I remmber hearing on Wrestlecall that The Emperor (Bill Bromley) was running shows in the Aldershot area.
After a few shows Russell reported that punters turned up for a show and he was nowhere to be seen.
I guess this happened with indie promotions?
I wonder did promoters ever run off mid show without paying?
I think you're trying to upset me tonight Bernard. So I had to search out whatever it was I could remember. I came across this Heritage thread from 2012. I'm not sure if it answers the original question, but this is what I was thinking of.
David S
Does anyone remember a promoter from King's Cross London by the name of Bill Shelton (nickname Rudolph on account of his shiny red nose)? He used to promote boxing/wrestling bouts in the Caledonian Road Public Baths, as well as further afield (Merry Fiddlers, Dagenham was mentioned). I think he may have been quite a character, and not altogether a favourite of either wrestlers or the paying public.
I'd really appreciate any snippets of info that anyone may have. Bill Shelton was my paternal great grandfather.
Thanks.
David Shelton.
July 12, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Hack
There's an amusing story in Simon Garfield's "The Wrestling" about the time Bill Shelton promoted The Ghoul and Assirati at The Merry Fiddlers. The Ghoul wasn not the original, but that didn't stop Bert, or Bill taking off with the money. The story was told by Joe D'Orazio, so if you can make it to the reunion on Sunday you could ask Joe about your grandfather.
August 6, 2012 at 1:40 PM
james morton
I think there's some stuff on your great grandfather in the local history section of the Islington Public Library . There certainly was a few years back. Old programmes and things like that - not a lot but there was a letter from someone saying Derby Sabini was standing by to help him. Hope this helps.
August 8, 2012 at 11:29 AM
David S
Thanks for this - must have missed the reference when I trawled through the newspaper cuttings etc a couple of years ago. Definitely helps.
David
August 22, 2012 at 3:45 PM
Annie
Bill shelton was my paternal Grandfather .
June 7, 2014
Hack
Annie, that is not enough.
Don't be a tease. You're grandfather is an important part of Britain's wrestling heritage.
Old men around the country are waiting to hear more.
June 15, 2014 at 4:51 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Annie
Hi my grandfather was a miserable old man ,when we were kids he used to come to our house sometimes for dinner on a Sunday , we were never allowed to talk when he was there , remember meeting him by Lyons tea shop at Kings Cross when I was with my sister in law and he gave me three pence , she said you should frame it ,he never gives anyone anything , I must have been he's favourite . He died in 1962 ,at St. Marks hospital off City road .
i can still remember some of the wrestler who used to wrestle at the Caledonian baths , Dickie Jones , both the Law brothers . It was actually my Aunt that put the money up for the wrestling not grandad .
July 27, 2014 at 3:43 PM Flag Quote & Reply
David S
Hi Annie - soounds like you've got some great stories to tell about him! My dad (Terry) has passed on now, sadly, but it would be great to hear more, especially as what you've said rings true with what I've heard about him. By the way, who was your sister in law?
David S