Wasn’t the great Gideon Gidea Hungarian?

I always considered Mick a very good and entertaining wrestler but during the early to mid 1960’s don’t recall him ever winning a televised bout, despite being one of the most frequently featured combatants. You’d have thought that now and again the promotors would have rewarded his fidelity to them. I hadn’t realised McMichael wasn’t his original name and wonder whether the adoption of this was to his advantage as I recall on one occasion at Morecambe Winter Gardens the M C announcing “Next week we have the appearance of Eric Sands versus Mick Mc……..Michael” and an audible groan went around the hall.

This was in my heyday as a wrestling fan and the only name I recognise is Digger Rowell, who appeared once or twice at Morecambe around that time.

I remember the 1960’s News of The World expose revealing that “Dr Death” lived in Clockface Road, St Helen’s, Lancashire, the article actually naming him. Popular rumour at the time was that he was also a struck off doctor who had killed a patient, hence the mask! Around 1964 I recall a contest at Preston Public Hall between Dr Death and the red clad Professor, of whom it was said, defeated his opponents by the application of mathematics. 😊

Yes Hack, I remember the Lancaster Odeon Cinema once holding a midnight viewing of Soldier Blue in the late 1960’s. I don’t think the idea was a success. Too many drunks admitted.

I only remember Spike billed as Martin Robson and saw him topping Independent bills at Preston Public Hall in the early to mid 1960’s. A good wrestler.

A fearsome figure who appeared on TV a number of times in the 1960’s. Rest in Peace, Big Man.

I believe Ken Hartley, who is featured on the Diamond Horseshoe bill, is alive and living a mile or so up the road from me. Will look into!

Really sorry to hear this. Barry was a true gentleman. Had a nice conversation with him in the Bar at Morecambe Winter Gardens in 1971. Lindi Caulder, Mick McMichael and Vic Faulkner were also there. A really interesting time.

Oddly enough, this was the period Gerry Hoggarth was employed as a doorman at The Pier.

A wonderful presentation Adrian.

Oh Wow! Gerry versus Dangerous Danny Lynch. I think "The Monster" would have been Jim Green of Blackpool. Good to see Terry Nylands and Ezzard Hart appearing at The Baths. A lovely posting Ron, thank you.

Guy Mitchell of Shipley - who he? (I don't think he'll have given Eric Taylor any heartaches by the number, or made him feel like singing the blues)

A wonderful posting Ron. The Central Pier bills confirm my thoughts that Big John Brocklebank WAS a member of the famous C & W wrestling family fromTewitfield, near Carnforth. I'm now going to make a serious study of your presentations and will no doubt be commenting further. Thanks again my friend.

The mention of George Brocklebank is interesting. Members of this family, who lived just a few miles from Morecambe, were prominent Cumberland & Westmorland wrestlers at the time; but I hadn't heard of any of them appearing in freestyle. I notice two of Phil Kenyon's mates Don Plummer and Ted O'Leary also feature.

George Kidd at Lancaster Baths. Well I never! And Gerry v Al Miquet's Dad 😳

Thank you very much indeed Ron. Brilliant research!

Thank you so much Ron for these further contributions. I didn't know about the Carnforth event, nor for that matter that there had been shows at The Central Pier. As well as Gerry's involvement at Carnforth, I note his friend and co-doorman at The Central Pier, Frank Bell was also there. Boxing historians may remember Bell as a colourful character who boxed to a very high standard. Just three months later I was in the presence of the great Jack Pye at a Charity Night for Cancer Relief.

All the very best Ron. 70 years young! You're a legend! Keep well my friend.

Happy New Year Bill.