Boxing rings and black peas

Just wondering, when the fair came on the Common in the 60s did they have boxing rings and stalls selling black peas as I don't remember seeing any or was it just a northern thing, had you anything unusual that you don't see today on the fairs

Hi Dougie, I never saw boxing at the fair but there was a man named Gorman used to fight anyone bareknuckle for money on the Common.

Hi Dougie, no, not dreaming it's here, 47th photo down, even the link says about the boxing ring before I opened it, a lot of photos here of Hearsall Common with the fair too.

I am pretty sure that there was a wrestling ring at Hearsall Common Fair, and I seem to remember Leamington Spa's hero 'Banger Walsh' appearing there in his early days.

Black peas? That must have been a northern thing.

Thanks for the link I couldn't remember much about the fair as it was only luck if it were on when we came down to visit, we did have a car but in the early 60s we couldn't get down much as it took about 4 hours no motorways then Black pea stall at Wigan fair

John Bishop. Is this the Gorman you recall? Bartley Gorman.

In 1953 when Mr Gorman first came face to face with violence, I had run away from home and was 'happily' working on a farm in Abergavenny, Wales. They still located me though for National Service in 1955. Mr Gorman was surrounded by a rather large crowd near that boozer in the corner of the common and won the pot in a few minutes of wresting and bareknuckle punching. That was several years later, I personally never saw boxing at the fair. I've no doubt it happened though.

They definitely had boxing and wrestling up north in big tents with the ring in the middle so people could see better. Always remember the wrestling, the fair groundman would have a black mask on (the baddy), the challenger had to remove the mask in 3 rounds to win The reason for me asking about boxing and black pigeon peas at the fair, we had a walk round one last weekend as it comes twice a year, May / October, later in the club we got talking about the good old days at the fair. You wouldn't believe the things that was brought up, like the little pig potatoes in a bag, the halfpenny slot machines 480 to the pound, 3d in the afternoon for a ride, 6d at night I could go on

Dougie, I recall my dad going to see live wrestling in Coventry, where that was I haven't got a clue. I'm sure it was at a club though. I recall fair rides at 3d and 6d. I bet Philip was there somewhere with all that food going on I only recall the candy floss

I only remember seeing the painted sign of a boxer in fighting mode above the entrance where you go in. Candy floss and chips, what a combination. Happy Days.

I don't remember a boxing booth at Hearsall Common fairs but I can only go back as far as the 60s. I do recall there being one at the Coventry Carnival fair which was held at the Memorial Park, I would guess this was late 60s/early 70s. Black peas are a northern delicacy, specifically the Lancashire area, I believe. There is a black pea stall at Accrington Market which I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting, but it's on my list. As a lover of mushy peas I am sure they will be right up my street.

There used to be a boxing booth at Hearsall Common fair in the early 60s. I remember going there with my husband to see my first (and last) boxing match. I hated it.

Tricia, the trick with boxing rings is not to step inside them, them fairground ones wasn't so bad if you was carrying the hat among the audience.

Kaga, I really hated watching the boxing and don't remember much about the fight, I think I must have had my eyes closed most of the time, but I do remember someone collecting money in a hat for the winner. Another thing that has come to mind is the name of the guy that was boxing, I don't know if I'm right but I think his name was name Jimmy Lynas (don't know how to spell it). This must have been circa 1962. Does anyone remember this Coventry boxer?

You spelt it correct Tricia, Jimmy was a guy you wouldn't mess with, he used to come to some demolition sites because he was a friend of our foreman. The last I heard of him he was living in Grove Street.