Continuing with my Blackpool memories and other interesting history making moments from 1962-1967
During our competitive years the only Blackpool that Fay and I did not dance in was 1962 as Fay was six months pregnant with our daughter Cherrie Anne. We were however the reigning Amateur Champions from the preceding two years.
The 1962 British Amateur Champions were my good friend Len Armstrong & Elaine Welch. Some readers will remember that Len and I danced against each other as Juniors from 1952.
Bill & Bobbie Irvine clinched the Professional title. They were pushed all the way by stylists Peter Eggleton & Brenda Winslade.
Interestingly this was Bill’s return to Blackpool. He competed the first time in 1954, with his South African partner Ruby Johnson.
Another interesting statistic from 1962. There were 116 couples in the closed North of England Championship. A very healthy competitive area.
My good friends Jack & Anne Reavely created Blackpool history. They missed the entire Waltz in the Semi Final but gained sufficient marks in the remaining three dances to make the final and finished fourth.
1963. A double edged festival as the long time chairman of adjudicators P.J.S Richardson died.
Long time supporter of the British, Alex Warren from Glasgow took over the reigns of Chairman from Arthur Franks.
Our first Professional British. Very excited to be sharing the floor with the Irvines, Eggleton/Winslade and made the Semi Final.
It was the debut of the Charles Barlow Orchestra. And he came armed with lots of new musical arrangements that have become Blackpool favourites over the years.
The very talented and great dancers John & Betty Westley, won their first British Ballroom Championship and joined the elite list of Amateur Champions dating back to 1931.
The Japanese invasion had started and it was clear that they had some wonderful dancers including the Shinoda’s, Matsuohka’s who made their mark at their first attempt.
1964 a memorable year in Blackpool’s history. It was the introduction of the Amateur and professional Latin American styles. The titles were originally held by Doris Lavelle, she kindly handed the titles over to the Blackpool organisers. In previous years there had been much controversy over the cuban Rumba and happily that was now accepted, hence the inclusion as a British Title.
The first Professional Latin title holders were Walter and Marriane Kaiser from Switzerland. They created an enormous interest as they made the Latin dances look so beautiful. The Amateur Championship was a win for Robert Taylor and Anita Gent.
The Charles Barlow Orchestra continued to play amazing music. That brought the best out of the competitors including Fay and me.
The Amateur Ballroom Championship was a win for George Coad and Patricia Thompson who were to hold this title for three years.
The Irvines notched up their second British Professional title.
Organiser Madam Illet was to be congratulated on her organisation especially as the Festival was growing rapidly from year to year. Both in competitors and public audience.
The overseas visitors box was now full to the brim and patrons had to be satisfied with ground floor seating.
1965 the 40th year of the festival and another new event was added to the weeks programme, the Youth Modern. This event was eagerly awaited as there were a number of very talented dancers that have since over the years made a huge mark within the profession.
The North of England Championship again attracted a huge entry of 96 couples. Unfortunately, there are no published records of the winners in both of these events except I hope in Blackpool’s Festival office. My memory remembers quite a few successful couple’s, but I would like to mention the late Bryan Allen who together with his wife Edna were one of the winners.
Peter Eggleton and Brenda Winslade took over as British Professional Champions. The Amateur title was a successful defence for George and Pat.
Yours truly and Fay made the Professional Final.
The Late American Professional Champions were Robert and Margurite O’Hara, who became very popular and famous for their portrayal of the Paso Doble.
Amateur Champions, were Peter Davis and Gwendolyn Sales. Such a good-looking man and a beautiful girl.
1966. A sad start to the week as it was announced that the very popular professional Frank Alback died on his way to Blackpool. Frank was a noted technician and was my first competition coach as a junior. He was also renowned for his photographic skills during competitions and being a dancer, he knew just the right moment to catch a good line. He was also a respected reporter for the Popular Modern Dance and Dancer Monthly magazine.
Over two hundred couples were entered in the Amateur Ballroom Championship. It was to be George Coad and Pat’s last Amateur win as they were soon to turn professional.
Bill and Bobbie Irvine regained the title from Peter and Brenda. It was an epic final that had the audience screaming for their favourites. Immediately behind these two competitive giants another battle was taking place between Michael Needham and Monica, and Fay and myself. Thanks to a tie being broken by the scrutineers Fay and I were more than delighted by being placed third.
The Latin American was gaining popularity in its three-year British History and the entires were rapidly increasing.
The 1996 Amateur winners for the second time were Peter Davis and Gwendolin Sales. A very attractive and popular couple.
In the Professional section Bill & Bobbie Irvine took home their first major Latin title.
1967. The first World Congress was held in conjunction the festival.
My memory suggests there was an Amateur Team Match between Great Britain and Denmark over nine dances, but I cant remember the result. I need to do more research.
George & Pat Coad, now married, danced their first Professional competition in the Rising Star event and took first place.
Scotland celebrated the result of the Amateur Latin Championship through champions Barney Conway and Evelyn Hislop.
Professional title. The popular German couple Rudi and Metchild Trautz were declared the winners. This was to be the first of four consecutive titles spanning the years 1967-1970.
Peter Eggleton and Brenda Winslade won their second Ballroom title. The Hurley’s and the Needham’s were still battling it out for supremacy.
In the Amateur championship. Mervyn Higgins & June Hunt were very excited to be crowned Champions.
1967 also welcomed the first Senior Over 35’s Championship. The result was a clear win for Norman & Doris White.
Not satisfied of winning the Ballroom, they also took home the Senior Latin title. Overall, they won the Ballroom twice and the Latin American three times. It was perhaps a good job there was not a Senior 10 dance!
Readers will remember that Norman during his Professional days became the secretary of the BDF. He was an excellent secretary and so supportive of me during my Chairmanship. He had a wicked sense of humour and became a very close friend.
So, I am bringing to a close the years 1962-1967.
Further Blackpool years to follow.
Images:
The nine couples who won the British professional championships, from 1959 -1992. Brenda Winslade and Fay are missing from the line up.
The 1976 board of adjudicators. with festival organiser Mrs Ilett and Dr Badman, each side of the prize table. Compere Alex Warren on stage, and just visible orchestra leader Charles Barlow. From left to right Benny Tolmeyer Syd Perkin, Robert Ohara, len Morgan, Joan Knight, Bobbie Irvine, Anthony Hurley, Nina Hunt, Peter Eggleton, Monica Needham, and George Coad.
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