ANNUAL BRITISH WRESTLERS' REUNION

Sunday 12th August 2007

The annual reunion of British Professional Wrestlers was held at The Bridges Public House (proprietors, the former World Heavyweight Champion, Wayne Bridges and his bodybuilding champion wife, Sarah), in South Darenth, Dartford, Kent, England, on Sunday 12th August 2007.

The Reunion was a great success. Many thanks are due to Wayne & Sarah, and to the rest of the committee for their tireless organisational work. Frank Rimer compered the presentations excellently. It was great to see Harry Kendall reunited with his old friends, particularly Joe D'Orazio - the culmination of a long search. Here are some photographs taken on the day. Several of the photographs in the 'Mick McManus' and 'Presentations' sections have been contibuted by Jinny Huckle, the former MC. Many thanks to her for sharing them. (Their filenames begin with 'jh')

MICK McMANUS

Mick had another pressing engagement that day, but the lure of meeting up with his old friends was too great. He had just about enough time to say a few "hellos", and help Johnny Kidd achieve a longstanding ambition, before he had to leave

Joe D'Orazio & Peter Baines (r) Mick signing autographs Alan Sarjeant & Joe D'Orazio

Handing over an award to Johnny Kidd.
Johnny had specially requested that his lifelong hero Mick McManus made the presentation.

THE PRESENTATIONS

Colin Joynson remembers those wrestlers who have sadly passed away since the last reunion, then hands the mike to Frank Rimer, who was 'compere' for the day. Hostess Sarah Bridges looks on, ready to hand over the first award.


Peter Szakacs receives his award with typical modesty, and praises the contribution of 'cornermen' like his old friend Charlie Cornish


'Photojournalist' Russell Plummer on the other end of the lens for once, as he steps up to receive his award


An emotional moment as Steve Jay holds the urn containing the ashes of his partner, the recently deceased and much-loved MC John Harris. It was John's final wish to attend the reunion.


Sweet Soraya Paul Lincoln Baz 'Romany' Riley

Johnny Kincaid


Klondyke Kate


Joey Scarlo Dave 'Butcher' Bond Sarah Bridges receives an overdue 'thank you' from the whole wrestling fraternity, courtesy of Peter Baines

Barry Douglas


Harry Kendall looks delighted with his presentation ...


... and it's 20 years since Harry Kendall and Joe D'Orazio last met.


Gina Marino receives an award on behalf of the late, great Mike Marino

IN THE CROWD

Mr & Mrs Colin Joynson, Al Marquette Roy St.Clair Peter Szakacs, Barry Douglas Tony Scarlo, Billy LaRue

John Cox Steve Lee Curtis with son, Peter Billy LaRue, Klondyke Kate, Derek Collins 'Ringo' Rigby

Dave Bond, Tony Walsh, Keith Haward Paul Lincoln, Bob Kirkwood, Bob Anthony Mick West, "Karl Heinz" (aka "Nobby" Clark)

Tony "Titch" White, Mel Stuart Joe D'Orazio, Prince Kumali

Photographs from Jim Howard

Many thanks to Jim Howard for sending in this next set of pictures.

Colin Joynson Al Marquette 'Ringo' Rigby

Jim Howard with Alan Sargeant, and with Paul Lincoln John Cox

Bob Kirkwood and Roy St.Clair Barry Douglas Prince Kumali

Photographs from Tony Bates

Thanks to Tony Bates for sending in these pictures of himself, as he met up with old friends and adversaries.
Tony is featured in the 'galleries' section of this site

Tony Bates
(as billed!) w Dave Phillips w Gerry Diprose w Colin Joynson, Johnny Kincaid

Photographs from Jinny Huckle

Many thanks to former MC Jinny Huckle, not only for these next few pictures, but also for several of the above 'presentations' pictures.

Dave Bond Colin Joynson, John Cox Tony Walsh, "Bully Boy" Ian Muir Prince Kumali

Mel Stuart Baz 'Romany' Riley Roy St.Clair

Tony Walsh, Baz Riley, "Ringo" Rigby Vince Randell

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