bedminster Down in Bristol. Sadly, when I contacted the school a couple of years ago, they had no record of their talented pupils, although I was eventually put in touch with someone who knew someone else who remembered the girls. This was the last time that the BAGA, as it was by then, would host this event, at least not until another 34 years.

By 1967, the British Trampoline Federation was up and running, with Rob Walker as Secretary and Syd Aaron as Chairman. In 1999, the BTF brought its expertise to British Gymnastics and became one of the association’s many disciplines. This marked the point at which trampoline became a recognised discipline within the FIG, thus allowing it to enter the Olympic Games in 2000. What a success story that has been. 

Above – Programme for 1966 The Nissen Cup

The newly formed BTF wasted no time in setting up events and programmes. This International at the Crystal Palace was held without the support of the BAGA. As shown previously, there were plenty of enthusiastic folk ready to take on the tasks of organisation and administration. They saw a golden opportunity in the arrival of so many talented bouncers and coaches, and arranged an instructional clinic on the Sunday following the competition. 

For 10/- (50p) in today’s money, you could turn up on the Sunday morning and learn from all the great people listed here. What a great opportunity. 

A Fourth World Trampoline Championship

The fourth World Championships are held at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre. In 1st position is Dave Jacobs of the USA, and the persistent duo of Dave Curtis and Mike Williams coming 2nd and 3rd, a great achievement. Our girls didn’t disappoint at these World Championships with Susan Vine and Wendy Coulton coming 5th & 6th.

Once again, Curtis and Williams fly the flag for Great Britain in the trampoline match, but our tumblers were no match against the USSR. It is recorded that the USSR at this time was unstoppable in their tumbling skills; no wonder we looked to them for inspiration and new techniques.

The results from the 1967 World Championships and a photograph showing the ordered and clear layout of the event at the Crystal Palace, a far cry from those preliminary days at the De Montfort Hall.

For further reading – go to the full list of the Men’s British Trampoline Champions and Women’s British Trampoline Champions.

Written by Meg Warren, 2026