Ex-grappler crew still fighting fit!

More than 30 retired grapplers gathered for the weekend get-together at the resort’s Stanley WMC.

Along with entertainment, it included filmed interviews with fellow former exponents about their bouts as well as the chance to chat more informally.

John Kincaid and the Mad Monk, who regularly featured on the fondly-remembered ITV coverage of the sport, were among those involved, while others travelled from as far away as Switzerland and the USA to be at the event.

The former wrestlers target a different charity every year to which to make a contribution and the latest recipient was Prostate Cancer, with £230 raised from donations,.

“It was another great weekend and we have already set the date for the fourth reunion next May,” said organisers’ spokesman Jackie McCann (pictured inset).

“We decided to hold the first one because we got tired of meeting up at funerals and it has become a really popular annual event to which we all really look forward.

“Blackpool is the ideal destination, not just geographically and because of the great atmosphere, but also because wrestling has been a really popular sport on its piers over the years.”

Among the retired wrestlers involved this year was 86-year-old Dickie Swales from Stockton-on-Tees, who reminisced keenly about his days in the ring.

Jackie, who hails originally from Salford and now lives in Northern Ireland, went through her entire career undefeated before retiring in 1990, including being BWA champion for five years.

“Everyone had a great time and we are already relishing doing it again next year.”