Here's to the next 30 years! Boxing club marks special anniversary

Bilton Hall Amateur Boxing Club, based at Low Simonside Community Centre, in Taunton Avenue, Jarrow, opened in 1985.

It marked its 30th anniversary with a reunion night, with all boxers who had competed for the club invited to attend.

It was organised by Martyn Devlin, who has run the club for about 25 years, and holds the positions of secretary and head coach.

As well as meeting up with old faces, the former boxers were treated to a half-hour film showing clips from some of their sparring sessions as youngsters, along with hundreds of photos of the boxers.

Mr Devlin said: “We’ve been here for 30 years now, so rather than let that occasion pass by, we decided to have a get-together.

“We got a good turnout, and I hadn’t seen some of them for about 25 years.

“Some had grown their hair, some had lost their hair, some had dyed their hair! Quite a few of them had to come over and introduce themselves.

“It was a great night, and fantastic to see everyone again.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Richard and Patricia Porthouse, attended the reunion.

The boxing club was originally set up by Ken Sayers, and over the years, hundreds of youngsters have come through its doors.

Meanwhile, famous boxing faces, including former world champions Sugar Ray Leonard and Ricky Hatton, have visited the club in the past, passing on their knowledge to the youngsters.

The one constant throughout it all has been Mr Devlin, who also works full-time as a joiner.

After working between 8am and 4.30pm, he is in the gym by 6pm three times a week, and does not get home until after 9pm.

However, they are sacrifices he is happy to make. He added: “Bilton Hall has been continuous, whereas some other gyms have tended to fold and then start up again.

“It’s a big commitment for me, because I’m involved three nights a week, and I’m also a judge, so sometimes need to go to competitions to do that.

“I also have a full-time job, so I’m not at home too often.

“The greatest thing about the boxing for me is when a young kid comes along at about 11-year-old and you see them progress right the way through. I just show them the basics and give them the opportunity.

“Eventually, they get into the ring and into contests, and when you see them get their arm raised, that gives you the biggest buzz.

“It’s the youngsters who motivate me, but it’s not all about making champions. Just giving them the experience of getting in the ring is what matters.

“It takes a lot of courage just to climb through the ropes and do it.”

Meanwhile, the club is holding its latest show at the Neon Social Club, in Nairn Street, Jarrow, on Thursday, February 18.

Doors open at 7.15pm, and tickets cost £13 for ringside seats or £10 for outer ring.

To book, telephone 07752 515280.