NORTHERN WRESTLERS' REUNION (Leeds)

Sunday 19th September 2010

A Reunion of British Professional Wrestlers was held at The Midland Hotel, Woodlesford, Leeds.

Following the success of the March reunion, Tony Kelly, Tarzan Boy Darren and Steve Fury decided to organise another reunion in the Leeds area. Once again, this event was a chance for wrestlers, their families and invited guests to meet over a few drinks, and a buffet in a relaxed setting.

The previous evening had seen Norman Ellis take another step as a wrestling promoter at the nearby Swillington Miners Welfare Club. This time, the show was split between a first half of "World of Sport Legends" and then, after the interval, some current WWE-style wrestling bouts.

Here are some photographs taken at the reunion. Please email to identify anyone not named, and to correct any errors. Apologies to those concerned!

Any more photographs sent in will be gratefully received, and added to this page, with an acknowledgement to the photographer.

The Group Photograph: Several shots, trying to ensure everyone is included.
Those present, (roughly, left to right):
Carl Heinz, Steve Taylor, Gwyn Davies, Steve Fury, Harry Monk, Roy St Clair, Peter Preston, Ray Robinson, Drew Macdonald, Derek Collins, Bob Sweeney (unfortunately hidden in all shots), Rex Lane, Al Marshall, Johnny Saint, John Cox, Eddie Hamill, Tarzan Boy Darren, Steve Serene, Tony Francis, Tony Kelly, Gordon Pryor, Roy Wood, Tony Kaye, Marty Jones, Johnny Angel, Dave Kaye.

1: "Kung Fu" Eddie Hamill, Steve Serene.   2: Steve Fury (Peter Thompson), Richie Brooks.  
3: Al Marshall, Tony and Dave Kaye.   4: Dave Kaye proudly shows off his first wage as a professional.  

Under the scaffold canopy: 1: Johnny Saint helps himself to a coffee, Rex Strong sits with Tracey Kilby & Tony Francis. Roy St.Clair and Marty Jones in the doorway. Mal Kirk's daughter "Tash" (Natasha) and Tony "Banger" Walsh.   2: Tony Kelly is interviewed.   3: Among the crowd: Tony Kaye, Peter Preston, Tony Kelly, Carl Heinz and Rex Strong.   4: Steve Serene, Eddie Hamill. Tarzan Boy Darren, Dave Bedford, Tony Kaye, Dave Kaye, Tony Walsh.  

1: Tony "Banger" Walsh, Derek Collins, John Cox.   2: Steve Grey, Lee Bronson, Drew Macdonald.  
3: Al Marshall, Harry Monk, Gordon Pryor.   4: Peter Preston, Gordon Pryor, Al Marshall.  

1: Mr & Mrs Barry Douglas.   2: Harry Monk, Rex Lane.   3: Roy St.Clair, Bob Sweeney.

1: Gwyn Davies, Tony "Banger" Walsh.   2: Steve Taylor, Tarzan Boy Darren.  

1: Mr & Mrs Roy Wood, Lee Bronson.   2: Al Marshall, Derek Collins, Dave Bedford.   3: Peter Preston, Al Marshall, Bob Sweeney.   4: Dwight J Ingleburgh (Sam Betts), Harry Monk, Al Marshall.  

Former World Cruiserweight boxing champion, and now Sky TV boxing presenter, Johnny Nelson with:
1: Ray Robinson.   2: Johnny Angel.   3: Marty Jones.   4: Al Marshall.  

1: Johnny Saint, Blondie Barrett, Dwight J Ingleburgh (Sam Betts).
2: Tony Francis makes the announcements.   3: Promoter Norman Ellis (hooped shirt).  

The next four photographs (and one above with Johnny Nelson) were contributed by Al Marshall

1: Johnny Saint, Al Marshall, Blondie Barrett.   2: Dwight J Ingleburgh (Sam Betts), Harry Monk, Al Marshall.   3: Peter Preston, Al Marshall, Bob Sweeney.   4: Ray Robinson, Al Marshall.  

The next five photographs were contributed by John White, who attended the reunion with his son, BBC Look North News presenter Ian White

1: Tony Kelly, John White, Roy Wood.   2: Peter Preston, Johnny Saint, John White.
3: John White, Johnny Nelson.   4 & 5: BBC television film crew with Bob Sweeney.  

Any further photographs of the reunion sent in by readers will be gratefully received, and added to this page, with an acknowledgement to the photographer.

Any photos of the wrestlers in their wrestling days? Please e-mail to The Wrestling Furnace at furnacehot@aol.com