1961 Swimming Team
The Mayfield Under 15 Swimming Team With Mr. S. Frankland
R. Easton, G. Baines, I. Ramsey, B. Smith, P. Staight.
Many thanks to Malcolm Staight for providing the following information on the Swimming Team: George Baines, who’s sister swam for Great Britain, came 2nd at the English Schools Individual Medley. He also played for the Ilford District Soccer Team along with Trevor Brooking, who went to Ilford County High. Ian Ramsey was the power house of the team. Paul Staight, my brother, became a Swimming Teacher and Coach. In 1980 he coached Peter Morris to 4th place in the 200 metres butterfly at the Moscow Olympics. He then went on to coach in Saudia Arabia, Australia and New Zealand. He now coaches in Australia, near Adelaide.
Mayfield Magazine Issue 23, 1961/62
From the Editorial by G. J. Larcombe
This has been a memorable year! On later pages you will read of the outstanding success of the Mayfield Swimming Team. We can say without fear of contradiction that our school has the finest under 15 swimming team in England. I was present at the bath in Wythenshawe when the race was swum. it was a wonderful race. Our team excelled themselves. Mr. Frankland and I thought that we had a very good chance of winning that elusive trophy this year, but neither of us expected such a decisive victory. Our team were behind right up to the final length but Ian Ramsey with a superlative effort overhauled and then led the Sheffield team which were the favourites. Well done lads!
In July 2015 I met up with George Baines and gave him the small shield shown in the photo and the one from 1963. I know George and myself would like news of the 1961 and 1963 team members and, perhaps, arrange a reunion. Any news or information on the team members would be appreciated. John Frankland
Hi John
Firstly I would love to get in touch with George Baines and I know Bernard Smith and Malcolm Clark who have both been on this site would like to as well.
As for the 1961 team my brother Paul lives in Australia who I am visiting next March for a month. He will retire from coaching swimming next March something I did 2 years ago. Paul is easy to contact on Facebook or by phone and I would be pleased to pass on to George if he wants it.
Re Bernard Smith. I last saw him in 2003 at my dads funeral. Bernard spends time between the UK and Australia where he has children and I think Grand children. He reads the Mayfield Memories site as he added to a posting I put up re the passing away of Derek Spratt, ex Ilford Swimming Club Coach, about 18 months ago.
Re Ian Ramsey the news I had was not good but I only got this second had. Whilst attending Harold Fox’s (ex Seven Kings swimming coach) funeral one of his ex swimmers and Mayfield pupils told me Ian had committed suicide but I cannot confirm this. I think it was Les Gurden but I spoke to a number of his ex swimmers and Mayfield pupils incuding Trevor Moss and John Gardener and his brother Peter so may have been someone else.
I have John Gardeners phone number who was in the 1963 team he lives on the south coast near Christchurch and I know he looks at this site.
Re Bob Easton I have no news on him.
I am more than happy if George wants to contact me to pass on info.
Re yourself John, am I right you live up near Lowestoft as I often visit an Uncle up there and would be happy to meet up.
Hi John
Good to hear from you,
What a lot of names from 50 years ago. Malcolm is quite right I was living on the South Coast but we now live in a small village called Ewelme in Oxfordshire.
The family is much bigger 4 children and 6 grand children! Peter (brother) lives in Brentwood.
Would be delighted to hear from anyone who knows me.
John