Local Athletic Clubs - c1900


Athletics Club

Athletics Club

Two pictures showing members of local athletics clubs, from about 1900 or perhaps a few years later. Judging from the emblem on the singlets, it appears that the lower one, at least, is Beeston Athletic Club.

George Ratcliffe can be identified on both photographs by his large mustache. On the lower photograph he is standing and third from the left. On the upper photograph he is in the middle of the front row.

George Arthur Ratcliffe was born in Beeston in 1879, the son of Joseph Ratcliffe, a framework knitter from Syston in Leicestershire and his wife Betsy (née Pride), from Sutton in Ashfield. George worked locally as a lacemaker and, as well as his keen interest in athletics, was also active in the Boys Brigade and the Labour Party. In 1903, he married Rose Ann Bevin. Their daughter Hilda appears on a Church Street school photograph of about 1918.

Any further names or other information would be very welcome

Thanks to Ed Grummitt, grandson of George & Rose Ratcliffe and son of Hilda Ratcliffe, for supplying the photograph


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