The Kingstanding Settlement boxing team, 1940s
1946 or 1947 · Kingstanding Settlement, Kingstanding
Kingstanding Settlement in 1940s. Top row: Jimmy Wilkes, Dennis Elwell, Eric Eckleston, X, Donald Brotin, Stan Ryland. Middle row: X, Tommy Barley, Walter Yardley, Mr Charles (centre manager), X. Bottom row: X, X, X, Ken Barley, X.
Shared with the memories of Dennis Elwell on the Voices of Kingstanding page about Kingstanding Settlement.
Brian Thomas writes there that Walley Yardley, third from the left in the middle row, “excelled in his amateur boxing career, he was from Kings Road, Kingstanding. He won the ABA title in 1953. He also represented England on three or four occasions, winning all bouts … His fights in which he represented his country were broadcast on TV … The Kingstanding public house was always empty on these occasions.”
Notes
The caption says “1940s”; the year 1946 or 1947 comes from the photographer’s own comment. As a studio photographer’s work (H J Whitlock and Sons), the copyright position may need checking.
About this place: Birmingham Settlement, Kingstanding Road
In Voices: “Dennis Elwell on the baths and the Settlement” (Dennis Elwell) · “I took that photograph” (Gordon Bennett) · “My boxer, Wally Yardley” (H.O. Swain)
Local memories
What people who knew this place have said about it, in their own words. These are memories, not checked facts.
“Imagine my surprise when confronted with the photographs of the Kingstanding Settlement boxing team, this photograph was taken by me in 1946 or 1947, not quite sure which; I also photographed the football team at about the same time. I was employed by H J Whitlock and Sons Limited, Photographers to the King … having joined straight from Peckham Road school in Feb 1944 … I was a member of the Settlement Club, and played for the football team made up from ex Peckham Road kids … played in the Sunday league, George Hall was the captain.”
“I started going to the various clubs there in 1947, one of my first holidays was with the club to Newhaven camping in army bell tents; I think the Leader at the time was called Charlie … we had a night when we did gym, also on other nights we did cooking, acting and other activities. On Friday night there was sometimes a dance and always one on Sundays … I remember … Don Drinkwater (and his Brother), both very good boxers.”
“I do remember the Kingstanding Settlement very well, my next door neighbour, Richard Carr used to help run the place. I took judo and weight training classes there and also helped run some of the youth dances, this was around 1958–1962. We also took mixed parties into Wales for Outward Bound camping and walking holidays.”
“Was a member from around 58 to 63, had to leave at 21 years of age, no longer a (Youth). Remember Mr B (Blamire). Went to Brittany by mini bus, about 8 of us for two weeks, including Mr B and driver.”
“I had my wedding reception at The Settlement in 1963. I loved the club and remember Mr B and Dick very well.”
“My teenage years were spent at the Kingstanding Settlement, what a great place that was, a Mr Blamyre was the man that ran the club; he was a dedicated club leader and I will never forget him.”
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