British Domestic Events

BRITISH DOMESTIC EVENTS

1981 - 23rd/24th May - British Championships - Palmer Park, Reading

This short footage was captured on 8mm film by Frank Kitchener who then converted it to DVD. The championships was notable for John Downing's dominance in the senior men and Helen Lipyeat winning her only title in the 3000m. Whilst not the best quality it also shows the likes of Hayley Walton and Rohan Harlow winning the 11-15 500m age group races.

1981 - 19th July - Mercia - Crystal Palace, London

This video converted from 8mm film shows a small selection of junior races from the Mercia event held at Crystal Palace. Look out for a young Hugh Doggett victory. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1982 - 3rd May - Mercia - Crystal Palace, London

This video converted from 8mm film shows a small selection of junior races from the Mercia event held at Crystal Palace. The likes of Lisa Smith, Lisa Burgess and Jamie Godden can be seen racing up and down the old motor racing circuit. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1982 - 11th June - New City Rollers - The Agora, Milton Keynes

This video shows a rare outing for former Australian international Ann Mullane (nee Burke) and one of the last competitive races for former European silver medalist Jerry McGrath. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1983 - 22nd May - Herne Bay Flyers - William Street Car Park, Herne Bay

This video converted from 8mm film shows a small selection of junior races from the Herne Bay Flyers event held on the William Street Car Park. The likes of Ashley Harlow, Debbie Kitchener, Melanie Fagg and the late Paul Tuner (Herne Bay) can be seen racing around the circuit. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1984 - 2nd/3rd June - British Championships - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Round 1 - The British Championships at Birmingham Wheels on 2nd and 3rd June 1984. The grass had yet to be laid as this inaugural event on the track was held. In the men's Fry Senior and Mullane swept all before them...until the last event, the 20,000 metres...when Rohan Harlow had other ideas. Footage courtesy of Len Law.

1984 - 30th September - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

Round 2 - The conclusion of the 1984 British Championships as they move to Tatem Park for the last race of the 1983/84 domestic season. David Jackson wins his final Championship medal with the Herne Bay Flyers team in the relay, the late Sharon Walton wins the Vi Kirby handicap and John Fry Junior wins his first Northern & Midland Counties Championship. This was also the last time the Mercia club competed before changing its name to Birmingham Wheels.

1984 - 2nd December - Herne Bay Flyers - Pier Pavilion, Herne Bay

Herne Bay Flyers are at the height of their dominance in senior domestic events. Recently crowned European Champions, brothers Ashley and Rohan Harlow, take on all comers on their home indoor venue of the Pier Pavilion. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1984 - 9th December - New City Rollers - The Agora, Milton Keynes

A selection of races from the indoor rink at The Agora, Milton Keynes, hosted by local club New City Rollers. The early stage of the season sees Andrew Newton take a rare victory away from Ashley Harlow in one of his facoured events, the 500 metres. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1985 - 31st March - North London - Moselle Leavers Centre, London

The first race meeting of 1985 once again sees the Harlow brothers dominate proceedings in the senior mens whilst Debbie Kitchener and Tony Marriott control the 13-15 year age groups.

1985 - 19th May - Herne Bay Flyers - William Street, Herne Bay

Home video footage of the Herne Bay Flyers event of 19th May 1985. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1985 - 30th June - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Races from the Birmingham Wheels event of 30th June 1985. Note - there is no sound to this footage.

1985 - 13th/14th July - British Championships - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Round 1 of the 1985 British Championships at Birmingham Wheels. Ashley Harlow wins his first senior title whilst the event marks the end of Darren Cobley's skating career. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1985 - 28th/29th September - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

(Video 1)

Round 2 of the 1985 British Championships. Mick McGeough returns to the track in the Southern Counties and the relay whilst the Harlow brothers and Lisa Smith reign supreme in the individual senior events. Video (1/2) courtesy of Frank Kitchener

1985 - 28th/29th September - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

(Video 2)

1986 - 22nd June - Alexandra Palace - Tatem Park, London

Look out for some classic junior performances from the likes of Tony Marriott, Chris Ampaduh and Nick Palfrey. And watch Andrew Lyndon get "logged" around 3:37! Sore! John Mullane also takes a tumble at 27:44. This would be the last time Mullane would skate competitively deciding to call time on his illustrious career.

1986 - 19th/20th July - British Championships - Westbrook Lane, Herne Bay

(Video 1)

The British Championships return to Herne Bay for the first time since 1968. This time the races take place on the new outdoor track at Westbrook Lane. It would see John Fry Senior win the last of his then record breaking 18 senior titles by taking gold in the 1500m and Lisa Smith totally dominate the senior ladies. Video (1/2) courtesy of Frank Kitchener.

1986 - 19th/20th July - British Championships - Westbrook Lane, Herne Bay

(Video 2)

1987 - Thruxton Roller Marathon

This unofficial event took place on the Thruxton Motor racing Circuit in 1987. Footage courtesy of Frank Kitchener. Look out for an appearance by a skating appearance from the man himself.

1987 - 7th March - Birmingham Wheels - Rollerworld, Derby

The first time in a long time that racing was held in between general sessions of a public roller rink. The atmosphere was electric as Ian Ashby rode excellent shotgun (from 19:17 onwards) to give John Fry Junior his first domestic scratch win. Watch Tony Marriott come after him (and nearly catch him) like a skater possessed!

1987 - 29th March - Wisbech Half Marathon

Footage from the unofficial Wisbech Roller Skating Half Marathon held in conjunction with a local running half marathon. Look out for Leon Goodchild around 3:30 ad the sprint finish between Ronnie Bennett and Kevin Partridge.

1987 - 5th April - North London - Tatem Park, London

Races from the North London event at Tatem Park on 5th April 1987. Lisa Smith is dominant in the senior ladies whilst Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott battle it out in the senior mens.

1987 - 3rd May - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham (Video 1)

Part 1 of a wet and windy Sunday afternoon of racing at the Birmingham Wheels Park. Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott share honours in a dead heat whilst 1963 World Champion, Danny Kelly, rolls back the years to take victory in the Veteran's 5000 metres.

1987 - 3rd May - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham (Video 2)

Part 2 of a wet and windy Sunday afternoon of racing at the Birmingham Wheels Park. Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott share honours in a dead heat whilst 1963 World Champion, Danny Kelly, rolls back the years to take victory in the Veteran's 5000 metres.

1987 - 10th May - Alexandra Palace - Tatem Park, London

Races from the Alexandra Palace event held at Tatem Park on 10th May 1987. Tony Marriott continues to impress and Rohan Harlow takes his last ever domestic gold medal.

1987 - 17th May - North London - Tatem Park, London (Video 1)

Part 1 of the Jack Abrey Cup events held by North London on 17th May 1987. This video footage is of the 3000 metres senior mens on a wet Tatem Park. Rain is a great leveller!

1987 - 17th May - North London - Tatem Park, London (Video 2)

Part 2 of the Jack Abrey Cup events held by North London at Tatem Park on 17th May 1987. With the track now dry the conclusion to find the overall winners continues.

1987 - 24th May - Southend - Southend Rink

The senior mens event which sees John C. Fry pitted against Tony Mariott. Both skaters come a cropper but it is Marriott quickest to regain his feet.

1987 - 31st May - Herne Bay Flyers - Westbrook Lane, Herne Bay

Races from the Herne Bay Flyers event held at the Westbrook Lane track on 31st May 1987. Birmingham Wheels duo, Ian Ashby and John C. Fry take gold in the relay after Herne Bay and North London crash out (8:15), Tony Marriott fracturing his wrist in the process. Ashley Harlow and Lisa Smith stamp their individual authority.

1987 - 7th June - North London - Tatem Park, London

Races from the North London event of 7th June 1987. John C. Fry wins the prestigious Clarke Trophy which his father had won no fewer than five previous occasions. His father, John E. Fry, would take 3rd in the race. Listen out for Greg Walsh showing his true colours as he comments on the skaters in the race from the sidelines.

1987 - 4th July - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

Day 1 of the British Championships at Tatem Park. Lisa Smith makes a clean sweep whilst Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott are given a run for their money by Mark Tooke. Michael McInerney is dominant in the juniors but look out for Andy Ogiste taking bronze in the 1500 metres mens.

1987 - 5th July - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

Day 2 of the British Championships at Tatem Park. Lisa Smith makes a clean sweep whilst Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott are given a run for their money by Mark Tooke. Michael McInerney is dominant in the juniors but look out for Andy Ogiste taking bronze in the 1500 metres mens.

1987 - 19th July - Anglia Rollers - Tatem Park, London

Races from the Anglia Rollers event at Tatem Park, London, on 19th July 1987. Ashley Harlow and Hugh Doggett set the pace in the mens as Kathy Smith wins the ladies handicap.

1987 - 20th September - British Championships & North London - Tatem Park, London

The Time Trial British Championships held in conjunction with a North London domestic race meeting. Meanwhile the Invitation 5 Mile event is a raucous affair that is eventually halted mid race. A number of disqualifications ensue and the re-run is won by John C. Fry. The last 5 minutes of the video make interesting viewing of observations from the spectators, amongst them the late Henry Crystall and the late Derek Ashby.

1987 - 14th November - Derby Rollerspeed - Rollerworld, Derby

The first race of the 1988 season saw a new club hold a race meeting - Derby Rollerspeed at the Rollerworld Rink. The event is notable for the line up to include a certain Sutton Atkins in his very first domestic event. He would eventually come home 3rd in Category 3.

1988 - 24th April - North London - Tatem Park, London

Races from the North London event held at Tatem Park, London, on 24th April 1988. Ian Ashby takes a victory in the Beadle Trophy.

1988 - 15th May - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Races from the Birmingham Wheels event on 15th May 1988. Ashley Harlow is victorious in the Keith Lee Boot whilst Sutton Atkins rips his tights!

1988 - 3rd July - British Indoor Championships - Granby Halls, Leicester

Official video of the 1988 Indoor British Championships, the first time an indoor championship was held. The event was piggy backed with the artistic championships. Joint commentary by Mick McGeough who amusingly coined the phrase "Paul the Plodder" for Birmingham skater Paul Turner. Watch as Lisa Smith destroys her opposition and Mark Tooke takes full advantage of yet another tussle between Ashley Harlow and Tony Marriott.

1988 - 24th July - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Home video footage of the 10km elimination race at the Birmingham Wheels event held on 24th July 1988. The event was the final round (Round 5) of the 1988 Grand Prix series.

1988 - April/May - Various - Birmingham Wheels, Wisbech, Tatem Park

(1) Footage of the Category 8 400 metres at Birmingham Wheels on 9th April 1989 (2) Footage of the Anglia Rollers event in Wisbech on 21st May (3) Footage from the Southend events at Tatem Park on 28th May

1989 - 4th June - NSA - Tatem Park, London

Races from the NSA event on 4th June 1989 at Tatem Park. Tony Marriott and Ashley Harlow continue their battle in Category 1 whilst Lisa Smith wins the Vi Kirby Handicap Championship (the famous trophy having since gone missing - so anyone who has it - please hand it back to FISS - thanks)

1989 - 11th June - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Races from the Birmingham Wheels event at the Birmingham Wheels Adventure Park on 11th June 1989. On this day a certain Steve Thompson won the Category 6 400 metres event. 14 years later he would be a rugby World Cup winner with England.

1989 - 25th June - Herne Bay Flyers - Westbrook Lane, Herne Bay

Races from the Herne Bay Flyers event held on Westbrook Lane track on 25th June 1989. Simon Davis wins the mens 5000 metres on the line and Bidhan Roy dominates Category 2.

1989 - 1st/2nd July - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

The 1989 British Championships at Tatem Park, London on 1st and 2nd July. Day 1 - Ashley Harlow wins his last British title, the 300 metres TT. On Day 2 he takes a tumble in the 5000 metres and never skates competitively again. Lisa Smith makes it a clean sweep in the senior ladies whilst in the mens Marriott and Fry Junior do battle in the distances with the Londoner coming out on top.

1989 - 24th September - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

An end of season event hosted by the Birmingham Wheels club at the Birmingham Wheels Adventure Park on 24th September 1989.

1991 - 6th/7th July - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

Footage of the British Championships held at Tatem Park, London on the 6th and 7th July 1991. In the mens Errol Spence was dominant in the sprints whilst the North London team dominated the distance events. Kathy Smith made a clean sweep of the ladies.

1992 - January/February - Southend - Colchester & Southend Rink

Footage of races from two events. The first is the Southend Club event at the Colchester rink on 25th January 1992 and the second is the same club at the same venue on 29th February 1992.

1992 - 3rd May - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Bidhan Roy and Adrian Wordsworth share the spoils in Category 1 whilst Sutton Atkins hits some form in the senior mens to win the coveted Keith Lee Boot.

1992 - 16th/17th May - North London - Tatem Park, London

Footage of the 2 day North London event at Tatem Park that took place on the weekend of 16th and 17th May 1982. The Jack Abrey Trophies and the Clarke Trophy being the main events. Tony Marriott wins the Clarke Trophy for the fourth time in succession, equalling John Fry Seniors record, and becomes the last recipient of the trophy. Having first been raced for in 1961 (won by Les Woodley) it has never been raced for since.

1992 - 20th/21st June - British Championships - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham (Video 1)

Part 1 of the races from the 1992 British Championships at Birmingham Wheels. This event was memorable for a number of reasons - Sutton Atkins wins his first of a record number of championships, John Fry Junior wins his first and only individual championship whilst Tony Marriott wins his final individual championship. Meanwhile, in the ladies, Alison Hartley and Lisa Smith return to the track to do battle once more.

1992 - 20th/21st June - British Championships - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham (Video 2)

Part 2 of the races from the 1992 British Championships at Birmingham Wheels. This event was memorable for a number of reasons - Sutton Atkins wins his first of a record number of championships, John Fry Junior wins his first and only individual championship whilst Tony Marriott wins his final individual championship. Meanwhile, in the ladies, Alison Hartley and Lisa Smith return to the track to do battle once more.

1994 - 29th January - Derby Rollerspeed - Rollerworld, Derby

The relay race from the Derby Rollerspeed event at Rollerworld on 29th January 1994. Derby reign supreme on their home turf.

2001 - 2nd/3rd June - British Championships - Tatem Park, London

Races from the 2001 British Championships at Tatem Park, London on 2nd and 3rd June. Team Salomon GB dominate the senior mens events whilst Alexandra Geen takes all bar one title in the senior ladies.

2001 - 28th August - Birmingham Wheels - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Races from the 2001 Birmingham Wheels club event on 28th August. This mid season event saw a low turnout in the senior categories but some great racing from the junior contingent.

2006 - 19th March - British Indoor Championships - Castle Leisure Centre, Spalding

Races from the 2006 British Indoor Championships at the Castle Leisure Centre in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Chris Stafford wins the men's title for the 6th and final time in 7 years.

2007 - 15th September - British Championships - Birmingham Wheels, Birmingham

Races from the 2007 British Championships at Birmingham Wheels. The event would see Chris Stafford win the last of his 24 British titles - the 15km for the English Sports Cup.