Archive for category: Obituaries

George Barras C361  

2 May 1932 – 6 Jun 2024

 

Tribute composed by Guy Goodair C327

It’s with a heavy heart I announce the death of my greatest ever mate, George Barras, who died of a stroke aged 92. George was an all-round sportsman, playing table tennis at county level and football for his local Guiseley club. He briefly walked for Yorks WC before joining Wakefield Harriers in June 1961. He was a member of Wakefield’s winning teams.

In the following races Manchester to Blackpool 1965,1968,1969, Bradford Walk1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, Isle of Man TT walk, 1966, 1967, Gomersal 15 1969,1969, York 20km 1967, 1968 . He became a Centurion (361) in the 1964 Leicester to Skegness race.

He won the Isle of Man TT Walk in 1966 and the Manchester to Blackpool 51.75 miles in 1969 His personal best times were 10ml 77m 57s. 20km 101m11s,20 ml 2h 49m 7s 50km 4h 41m58s.

He retired from race walking in 1969 and for a few years did LDWA events in the North of England, then in 1984 he completed the 42 peaks challenge of the Bob Graham Round, being the first person to complete the Centurion/BGR double (I believe that Boyd & Lillian Millen are the only other ones) He began doing fell races and often winning the Vets 0/50 category  in such races as the Ennerdale , Coniston . Rivington Pike, Tour of Pendle and Thieveley Pike.

In 1985 He tied with Bill Gauld with 230 pts for a championship win.

One of his last races was the Everest Marathon (from Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Glacier down to the finish in Namche Bazaar.

I’ve lost a great friend Rest in Peace George, united with his beloved Ann at last.

When Ken Livermore completed 100 miles in 21:07.41 at the 1966 Leicester-to-Skegness 100 he qualified as Centurion 386. At the time he was a member of Woodford Green AC but in later years he moved to the Borough of Enfield Harriers (as then called) before they became Enfield & Harringey A.C.

Ken was the ultimate clubman and racer (from 3k to 100 miles) and dedicated official. He was a top race walking coach in the early 1960’s and coached many stars including Olympic Gold Medallist from Rome Don Thompson, Great Britain’s late Robbie Brightwell and the Late John Cooper. Ken was also a former long serving Hertfordshire County Athletic Association Walking Secretary.

Ken passed away on the 29th January 2024 and leaves Margaret, Coral, his family and three grandchildren . He will be greatly missed by the Race Walking Fraternity because he gave so much in so many ways during his lifetime.

 

Basil was a member of Trowbridge A.C. when he qualified as Centurion 726 at the 1982 Leicester W.C. “Congerstone” 100 in 21.23.32. He passed away on 27/01/2024. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.