Hi I am researching my family history and am told that my my mothers cousin was married to one of the turpins,probably Jackie, Florence Maud Ellen Elmer married Henry Wallsgrove in 1920, and I think that it was thier daughter , i think emily, that was married to Jackie..is there anyone out there that can advise me..i notice that one earlier post alludes to that fact, i have a picture of my grt uncle fred with jackie having a bit of fun with cricketer colin milburn in nov 1958...we live in northampton and have family in warwick and leamington...please help regards and respect always to the great family malc lupson

hi everyone , i have a life size wood carving of the boxer randolf turpin which i have had for just over two years, i live in dorset but i am moving to thailand in about four weeks through work committments, i would like to hear from anyone interested in buying this lovely carving from me. i can be contacted on 07599883129 my name is pete.

to sue clements; Hi, I saw your post asking if anyone knows of Arthur Holdcroft, he was my grandfather. My father Eric lives in South Australia. I was born in leamington, and have lived in Australia since 9mths old. hoping to visit uk next year.

My Step Mother was Randolphs Sister Cath, it is such a shame that we have now lost the last remaining real Turpin in Jackie who sadly died on Thursday 8th April 2010 He was a very successful Boxer in his own right, as was his son Young Jackie we have lost all of the first fighting Turpins now, and both Leamington Spa and Warwick must be in mourning for these three great men who help put Leamington & Warwick on the map, I was very pleased to have been brought up with them and their familys

I am Hayleys cousin i never met Randolph or Dick Turpin but i am sure they were great man and there spirits will fight on for ever

Just Like To meet some of the Family. I Didn't Turn out so bad myself.
I Surpose I've Got More Right to Coment than Most, Just Don't want to Rock the
Boat. Look Me up on Facebook. Or plenty of fish There's More Than Enough Still to Write about our
Family. Gsss who Knows Might Even Get to Sit With Jesus and Break Bread. Like A Happy End To Our Story.

hi, just to add if anyone could email me on marty.vail@hotmail.com with any information or pictures you may have, particularly with regards to randolphs mothers family! Many thanks marty

Hi there I am tracing my family history and have discovered I have a link to the turpin family! Could someone a relative of the late randolph turpin possibly confirm if his mother was called Nelly! ? and did she have a sister called florence? Many thanks Marty. x

Hello,

I am hopeful in finding any photo's, boxing history etc of a Mr. William Croke. My mum looks after Mr. Crooke at an elderly people's home here in Surrey and his family told my mum of the tale of how Mr. Croke had been a boxer in Leamington Spa at the time of Randolph Turpin. Mr. Croke said that he knew Mr. Turpin as well Jackie and Dick Turpin who were also boxers. Mr. Croke also said that he also knew of Michael and Willy Stack as well as George Middleton. I appeal to anyone who can help me retrieve anything on Mr. Croke.

I would love to put a smile on his face and remind him of them lost days that Mr. Croke has nothing in the form of momentos to remind him. All Mr. Croke has is my copy of the black and white footage of Randolph Turpin's points win over Sugar Ray Robinson in 1951.

Any help needed.

Mr Thomas Kavanagh

hiiya its me again if i cud meet randolph turpin my great great uncle i wud be so happy and i wudnt care if he was famous or not cuz he still means the same to me and i wish that for all my dead family and friendz i want to see again i would be more happy if no one died apart from nasty pepole but non of my family are.

uncle randolph i love you x x x

hi, i am Randolph Turpins great great niece but as i dont know him as im only 13 pepole know better than myself but i am so proud of him and proud to be related to him in so many ways
thank you x x x



luv hayley x

My Grandad faught Dick Turpin in Leamington Spa. His name was Jack Warren from Sutton in Ashfield. Does anyone have a record of the fight?? I would be very gratefull if anyone could give some Info.

many thanks

I have an internet based t shirt publishing business in London, www.weadmire.net The shirts we produce have to have a subject that can be admired. We are always interested in what and who our customers admire and why. This morning we received the following email:

i dont have a pic , but i really admire Randolph Adolphus Turpin...he was middle weight champion of the world on July 10th 1954, he beat the legendary and by all acclaim the best pound for pound fighter in the history of boxing, the 1 and only Sugar Ray Robinson. He went 15 rounds with him and won unanimously at a packed Earls court. A remarkable man by any standard, true lion heart, as was so reguarly ill as a youngster. Suffered pnuemonia , bronchittis, due to living in cold damp conditions and being the only black folk in Leamington spar, the whole family grew up the hard way and they did'nt have a bad bone in their body. Like most boxers, the hangers on the ponces, the scroungers male and female got the better of Randolph, and attempts on his life by former manager, Jack Solomons heavies forced our Randolph to take his own life. Dignified in the ring, he was dignified in death. A true British champion with pure pedigree and in my mind the greatest pound for pound fighter this country has ever had and one that is rarely spoken about...I would love to have a quality t-shirt with his proud honest face on it depicting d.o.b..7.6.1928..died 17.5 1966.....middle weight champion of the world 10.7 1951....

I would like to publish some t shirts about this man, to do so we need images of him. If you go to our site www.Weadmire.net you will see examples of the shirts we produce. We print to a resolution of 300 dpi potentially in full colour. We will return any original photographs sent to us by registered mail. If anyone would like to speak to me about this my office number is 020 7377 1801.

Theo Stegers
WeAdmire Ltd
13-15 Great Eastern Street
London EC2A 3EJ

I have remembered my cousins' name: Arthur Holdcroft...any one know anything about him or his family? Sue. Kelly: are you being funny? Sue

Arthur Batty was his name.

I wonder if anyone knows anything about the manwho coached Randolph Turpin as a young boy in a boys' club in Leamington. He was my father's cousin and his first name was Arthur, his wife's name was Marjorie and he had two children Eric and Joyce. I do not remember his surname but he lived in Leamington in the 40's and 50's near a park....I would like to trace my second cousins. All I know is Joyce married Frank in the late 1950s and that Eric worked at Woomera in Australia on the rocket site. Sue

both Randolph and especially older brother Dick where kept well away from the feared Scot BERT GILROY.

the same man, referee Eugene Henderson who raised Randolph's hand as the new world middleweight champion said of Gilroy; "but for the second world war Bert Gilroy could have well won a world title!

no shame there though, as not just the Turpins but 6 British champions, namely Ernie Roderick, JOCK MCAVOY and world light-heavyweight champion Freddie Mills were kept clear of Gilroy for title contests.

Gilroy the number one contender at middleweight and then light-heavyweight from 1939-48 and still never got a title fight, forced to fight light-heavies and heavyweights - and this is why Bert Gilroy is now a world boxing hall of fame "all-time" great... only the sixth British fighter in history (along with Randolph) to recieve the honour!

the real cowards Jack Solomons, Ted Broadribb and other boxing powerhouses, Bert never had any disregard for his fellow fighters and knows if it were up to them they would have met each other gladly.

Does anyone remember Bert Gilroy and know more about this stuff?

I seen a post from Frank Spicer but it is dated 2006 and at that time he was 90 years old, if Frank still comes on here I would like to know, as I would love a chat with him about certain things.

Dear Sir. I was wondering if you could help. I have long grown up with the idea that my father either spared or knew Randolph Turpin. My father's name was William Davies, better known as Billy and apparently he would visit and I believe he took me when a very young child to meet members of your family in Lemington Spa. Would you or any members of your family be able to confirm this for me? My father died 2 years ago and as I did not grow up with him in my life I would like to start researching his family history and piece together parts of his life. many thanks for any help or light you may be able to shed on this mystery. I also thank you for taking time to read this e-mail.
Regards.
Linda McCall

Battling Jack was written by my grandfather Jackie Turpin, who was one of the fighting brothers, so he can quite legitmately say that is true, because he was there to witness it all. The book is an account of his life from childhood through to modern day which will obviously involve accounts of the boxing years. I think the important thing to point out here is that this is a factual book of HIS life. Battling Jack was written a few years BEFORE Foreigners (which can be proved) so undoubtedly Foreigners has taken extracts from my grandfathers book.

My libellous comment was 2 years ago and was in response to an accusation that my grandfather somehow contributed to the death of Randolph (along with the other brother and sisters). Unless something like that can be proved then it is certainly libellous and I feel vindicated in protecting my grandfathers honour and name.

I don't feel it right to comment further on anything else you have written as I don't know you and therefore your views are irrelevant to me.

This is my first visit to this site, i am a great fan of the Legend Randolph Turpin, on reading through from the first posting, one of the things that stands out is the obvious jealousy of some people who have made comments on this site - is this because the site is for Randolph and they feel there should be a site for the other brothers? Undoubtedly there should be a site for Dick as he was the first black man to win a British title after the colour bar, but who is this Lydia? is she just trying to promote a book? were the sales not very good?, i went to my local library to see what this "Battling Jack" was about... where in this book does it state that it's "non-fiction"? there is a book by Caryl Phillips titled "Foreigners" that she should read as there are passages identical to that in Batttling Jack so who copied who? That aside,as she herself points out,this site is for Randolph, she should keep her remarks off the site as she just seems to inflame situations and makes herself come across as some self important petulant little girl, yes she should be proud of her grandfather, but she shouldn't take his words as gospel as she herself wasn't there either, so how can she accuse other people of libel if she wasn't there and is only going on hearsay - also anyone can write a book based on fact, fiction and citation and say "it's the truth as I see it"

just watched some of randys fights on youtube, what a fighter that fight with robinson was close, could of been stopped for the cut on sugars eye, gotta respect him best british fighter ever.

I have just read 'Battling Jack'. it was really interesting to read. i had no idea of how many fights they actually had. it is the memories of Jack Turpin and so you have to make your own opinions of what you think, this is how he saw it. the book was funny and in some parts quite sad and it was as if Uncle Jack was talking to you as you read. the book in general was a great read. there was a couple of small errors which i know and that is my nans name was Emily Wallsgrove and one of their children was missed out, which is James. I am now even more proud of my family history as they acheived so much and are so well respected. read the book yourself before you make judgements as i am now having to eat a huge portion of humble pie!

i would just like to pay tribute to one of the fine turpin men. Dicks son, James Edward (Jim) who died earlier this year. He was a fine man and i am sure that many of you who knew him would agree. Uncle Jim was funny, caring and kind just like his dad. He was very much loved by everyone and he is very much missed by everyone.

h

my uncle fought and defeated Randolph Turpin his name was Bobby Pike any body any imformation please

Lydia, i do apologise for any upset that i have caused you, but please understand the upset that i felt after being told some of the contents regarding my grandad.I guess that we both have a lot of loyalty to our grandfathers. I shall read the book for myself. I really liked uncle Jack and have some fond memories of when he lived in brunswick st. He always made me laugh, i wish i could have met uncle randolph too. It would be nice if there was a website like this for all three brothers, I've only just found this one so i dont know if there is one.

i do agree with some of the comments that michelle made. some of the book, which i have read, were not called for as it was supposed to be a book about jack and his life not the personal lives of his brothers.
however, i do agree with lydia that this is a web site for randolph and should be kept for that purpose.

Hi

Michelle, its such a shame that these pointless arguments have to be carried out over the web and that you don't have the common decency to say these scurrilous inaccuries to my face. Its laughable that you haven't read the book yet you feel in a position to comment. For a point of accuracy (not that I expect you to know this), when you write a book and its accepted by a publishing house, one of the conditions of publication is that all printing and publication costs are paid back by the author or authors. The profit per book in Battling Jack is less than 8p per book between the two authors, they haven't even finished paying back the printing and publication costs yet so there is no profit for either Grandad or Terry Fox. You're entitled to your opinion on your grandad as is my grandad, there are positive comments contained within the book about Uncle Dick, but then hold on..........you haven't read the book so you wouldn't know that would you! My grandad wanted to write the book as did Terry Fox, as many people wanted to hear about MY GRANDAD'S LIFESTORY (get the hint there!) so its wholly inappropriate to suggest that it's existence is by-product of my encouragement. Finally, this website is dedicated to the memory of Randolph Turpin and I am pretty sick and tired of people using it to have a go at people or make deragtory comments about anyone really. Thats not what it was intended for.....why don't you go and use your energies on something positive instead of having a pop at an 83 year old man! You should be ashamed of yourself!

I am the granddaughter of Dick Turpin,and have only just found this site. I personally have not read the book "Battling Jack" but have been told some of what has been wrote.All i can say is this must be the ramblings of an old man, that has been encouraged by his grand-daughter Lydia. She was not around in those days and has no idea of the truth as neither do i, I didnt know my grandad as a boxer, only as a kind and gentle man.I am proud of my family history. Its just a pity that someone had to try and make a few quid out of it.

Hi I am Geoff Wright my step Mother was Kath Turpin and I was really brought up along side Dicks family, Howard, Beccy,Lional,Jim,Robert,Rebbecca,Richard, & Keith I would really love to get any photos of Randolf/Dick/Jackie/Joan/Kath and any of their siblings as I am very proud to have known all of these people but have very little photo mementoes of us all growing up I also know very little of what they are doing now-a-days I have stayed in-touch with most but only to nod and say hello, so if you can help or wish to get in-touch I can be reached at g.f.wright@ntlworld.com. thank you.

hi can anybody tell me where randy is buried as i would like to pay my respects to a great man

hi i was wondering if anybody has a photo of the Mr Turpin with my great grandad Donald Drapper he used to second for him back in the day I know a photo dose exist of them together but finding a copy is proving hard to obtain I would also just like to give a shout out to anybody from the woodloes area who rembers me as i used to knock about there with chris & shane deer ect,ect from 1989 till about 98

i was just tryin to find a website about my grandad randolph turpin , my mother is charmaine turpin and my aunties are (my mums sisters)catherine aka annette,carmen and the late gwenny , i am more than happy to let people know anything about my grandfather "within reason" because even though i never had the honour of meeting him , i know he was 1 of the greatest boxers and kindest men ever and he is my idol , yours sincerely , Gareth lloyd

Hi My late father was always being asked to settle arguments about boxing being a bit of an expert on most british fighters,Randolph turpin probably being the one he admired most,My Mother recently came across some letters belonging to my Father ,One of them was a two page hand written letter from Mosh,(1991) in his letter Mosh talks about his friend "licker" and how he went on a his last road walk with him before he fought Sugas Ray,he also mentions the yolande fight,Mosh says in the letter his good friend Randolph told him to go back to the piano which he did and composed sea of tranquility and dedicated it to Randolph,i also have the music sheet of this composition(mint condition) also signed by mosh, and a christmas card that he sent to my parents ,Sadly i have no interest in boxing and my Mother has asked if anyone would or knew of any place that would be interested in purchasing them,Should anyone wish to view these items feel free to email me on edgrady@blueyonder.co.uk ,i will be only too happy to scan and send them on,Eddie

hi
i hope some one can help,
i am a very big fan of the turpins,
they were before there time,
iv just got and read the book battiling jack about the life of jackie turpin and was hopeing someone could give an address were i could send it to get it signed of the great man him self.
i posted this in the hope some one can help as iv noticed a few family members have used this site in the past.
thank you mickynez@hotpop.com

In 1951 Tpr Stanley (11th Hussars) fought Randolf Turpin, the boxing champion back in 1951. Tpr Stanley has just turned 80 and we would like to find a picture or programm of that fight for him! Can anybody help is this quest please.

Thank you very much!

Paul Baker

Was on holiday a few years ago in Tunisia and met an eccentric old lady who frequents the hotel we were staying in. She claimed to be Randolphs Wife. She produced a photo of him out of her handbag.I don't know if shw would still be alive she must have been in her eighties and that was about 5 years ago now. Probably the same lady that Craig Harby posted about on this site.

Hi
Just watched the excellent film on youtube.

Superb!

Could you please advise how this was made?

Whilst all inter family bickering continues how proud you must all be of Andrew.

I have just submitted a tribute video to Randy on Youtube.
Go to Youtube and type in 'Randy Turpin - Leamington Licker'.
Please view and leave comments about this legendary boxer.
Thanks Pingu

I am researching my family tree (trying to)and would like to know if anybody could give me any information about the great boxer Randy Turpins wife, Gwynneth Price who was the daughter of a farmer from North Wales.My family name is Williams and my great Grandfather David Williams came to Liverpool from Denbighshire about 1867.I have been told that Gwynneth Turpin (nee Price)was a relative of the family. I am also trying to find out about my great Grandfather David Williams and his family.My Grandfather Thomas Williams was born here in liverpool but some of his brothers and sisters were born in Denbighshire.My Grandfathers sister Mary married a William Jones who was from Denbighshire also and they also lived in Liverpool. We have been told that the Williams family lived on a farm in Denbighshire I would be very greatful for any information that anyone could give me. Cheers.... Tommy.

I am researching my family tree (trying to)and would like to know if anybody could give me any information about the great boxer Randy Turpins wife, Gwynneth Price who was the daughter of a farmer from North Wales.M

hi my names debbie i have a picture of randolph with my late father they served their national service together (dont ask me what year!! lol) They also sparred together my dad had total respect for the guy,The photo is great of them together anyone who would like to view it you can email me conniesims18@hotmail.co.uk thanks.

Hi
Could the gentlman who wrote a message about the Stack family please contact me at cltjef@blueyonder.co.uk.
I have information and pictures of Michael Stack which I sent via e-mail and it was retuned.

Also would anybody have a boxing programme from 9th of January 1950 from Cheltenham Town Hall of Jackie Turpin .Vs. Ivor Simpson?

I would love to get a copy.

Thanks

Attention : Terry

Would the gentleman who asked about the ring that was allegedley made for randolph like to get in touch with me on 07778654807 and ask for Tony.I have some information that may be of interest regards the ring in question.

Randy was a great boxer who I think will never be followed again !!!!

Tony Casados

From some stories passed down to me from my Dad, My Grandfather was a sparring partner for Mr Turpin. I am trying to get a copy of a photograph of Mr Turpin and my Grandfather sparring together in Gwyrch Castle. His name was Stanley Edwards. If anyone can help me please let me know

does anybody have aphoto or picture of randolph wearing a large
gold ring with boxing gloves on each shoulder of the ring. It also has diamonds i understand the ring was made as a one off.
It is very heavy and chunky i collect boxing items and wouldlove to see a picture of him with the item so if you have any pics or photos i would be much obliged hope to hear from you soon many thanks.

Well people,

I tried but unfortunately failed.. I came an unfortunate second to someone with more cash to spare than I did. I half hoped that I was trumped by the Council to at least ensure that someone would return such an important item to the district but alas, they fell before I..

I would like to add an apology to any members of Warwick District Council who, after reading my prior post feel a tad disgruntled. It transpired that not only were they trying to get in touch with me about the gloves but were also planning a bid themselves.. I was not aware of this at the point of my last post and as such may have seemed a little judgemental about their apparent lack of interest..

I hope that whoever was lucky enough to win the gloves takes great pride and care in such a cherished item. If they tire of them.. There is always someone willing to bring them home..

Apologies again to all for this missed opportunity..

I'm sure that some of those who have posted on here or regularly read the local press can't fail to have noticed that Bonham's auctioneers are selling a pair of Uncle Randolph's boxing gloves on June 4th..

Carmen rightly said in the Courier recently that it would be fitting for these gloves to be returned to the district and I wholeheartedly agree with that. I asked a few organisations about a joint bid between them and myself, including Warwick District Council, but for the most part the idea was instantly dismissed as all they were after were THE title gloves, and this can't be substantiated.. It seems that the fact these gloves are of local historic import is of no consequence.. Or maybe I'm just too sentimental when it comes to family history, who knows..

Well I certainly hope to make an effort, albeit no doubt against sure some determined opposition to purchase the gloves, and will be bidding on Monday.. If I win you will be sure to know as I will be sat outside Tesco in Leamington with a begging bowl to pay for the comission and VAT charges..!!

(That latter part about begging was in jest, I hasten to add..).

Wish me luck...

Patrick Turpin

(matrixx@supanet.com)

i am the granddaughter of annie hickman, who knew all the turpin boys and would never hear a wrong word against them. she said that she used to spar with jackie and that he was a gentleman. She said randy was a bit jumped up, but said it was not surprising given their background. He let his fame go to his head a little. He still gave my Greatgrandfather Charli Hickman his support even after he won the title, Randy never forgot those who were kind to him. If anyone out there remembers my family please contact me with any stories you may have mhamer@fsmail.net

I recently purchased a gold and stoned ring believed to have been owned by the late great randolph turpin can any member of his family verify this information as i would like to find out more about this item many thanks, it looks hand made with a pair of boxing gloves on each side and stones on top it is a very chunky piece. I understand his gold belt was sold at auction with other items including the ring.I look forward to hearing from anybody who has any information.

I'm Randolph Turpin's godson. My father and he met and became friends in the Navy - they were sparring partners - and I remember a large picture of Randolph in my grandmother's house. Family legend has it that on the night of the return bout with Sugar Ray Robinson it strangely fell off the wall (Not so strange, my grandmother's house had the main London-Portsmouth Railway at the bottom of the garden). I still remember sitting on his lap one Easter and watching an Easter gift from him - a mechanical toy rabbit carrying a chocolate egg - appear around the door.

hi all can you please tell me randolphs mothers maiden name as my mum always said she was randolphs cousin i was told his mother was my grandmothers sister thanks very much.

Hi everyone I am a Third Year student from Bournemouth University I am studying Television Production. This is my final year and I am originally from Leamington Spa and I knew of Randolph Turpin and have thought for some time that it would be a good topic for a documentary. I am now in a possition where I have to make my final film for my course which is worth 40% of my degree and I was hoping to do a documentary on Randolph Tuprin. It would be a short documentary 10 to 15 mins long and would only be shown to lecturers and fellow students and would be used for education purposes. I was hoping that some of you may be interested in helping me and be willing to be interviewed on this topic. my shoot dates are between the 26th April and 1st May. If you are interested in helping me out and it would mean so much to me if you would then please contact me at

Email: lemonzest0@hotmail.com
Tel: 07984679930

I look forward to hearing from you all soon.
Thanks again
Simran

To Frank Spicer,

My name is Patrick and I am Great Nephew of Matty Stack who was the trainer at Leamington boys club, father of the great amateur Boxer Willie Stack. Randolf and his brothers were trained, early on, by Matty stack I believe. Matty himself was a bare knuckle champ and booth boxer from the beautiful Churchtown Co. Cork, and his sons were respected amateurs in uk too.

Matty's youngest sister Bridget was my nan, and as a small child I remember meeting Matty and several of the stack family in Leamington on several occasions. I am very interested in your photos of Mary Stack and Randolf as Mary was my 2nd cousin, and any other useful info on the Stack family.

If you could possibly send me a scan of the photo or any useful info to patrick.norris@yahoo.co.uk I'd be more than grateful

Yours Sincerely

Patrick

To Barry Spicer,

My name is Patrick and I am Great Nephew of Matty Stack who was the trainer at Leamington boys club, father of the great amateur Boxer Willie Stack. Randolf and his brothers were trained, early on, by Matty stack I believe. Matty himself was a bare knuckle champ and booth boxer from the beautiful Churchtown Co. Cork, and his sons were respected amateurs in uk too.

Matty's youngest sister Bridget was my nan, and as a small child I remember meeting Matty and several of the stack family in Leamington on several occasions. I am very interested in your photos of Mary Stack and Randolf as Mary was my 2nd cousin, and any other useful info on the Stack family.

If you could possibly send me a scan of the photo or any useful info to patrick.norris@yahoo.co.uk I'd be more than grateful

Yours Sincerely

Patrick

The man who influenced my life so much was Gordon Hazell.

His career ran side by side with Randolph Turpin right from their amateur careers.

In 1954 Gordon was no1 contender for Randolph's British title but after sparring hundreds of rounds together the pair never boxed as Randolph reliqueshed the title to box at light heavyweight.

Both men also shared the ring with the great Tiberio Mitri.

We are always seeking copy photos of the pair training for induction into Gordon's memorial gym here in Bristol.

I was fortunate enough to know a man called Albert Bessell from Bristol who held a points victory over Randolph's brother Jackie in 1948, and Peter Richards who was stopped by Jackie's namesake son in 1967.

Jackie and me have also been in opposite corners as my lads from Downend boxing club have boxed Warwick Racing ABC.

i am the great nephew of Randolph Turpin and im realy proud of him and every one who new or didnt know him plz leave him alone me and my cousin Jevon wrote this at school LET HIM REST IN PEACE for heavens sake

barry whitmore , my dad use to spar with randolf turpin; his name is frank whitmore and lived in old arley and was a miner, if any one has any records or pictures of this please send me anything you can thankyou

I've just come across this website, while doing a search on my own grandfather, Maurice "Mosh" Mancini who grew up with Randolph (they both lived in Wathen Rd, Warwick) and was one of his best friends.

(I'm Mosh's eldest daugher's - Angelina Mancini - daughter.)

Sady, my grandfather Maurice passed away just a couple of days ago, on 1st March 2007, but he told me many stories, and showed me many pictures, about Randolph when I was growing up. The music he wrote for Randy (Licker as he always called him) 'Sea of Tranquility' and the poem he wrote after Randolph's death, will be read and played at his own funeral.

It is due to take place on Friday 9th March 2007 at St Mary's Church, West Street, Warwick, at 10 am. The reception afterwards will be held at the Warwick Racing Club from midday, next to the Turpin Boxing Gym.

If there are any friends of my grandfather's out there who would like to attend, you are more than welcome.

My grandmother, Maria Mancini, is still alive and she also knew Randy quite well, in fact herself and my grandfather lived with Randy in Warwick, shortly after they got married.

Interestingly, I see various members of my family (some of whom I've never met) have also posted messages on this website. (Hi Maddie!) If my great aunt Jean in America or any of her children are reading this, then please do get in touch. I'd love to hear from you. Same goes for Olga's children on my grandmothers's side.

My email address is: nicolastrazzullo@yahoo.co.uk

dearest barry , this will happen one day soon if i have anything to do with it
xx

see post yesterdaty

I have recently sorted out photos from my late fathers house and have come across three signed photographs of Randy with my granddad and if any one wants a copy Emailed to them let me know.
terence-wilson@tiscali.co.uk

I notice there are members of Randolph Turpin's who post on this web site. I would be very grateful if one of them could give me his EXACT birth place? Was in born in Warneford Hospital? I always remember EVERYONE used to think he was born in Warwick. I find it strange that a statue (there is one isn't there/) of him should be erected in Warwick and NOT leamington Spa. Maybe his family would kindly help me on that one.

At the instance of his death I had a bed-sit literally a stone's throw from the cafe in Russell Street, Leamington Spa. That was a sad, sad day.

In the early sixties I was on nodding terms with the great man in Warwick where he used to enjoy having a drink in a public house on the corner of Castle Hill and Smith Street.(now believed de-licenced). Years later, when I occasionally returned to Warwick, I often used to visit a pub in Castle street (now believed de-licenced), near the (then) registary office where members of his family were very kind and loved to talk about the great boxer. I also used to know his nephew, but have forgotten his name.

If there ever was a great subject for a new movie it would be Turpin!! Somehow, with the greatest of respect. I doubt if his family would like this idea.

can anyone help me my my mom has a photo of her as a girl sitting on randys knee apparentley randy was my uncles boxing mate his name was walter lester he was killed on d day but they were good mates can anyone help garyjones1964@yahoo.co.uk

I belive my grandad Royston Alvin Glen Davis "Nipper Davis" , eiher sparred or fought randolph turpin. We don't know much about him except he was in the merchant navy if any one knew of him or knows anything about him please could you contact me at kellyandstuartlee@yahoo.co.uk many thanks.

i have found lately by clearing out a cupboard a RANDOLPH TURPIN signed singnature and very intreseted in how much it would be ? it is signed from a boxing ticket he had on the 25th of july 1951 please post back if there is anybody who knows roughly how much this might be?
thanks

I can add a few details about Randys Amateur career I am now 90 years of age , and was with Randy when he was knocked out by Len (Coley) Fowler, this was at the Austen Club Longbridge, At that time I was Secretary of the Rover Amateur Boxing Club , and re-matched Randy and Coley twice more , on each occaision Randolph stopped him in less than 30 seconds , at the time of the knockout I was in the dressing room after the fight when Randy told Insp Gerry Gibbs about the episiode of the brick , and I felt the lump this had left , I was also with Randy when he stopped Sgt Johnny Ryan in the Senior Semis also in B'ham, I have a Photo of myself with Randy , Insp Gibbs and Ron Stefani taken outside the Albert Hall on the day he won his senior welter title, shortly after his 17th bithday. I also have photos of Randy and Mary Stack (His first wife) when they were 16, and snaps of other LBC members , The LBC lads feature quite often on bills at Rover , I still have 2 large posters featuring Randy , Jimmy (Sammy ) Hopkins and Checkley. I will be posting other details later , Re the queery about Vic Harrison , yues he fought Randy at least twice , te last time at the Daimler club , on both times Randy scored a points win , I have a letter from the Secretary of Birkenhead Club (Harrisons ) saying that Vic Harrison was probabley the only boy in the UK who could give him a fight,At this time I was living in Leamington

I can add a few details about Randys Amateur career I am now 90 years of age , and was with Randy when he was knocked out by Len (Coley) Fowler, this was at the Austen Club Longbridge, At that time I was Secretary of the Rover Amateur Boxing Club , and re-matched Randy and Coley twice more , on each occaision Randolph stopped him in less than 30 seconds , at the time of the knockout I was in the dressing room after the fight when Randy told Insp Gerry Gibbs about the episiode of the brick , and I felt the lump this had left , I was also with Randy when he stopped Sgt Johnny Ryan in the enior Semis also in B'ham, I have a Photo of myself with Randy , Insp Gibbs and Ron Stefani taken outside the Albert Hall on the day he won his senior welter title, shortly after his 17th bithday. I also have photos of Randy and Mary Stack (His first wife) when they were 16, and snaps of other LBC members , The LBC lads feature quite often on bills at Rover , I still have 2 large posters featuring Randy , Jimmy (Sammy ) Hopkins and Checkley. I will be posting other details later , Re the queery about Vic Harrison , yues he fought Randy at least twice , te last time at the Daimler club , on both times Randy scored a points win , I have a letter from the Secretary of Birkenhead Club (Harrisons ) saying that Vic Harrison was probabvle the only boy in the UK who could give him a fight .

I can add a few details about Randys Amateur career I am now 90 years of age , and was with Randy when he was knocked out by Len (Coley) Fowler, this was at the Austen Club Longbridge, At that time I was Secretary of the Rover Amateur Boxing Club , and re-matched Randy and Coley twice more , on each occaision Randolph stopped him in less than 30 seconds , at the time of the knockout I was in the dressing room after the fight when Randy told Insp Gerry Gibbs about the episiode of the brick , and I felt te lump this had left , I was also with Randy when he stopped Sgt Johnny Ryan in tghe enior Semis also in B'ham, I have a Photo of myself with Randy Insp Gibbs and Ron Stefani taken outside the Albert Hall on the day he won his senior welter title, shortly after his 17th bithday. I also have photos of Randy and Mary Stack (His first wife) when they were 16, and snaps of other LBC members , The LBC lads feature quite often on bills at Rover , I still have 2 large oosters featuring Randy , Jimmy (Sammy ) Hoplins and Checkley. I will be posting other details later , Re the queery about Vic Harrison , yues he fought Randy at least twice , te last time at the Daimler club , on both times Randy scored a points win , I have a letter from the Secretary of Birkenhead Club (Harrisons ) saying that Vic Harrison was probabvle the only boy in the UK who could give him a fight .

I sent off to two e,mails re Randolph Turpin Did you get them , please reply

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Randy in his cafe in Russell Street when i was a young boy.I also boxed for the same club as him Leamington Boys.I also know the family very well in fact young Jackie is one of my closest freinds.Leamington Spa should be proud not only of Randys achievements but also of his brothers who without doubt put my hometown on the map.
Tony Banger Walsh
FORMER ITV WRESTLER

IAM INTRESTED IN RANDOLPH TURPIN STORY AS MY DAD YOU TO SPARR WITH HIM IN THE EARLY YEARS I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND MY DAD FOR YEARS

Please would all you family members stop insulting each other ,and leave Uncle Randolph to rest in peace. Just remember he never hurt any one, and would not want to hear all the nasty remarks that you will insist on putting on this site.
It is hard for us all to live with the tradgey of what happend all those years ago.

HI MY GRANDAD SPARRED WITH RANDOLPH TURPIN......I DONT KNOW MUCH THATS WHY IM HOPING SOMEONE ON HERE WILL.....MY GRANDADS BOXING NAME WAS WILLTOP MARION REAL NAME WILLIAM SUVLA ROBERTS...I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFLU IF ANYONE KNOWS ANY INFORMATION AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE PHOTOS SOMEWHERE BUT HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY...IF ANYONE DOES RECOGNISE MY GRANDADS NAME FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME ON LISA_GILMOUR@TISCALI.CO.UK MANY THANKS

hi i believe my grandad William Grey known as Billy fought and sparred with Randolph Turpin during their time in the Navy they were both Navy cooks. if anybody knows any information about these times please contact me at: kieluchpaul@yahoo.co.uk

My father once fought Randolph Turpin, his name is Norman Elsmore, does anyone have any info about this or know of any photos or newspaper reports etc? My father is 81 years old now and I would like to obtain anything I can if possible, as we do not have anything as a memento.

Mosh mancini will not be able to help any of you im afraid as im a friend of his daughter and he is quite frail and ill nowdays, he would not be able to answer questions although his wife and children might.
You can contact his daughter
Angelina mancini
4 masefield avenue
Warwick
cv34
Thanks
Julie

the man you are looking for is mosh mancini. of woodloes warwick he will know every thing you need to no about randy turpin. also you could visit the boxing club in warwick to speak to the turpins who own it. this is where he trained and these are his relatives

Goodnes knows why I am posting here (got here through doing a search on "Local Hero" - the film). I have no idea about the Turpin family in Wales (as per last post). All I can suggest is contacting Mr M. Mancini or his family in Warwick if any of them are still there. He was Randolf's friend and sparing partner. He was also interviewed for the TV production of what I think was called "64 day hero" (the pereiod between Randolf Turpin's win and his defeat in the return fight in USA). Good luck. The statue in Warwick Market Square was a long time coming and possibly should be in Leamington but there you go -- I am sure there is an explanation.

I am seeking Randolph Turpin's family in North Wales. Could anyone help me? My telephone number is 0161.620.2916. and my hotmail address is brianhughesmbe@ hotmail.co.uk

Hughsie

I recall a hot July night in 1951, sat on a neighbourse step outside his front door. This man was called Mr Simpson, he was a widower and deaf. But more inportant he was the only one around our neighbourhood who had a wireles. (Radio). I sat on his doorestep and listened to the comentary of the Randy Turpin vs Sugar Ray Robinson world title fight. When he won I ran all around the area screaming and shouting. How proud I was to be British, and, a British fighter had beaten the fabulous Robinson. The next day in school I was telling everybody who would listen what a great boxer Randolph Turpin was, when a lad named Bernard Poole started shouting about the virtues of Sugar Ray. We had a fight and the teachers broke it up. We both got a walloping and there after up this day Bernard Poole was known as 'Sugar Poole.@ He later went on to play for Manchester United and even there he was called 'Sugar'

My reason for writing is that I have been very fortunete to have a few books published and have just completed one on the great Sugar Ray, but as a big fan of Randy Turpin's I would love to write a book on Randy's amateur and professional boxing career and his life. I would like his daughter or any members of his family to contact me if they feel I should continue this project. I would be interested in hearing from anybody who has a story or view on this great British legend. Thank you all and I look forward to hearing from you.

Brian Hughes

Peter Phelan posted -

have been told that Randolph Turpin was beaten as an amateur by Coley Fowler. Mr Fowler is now deceased but his family still proudly boast how there dad beat the leamington licker. Could anybody verify this?

I am Coley Fowlers grandson and it did indeed happen, as for evidence we have a cut out from the paper declaring the victory and a picture, also in a boxing park drive book it's mentioned, I feel very proud of my grandfather for this. Mention of a brick falling on Randy at a building site was blamed for the loss but when asked he said his manager told him to say this. But at the end of the day it's a nice feeling to be the grandsom of someone who beat randy turpin!

is there any information about the fight between randolph turpin and eric tovey who was the navy boxing champion sometime in the 50s if anyone can send me any information please e-mail me at tovey64@blueyonder.co.uk

The recent death of Ron Taylor who used to run boxing booths reminded me of the time when I saw Randy Turpin fight. It was at Stratford Mop and must have been in 1948 or 1949. There was the usual hype and the ringmaster called for a volunteer to fight the booth boy for £5 if he won. I would not have recognised the Turpin brothers but as the three of them were there the penny dropped. They drew lots between them and it camne to Randy to go into the ring. He could not have weighed more than 11 stone and the booth boxer must have been about 14 stone and was a very tough looking person. Randy was fitted up with gloves and it was to be 3 rounds of 3 minutes each and if Randy was still standing at the end ne was to collct £5.

The bell went and the booth figther was obviously very dirty, he tried to butt, punched low and held at every opportunity.

Randy kept out of his way as much as possible and the bell went for the end of round 1. The booth boxer came out for the second full of confidence and Randy caught him with a hard right to the solar plexus. He complained bitterly but the ref told them to fight on. Randy then hit him very hard with a left hook to the right jaw and followed with a right uppercut to the point of the jaw. The booth boy rocked back and before he could go down Randy hit him again with a left hook to the cheek. He hit the floor with a terrific thud and the ref started counting but the timekeeper rang the bell for the end of the round although it could not have lasted for much over a minute - indeed the 3 final punches were delivered in about a second and a half.

The ringmaster thought that they were going to bring him round during the interval as, in those days, the count did not continue after the bell. There were loud cheers and eventually Randy got his fiver. 25 minutes later they were still trying to bring the booth boy round and I think an ambulance was called.

TO JOHN TURPIN
MY NAME IS DENVER DAVIES MY DAD WAS CLED DAVIES (CLEDWYN)
HE HAD MANY FIGHTS WITH RANDOLF AND HE WAS ALSO THE MAN THAT PUT THE HORRID TATOOS ON RANDOLFS ARM (MY FAMLIY CREST) MY DAD ALSO GAVE ME THE VERY FIST PRIZE RANDOLF EVER WON IN HIS FIRST SEMI PRO FIGHT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE GET IN TOUCH
TEL 01582752688 OR EMAIL ME denver.davies@ntlworld.com

Hi all,

I have been told that my great grandad might have been involved in the training of Randolph or one of the boys in some way. His name was Tom or Tommy Smith from warley near Birmingham. Can anyone confirm this? this could be just one of those family myths but you never know.

Thanks

Phil.

Jackie Turpin is 81 years old today.

For a while now, I have been reading the questions and statements posted on this site. I feel compelled to reply. Anybody who wishes to know about the Turpin family should read Battling Jack : You Gotta Fight Back (Mainstream, Edinburgh). I am jackie's researcher and biographer and I can tell you that his story is the real deal. The current 6-page article in The Ring magazine (USA) describes Battling Jack as: ??. . . a historical, emotional, and enchantingly warm-hearted collaboration.?? and we should all be grateful that Jackie Turpin has been generous enough, and brave enough to lay his life open to public scrutiny so that we might all gain from his great humanity and experience. His story is the first time the Turpin story has been told from the inside, and the only official biography of the three brothers. The book is now being prepared for its second edition.

God bless you Jackie. Happy birthday, mate.

From Terry, with love and best wishes from Lynda, Amy, and Dave.

does anybody remember us? we used to sell logs to the family when i was a little girl, my grandparents were gypsies and i was a little half caste girl who used to chat to the other kids of the family, my grandad used to say Randolph was the best boxer there ever was and of course there was some sort of affinity because there wer·nt many half caste kids around then, i am talking late 50s early 60s. It would be nice to think someboby else remembered because i always have and still chat to my children and grandchildren about it. All my best to all the family, Linda

I am the daughter of a man known as ted shearon he boxed as ted morgan.Sadly my dad passed away a week ago and i know my dad knew randy turpin from his boxing days as my dad boxed out of the turpin camp.I have found a photo from many years ago and would be interested if anyone knows any of the people in the photo.My dad was from Worcster.I would be grateful to hear from anyone with any information.

hi, i am looking for a number for the man who got the stutue of randy turpin up in warwick i think the name is bush.

When i was a child in the sixties i used to go to Leamington with my grandparents who used to sell firewood to the Turpins. I can remember being outside their house with other children around my age. It was a source of interest to me and i think to them as i was a half cast kid as well, not so many of us around in those days, my grandad always used to say Randolph was the greatest boxer there was but loved him even more because he was a down to earth man at the end of it all. Does anyone still remember us, my grandparents were gypsie log sellers and i was a little half caste girl?

hi
I WAS BORN BRED IN LEAMINGTON SPA LIVED IN BRUNSWICK ST
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE TURPIN FAMILY SO I CAN MY LITTLE GIRL SASHA

Hi Rich eykyn here, im trying to find out if anybody knows which boxer visited the west end club in warwick and picked me up on his shoulders when i was around 5 years old, a picture was taken and placed in the papers.....can any one help me solve the mystery of this boxer as i was too young to remember and help me find that photo?
Thanks

Carmen: I'm not sure if my father passed on my details to you when last we met, but you can contact me at jm.tupin@ntlworld.com

It would be good to talk to you again and possibly meet up as were in your neck of the woods later this year. I have 2 little girls myself now who could do with some tips on sisterly conflict resolutions.

i am a cousin to the llate randolph turpin,jack whitehouse. i lived with the family for a while. randolph mother beat was my aunti could tell you so much, but it is to much to type on the computer

how can i get in touch with you Carmen we are cousins and its been so long since we had any contact me and my sisters, Sonia and Pamela used to come to Wales a lot when we were kids and always had such a great time it would be lovely to hear from you again

Hello Everyone,

I have the Channel 4 documentary "64 day hero" on VHS tape. Does anyone know if it can be purchased on DVD?

In the documentary, Kath is interviewed in her home and above the fire place, is a fantastic portrait of Randolph with his world title belt. Is the photo still around?

All help greatfully accepted.

Ruddy.

"Batting Jack" is a book about my grandfather's life as he saw it, its not primarily about Randolph or Dick. The book covers my grandfathers childhood, teen years, navy years, boxing career - as you weren't even born then Carmen how can you call that lies. Your post Carmen, contains libellous comments that cannot be substantiated. Despite what you think or have been told my grandfather was always a loving brother to all his siblings, think about what it must have been like for a featherweight to spar with a middleweight in his quest to become a World Champion - you'd only put up with that kind of punishment for someone you cared about and wanted to help. Wasn't always like this was it Carmen - remember when my mother and I came to visit you in Wales and we still have the warm and friendly letter from your mother thanking my grandparents for having your older sisters for a visit. Would your sisters really have been allowed to stay if the comments in your post were true - I think not!

I totally agree with Carmen, maybe she deserves to know after all this time what actually went on considering she has suffered.

To Patrick Turpin
Re: jack turpins book - no I haven't read the "book" - I don't intend to cause no doubt it will be full of lies and nonsense - if someone told me that it was a factual book about how they all contributed to my father's death then maybe, just maybe I would read it. But alas they don't know how to speak the truth and will spend eternity in hell where they belong - sound bitter? well yes I am, call themselves family, his "brothers" ha! they don't know the meaning.

is they anyone out they who remembers bill mason he new randolph turpin Iam trying to find him he is my father

is they anyone out they who remembers bill mason he new randolph turpin Iam trying to find him he is my father

In reply to the comment about Wathen Road I concur as my my mothers brothers and sisters grew up with the Turpin family. My Uncle Mosh was very good friends with "Licker" as they called him and I have noted elsewehere on this site.

The reason I am posting is that I have a couple of newspaper articles from the "Leamington Spa Courier" that speaks of the "Leamington Boys boxing club." One of the articles briefly mentions John Turpin Randolph's nephew. As well I have the sheet music that my Uncle Mosh deidated to Randolph that I would be willing to scan and copy and send to whomever might wish a copy. If anyone is interested you may contact me at my e-mail address. I am in the States so it would have to be mailed to you.

Finally my mother does not have internet access but is very interested that there is a site dedicated to Randolph and is interested in contacting and speaking of the child hood days with Randolph if any one is interested. Okay so have blabbed enough.

I believe this is the Wathen Road in Warwick,near the hospital, as my mother also lived in this street at the time

Could someone please help me. My dad told me he lived on the Wathen Road at the same time as Randolph Turpin. Is this the Wathen Road in Warwick or Leamington?

Hello,

If you wish to know more about Randolph's life and especially his boxing career.

Visit http://randyturpin.atspace.com

hello folks, I see this seems to be a site for Randolph Turpin enthusiasts. Much of my family grew up in Leamington Spa and some still live there and it seems that Randolph is a historical relative of mine. If anyone would like to know more i will do my best to track down information about this great mans life and times.

Hi Carmen,

I'm not sure if you were the one whom I met in Leamington in August of last year, but I would be interested in your views on Jackie's new book 'Battling Jack'. I have spoken to several family members, from Dick and Jackie's family but as yet have not seen anyone from Kath's, Joan's of indeed, Randolph's.

I have heard my aunt and uncle and father talking an=biut Mr Turpin. They said he was the most perfectly built athlete they ever saw. Thir cousin was a man called Jimmy Lynes who also fought out of leamingtom - his nickname was the Coventry Bulldog.

I am not certain but I think my uncle Jimmy Ramsey sparred with Mr Turpin. Can anyone verify this.

Thank you

hi,have mr turpins family from wales been to warwick to see the stutue i no that there were here on the 10th july in 2001 but have they been back if not it still looks great.ady

my dad has some still slides on film 'THE TURPIN' 'RANDOLPH TURPIN' these are slides that took place earls park, july 10th 1951 he would like information about these please could you e mail me with any info thankyou

i only read about the great man randolph turpin,but on the
10th july 1951 made history and made the greatest victory
on british soil.a legend and a great middleweight robbed
in the re-match with robinson.sad he had to end is life in such a way.

robin haycock: Re: Randolph's "sister" Jacky - just shows how "well" you knew the family - Jacky was his brother!!

Brian Westwood - re:acquired "signed" postcard - i think you will find that the signature is a copy, they sell by the thousands up the great orme - nice to see that people are still making money out of my father - i hope you never sell the fake signature postcard

my name chantal tina mcgowan . And my great great uncle randolph turpin

my name chantal tina mcgowan i am 12yrs old and my great great uncle randolhp turpin

Hey my names James Couttie and i'm trying to find out about my late grandfather Donald Couttie.I know both of them served under the navy and where close friends so much so that my fathers God father is Randolph Turpin.I also know that they boxed together adn that My grandfather was his sparring partner for the sugar ray fight.If anyone has any info please lt me know i can be contacted on lone_craze_coyote@yahoo.co.uk.Kindest regards

James

In 1947 I was stationed in H.M.S St.George in Gosport.I was the captain of the boxing team.Randolph Turpin was then a trainee R.N cook,I met him in the gymnasium one evening and we had a few rounds together,he was a great guy and we became good friends for the time I was there.

I am fascinated by the family history of Randolph Turpin and his father, not least because I live in Guyana (formerly British Guiana) most of the time and I know his dad was originally from here, but also because I was born in Llandudno in north Wales and remember Randy from when I was a boy. Does John Turpin or anyone know where in Guyana Lionel Turpin was born? Grateful for any info!

malcolmhold@aol.com

Hello.
According to my father, my uncle, Joe Reuben, fought on the same bill as randolph turpin as a supporting bout, i would really like to see the bill with my uncles name on it along side such a great boxer as Randolph. I wonder if you could check any records to verify this for me, i would really apreciate this. My father also was a boxer, Percy Reuben. I remember seeing my dad fight at the old time boxers club in Birmingham it was only an exibition fight i think.
kind regards Keith Reuben

Hi Margaret, it is (young) Jackie Turpin that you are thinking of. Jackie was Randolph's nephew, although i'm not sure which brother of Randy's is his father Jackie or Dick.

Jackie fought professionally between 1967-71, with a record of W23-L4-D1 and 18 knockouts.

Visit my Randolph Turpin website for more information on Randy and his family.

http://www.geocities.com/randyturpin2866

Thanks,
Andy

In May 1967, in the ABA Light Welterwight final, Brian Hudspeth defeated --------Turpin. What was Turpin's first name?

I am Maurice 'Mosh' Mancini's nephew. He has written and recorded several pieces including 'Sea of Tranquility'. He took me to meet Jackie Turpin many years ago and Jackie gave me a fully signed picture of the Turpin Brothers with George Middleton. Anyone looking for more information should watch '64 day hero' which was a TV documentary co-written by my uncle about Randolfs life.

hi,my name is shaun.my father george fraser came from cubbington.his father ran a boxing club there.i would just like to say that randy was his hero.just before my dad died in 97 i sent him a book all about randy.he said it was agreat read,but very sad.my dad knew mosh mancini,i believe they did not get on.my dad had the greatest respect for randy and the whole turpin family.if any body remembers my dad or his brother don,please let me know.be lucky,shaun fraser.ps,my dad boxed at nottingham goose fair and randy was the ref.my dad once spard with randy and after being put down 3 times told my old man "i think you have had enough son" my dad told me not a truer word was said.

hi,my name is shaun.my father george fraser came from cubbington.his father ran a boxing club there.i would just like to say that randy was his hero.just before my dad died in 97 i sent him a book all about randy.he said it was agreat read,but very sad.my dad knew mosh mancini,i believe they did not get on.my dad had the greatest respect for randy and the whole turpin family.if any body remembers my dad or his brother don,please let me know.be lucky,shaun fraser.

I came across this site by chance when doing some research. My father fought Randolph Turpin when he was unfortunate enough to be selected in an inter hut boxing tournement while in the navy. RT made my father cry and he never forgot him! When I was small and we were holidaying in Llandudno we went to the top of Great Orme and my father introduced us to him. It was quite obvious he had no idea who we were and couldn't remember fighting my father but he was very pleasant and spent some time with us.

I have a photograph of myself and my dad posing with Randolf Turpin who is between us with his arms on our shoulders. It was taken in the Hotel on top of the Great Orme, Llandudno, about 1955, when I was about 10 years old. Have always been proud of that photo.

I was actually looking for information about jackie Turpin, I used to live and work in the Warwick and Leamington area in the 70's. Jackie and were friends in those days,We lost touch because my travels have taken far across the world. The last i heard was that Jackie had broken his hand and then gone into Wrestling after retiring from Boxing. I also belive that i know Peter Price who wrote earlier on this page.I also used to work with an ex-boxer called Peter Price, in Warwick in the 70's. So hello Pete if that is you?
Now if anyone knows what happened toor where Jakie is I perhaps they could let me know or pass on my email addy !

John Maxwell (DJ)

Similarities between Randolph Turpin
and my father are many.
Navy boxer
same birthdate
My father was in HMS President at time of Robinson
world title fight
Apparently was one of many navy sparring partners in
preperation for the fight.
Would like to obtain photographs to confirm this.
My father died 20 May 1958.
email jj31@ozemail.com.au

help! i recently met a rather eccentric old lady who claimed to be an ex wife of the great man, she was very clued up about the fight game and obviously spent most of her life involved in the game,whilst i was trawling the net looking for confirmation of this i found this site. so if anyone can help, please e-mail me at swfish@swfish.freeserve.co.uk

Hi my name is Aimee, I am currently living with and engaged too Dick Turpins Grandson, Randolphs great nephew, Gary Turpin.
I am very interested in The copy of 'everybodys weekly' 1951 that I believe Adrian Terry has and is willing to sell, it is Gary's Birthday in January and it would make a lovely Gift please contact me at aimee.trowton@hoenews.com with further information.

I am trying to get in contact with any family member of Randolph Turpin who currently live within the Leamington Spa area. The company I work for will be opening a new project in Leamington and we were thinking of naming the project after Randolph. We would like to discuss this with the family first so if anyone can contact me with any info then that would be very much appreciated.

MY FATHER HORACE HOWELL IS RELATED SOME WHERE ALONG THE LINE
TO RANDOLF TURPIN.PLEASE HAS ANY ONE HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON
THE RELATIONS SIDE OF THINGS.IWOULD LIKE TO DO A FAMILY TREE.
MY FATHER LIVED IN LEAMINGTON,AS A CHILD, HIS PARENTS WERE
MR GEORGE HOWELL,MRS LAURA HOWELL[ MAIDEN NAME MIDDLETON].
IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFOFMATION PLEASE WOULD YOU,E MAIL ME PLEASE,
MY FATHER IS GOING TO BE 83 LATER THIS MONTH,AND WOULD BE VERY
PLEASED TO RECEIVE ANY INFORMATION.

hello
i'm pete price also known when i boxed as pete parsons.
i sparred with randolph for many years.
we were great friends from 1933-untill his death
i have many photos of us together. one of which is of the three turpin brothers ( dick, jack and randolph)
we were together at the time in the gym and they signed it for me, and to my knowledge there isnt another signed photograph by the brothers. if you have any questions you would like to ask i'm happy to tell you.

I'd like details from anyone about the history of black people, from the Caribbean, living in the Leamington area since 1600s to the present day.

Visit my Homepage at:
uk.geocities.com/anjijoy

Here are some links about Randolph:

Randolph Turpin at Gwrych Castle (Mainly Pictures).

Llanfairfechan tourism (Picture of Randolph with fan).

RANDOLPH TURPIN(Interesting information sourced from the Pump Rooms)

The Black Presence in Britain Website (Another good source of information)

Lords of the Ring

I will be visiting Warwick this week. Do you know where Randolph is buried as I would like to visit.

Thank you

Can anyone help me with information about a boxer with the surname of Earl who was a friend of Randolph Turpin? Please email jimhag@tiscali.co.uk.

beverleytr7@tiscali.co.uk
Has anyone any information on the career of my father, Sammy Hopkins,as a boxer? He boxed from around 1946 in the midlands and came from Leamington. He was in the Leamington boys club with Randolph Turpin

Does anyone know the poem that Randolph Turpin wrote about a fighter returning to his stool? I think the poem featured in the documentary 64 Day Hero. Please email hbjpwatson@btopenworld.com,

My dad, Charles Osborne(76 years old now) was born in Leamington Spa and him and his brothers, Jim, Henry, Mick, Pat, Frank and sisters, Josie, and Mary grew up with the Turpins. I have been informed that 4 families including the Turpins, Osborne's, and 2 others lived above a fish shop.

I believe that my grandfather Charles Henry Samuel Osborne was an army boxing champion. My dad is always talking about the messing about that him and his brothers got up to with the Turpins. My dad has some old photos of him and Randolph. One of the photos has a personal message from Randolph to my dad. I wonder if anybody reading these articles remembers the Osborne family. If you had met them I think you may find them hard to forget.

I have recently acquired a souvenir post card from Randy's Bar and Holiday Centre, Great Orme, Llandudno that has been signed by Randy himself and soon I will be looking to pass it on. If onyone would like to make an offer on this fine piece of memorabilia then do not hesitate to contact me at ourslim@hotmail.com. .

terry@bowley1505.fsnet.co.uk

randy was my greatest hero in boxing,I saw him when I was training myself as a young armature we used to go to windmill st gym solomons,we listened to the sugar ray fight in a milk bar in hampstead after training,not beleiving it was coming true it will live forever,it all went wrong but then we are all human!!

I am looking for the book. randy the final complete biography of randolf turpin.by peter mcinnes or any thing else written, many thanks .

Does anyone have Randy Turpin's amateur record, because I am led to believe he fought by grandad twice, with both men winmning one each.
My grandad was a Birkenhead fighter (Wirral) and his name was Vic Harrison.

Randolph Turpin - unknown history please read, be patient!
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

My mother Jeanne Mancini/Howard tells me that her brother, my Uncle Mosh (Maurice), wrote the song "Sea of Tranquillity" and the song was recorded by Anthony Music (cannot remember the exact company name). She says that she grew up with the Turpin family and thought that there were two sisters and two brothers Jackie, Dick, Kathy and cannot remember the other girls name. The Turpins lived on Wathen Rd., the same street as the Mancini family. Randolph, or "licker" as they called him, because he could beat anybody in a fight. She tells me that whenever the bullies try to harass them they would tell them to leave them alone or they would get the licker and Mosh after them. Randolph also set up a local boxing school with his old sparring partner, my Uncle "Moshy," Maurice Mancini. My mother would love to correspond with anyone interested in the family friendship between the Turpins and Mancini's. Please email me and I will get her the information. .

If anyone would like to know more on the Turpin family why not ask me. It is better to ask a family member who is still alive to tell you the truth. e-mail me now.

On a visit to Warwick and comming across Turpin's statue for the first time, I read on the inscription "Celer Et Audax ". As this is my Regiments Motto which means " Swift & Bold " I was intrigued to say the least,was this just put on there because of his obvious boxing prowess or ????? I would be interested in any light being shed on this for me .

Although I don't know much about him Randolph meant a great deal to my grandad and after he died my grandad wrote a piece called Sea of Traquillity dedicated to him.....

Last year We took two of our grandkids to visit the new statue of Randy Turpin in Warwick. It Was such an emotional day as my husband knew Randy right from a kid. He was his hero?.He has wonderful memories ?The scrap yard the Fire Station boxing club.. The Gelatine factory.. Right up until the day the news spread like wildfire around the town that Randy was Dead..

I only met him once. That was in his back street Caf? ?.he was then a broken man ?.I went to his funeral as my husband was out of town working? I stood at the gates with young Jackie his nephew. It broke my heart because I knew what Randy mean to my husband and the town of Leamington?.

I Am writing a book for my husband entitled ? Memories Of Randy ? I have wrote a poem to from my husbands point of view?. We Walked around the crematory but it look so different from that day I stood watching as they laid him to rest .. We couldn?t find his grave so left the roses just inside the gate ? I'm sure he knew they were for him. Next time we will find it..

Would be nice for my husband if anyone was to get in touch that maybe grew up with Randy.. Still to this day it brings tears to my husbands eyes to watch?or talk about him he as such fond memories ??

My mother tells me that her cousin Jack/John Parker, son of George Parker, fought a Turpin, in the East End I believe. Probably Dick Turpin, Randolphs' brother. Would anybody out there know anything about this fight, or where I might look to find something other than 'my mother says' ?? I do hope so.

Does anyone know if Ernie Shackleton (champion army boxer) trained Randolph Turpin at any time? I have been told that he did but If any one else can verify this I would be grateful

I am the Grandson of a gentleman called Billy Barr who was the Co-Founder of Birmingham Old Time Boxers Association formed in 1956.

I am led to believe that my Grandfather fought Randolph Turpin on 4 occasions in an amateur status and on one occasion beat him. If your records show this please could you verify it thank you.

I remember Randy Turpin well, also his brother Dick, and the toughest one of the family, Jacky, their sister.

I also remember George Middleton, his manager, who ran a gambling club down Park St. at one time. The details of his mismanagement of Randy were always a little sketchy, but I feel bound to say that for Randy the end result would have probably been the same no matter who managed him.

Randy's life truly turned out to be a tragic one, and it was with a true sadness I recall watching him trying to scrape a living in the wrestling ring, just prior to his unfortunate demise.

simon.sue@p-bryn.fsnet.co.uk 9th August 2001
I am interested in any infomation regarding Randolph Turpin,his younger life,family in leamington spa and wales.if you could send any infomation what so ever i would be most grateful

Anyone interested in Randolph Turpin might like to know that I wish to dispose of an interesting piece of "Turpin" memorabilia. It's an original copy of the magazine "Everybody's Weekly" for July 21st 1951. It has a detailed article in it about the big fight with Sugar Ray Robinson at Earls Court , on July 10th. The article includes 14 photographs.

I have been told that Randolph Turpin was beaten as an amateur by Coley Fowler. Mr Fowler is now deceased but his family still proudly boast how there dad beat the leamington licker. Could anybody verify this?

As a 10 year old youngster from the back streets of North Manchester, this is as I remembered . My hope is that you can produce a suitable festival to commemorate the 50 years anniversary of what I believe (for that one moment in time) was Britain's greatest sporting achievement.

10 July 1951

The streets of Great Britain were empty. In a few years time the thinking person would have their mind saturated by a new invention - television. But until that time arrived everybody would remain, with their ears glued occasionally, to that their fountain of all news - the radio, or in more common parlance - the wireless.

On this auspicious occasion London was playing host to the greatest pound-for-pound boxer that ever lived. The name Sugar Ray Robinson was on everyone's lips - he was then known as the 'Black Prince' of boxing and he had arrived in style from the US of A. Sugar Ray Robinson, real name Walker Smith, was conveyed through the streets of London in a pink Cadillac. Amongst his vast entourage, was a midget - pardon my political incorrectness - a 'height-challenged' gentleman, whose sole responsibility was to keep the champ amused.

Unbeknown to this great boxing talent was the potential of a 24 year old half-caste, sorry there I go again, a young man from a poor mixed African/English family living in the normally middle class town of Leamington Spa - his name was Randolph Turpin. Randy was an exceptionally powerful boxer who had come through a childhood illness to invent his own superman physique. A local fitness coach had introduced him to a weight training programme that would hone his body to perfection especially for competing in that loneliest place of all - a boxing ring. Randy Turpin was known as the Leamington Licker, and as the new reigning British Middleweight Champion he had just added the European title to his record by knocking out the Dutch champion Lucien van Dam in less than 2 minutes - including the count!

By contrast to the great American, British people travelling on the London underground were amazed to see their champion Randy Turpin travelling with them to the fight for the world title - he had his boxing togs under his arm enclosed in a well used carrier bag. On this night I believe no boxer in the history of middleweight division could have beaten the Briton - Randy was so powerful and focused. In the clinches he even bullied the silky styled Sugarman who remarked afterwards that he had never felt such strength in a boxer before.

What was even more amazing was that Randy Turpin used the classical British style straight-left like a ram-rod to cut the handsome American's eye and easily out box the man who was already being referred to as the greatest boxer of all. History recalls that after this fight Randy only reigned as champion for 64 days - psychologically unsuitable to the trappings of wealth, with a self destruct personality problem, proved easy prey for the boxing shysters that feed on such talent.

But for that one moment in time all Britain rejoiced forgot all about WW2 and the ration book as the crowd at Earl's Court sang 'For he's a jolly good fellow' whilst the great Sugar Ray Robinson went back across the pool shaking his head and thinking to himself - 'God was that guy really a limey'

Can I have some information about Randolph Turpin for a school project - a biography of him.

For a book I am writing, I would like to be able to refer to newspaper articles on the two great fights between Randolph Turpin and Sugar Ray Robinson. Any sources of these on the Web, for example? Be pleased if someone could help me please.

Would you be kind enough to let me know if there is any local information on Randolph Turpin (local boxer)?