To mark the many successes of the Leamington Boys Club (LBC) Boxing Section (ran by Inspector Gibbs of Leamington Police for many years), a supper by Alderman Moore, in April 1944 was held with Randolph Turpin as the most prominent guest. The Mayor, Alderman Ashton, Cllr Mrs Moore, Mr E R Thomas (Chairman of the Club), J T Honey, Inspector Gibbs, and Mr Stefani (Trainer) attended.
Alderman Moore said that everyone was proud of Turpin’s successes, and if Mr Martin, the former Chief Constable was here, it would have a proud moment of his life. Turpin is a sportsman and I do not think he realises his success. If he takes notice of his trainers, I am sure he will have successful future! The Mayor was glad to see the event celebrated in this way and to see this grand lad.
Inspector Gibbs referred to Turpin as a quiet unassuming boy and a lad who was not a bad loser. He suggested that more boys join to prepare for future championships, as the club holds 11 Midland Junior Championships and 2 British titles.
In August 1944, Leamington Borough Police Athletic Club staged a boxing tournament at the Town Hall in aid of Warneford Hospital. The LBC boxers, together with some of the best seniors in the country participated. It was filled to capacity. Its audience included the Mayor, Martin Moore, Cllr Fetherstone-Dilke, Chief Constables of Leamington, Birmingham, Southport, and of Warwickshire, Mr Johnston, Commander Kemble, Mr W Rees
In the Junior contest, Randolph Turpin (later the Leamington Licker) of the LBC on form in his three 2-minute round bouts with R Bebbington (Fairburn B C 10st London Federation Champion 1944). The appeal raised £60,000 appeal (Warneford hospital being funded by donations until the advent of the NHS).
Turpin forced a brisk pace throughout and his hard hitting left kept Bebbington on the defensive; a sharp left hook in the 2nd round put Bebbington on the floor.
Terry Gardner
This article first appeared in a Newsletter of LHG in 2023
