BRIAN Hayhurst, one of Huddersfield’s Olympic hopefuls in the 1960s and 1970s, still keeps fit.

It’s a habit the former Cowlersley lad got into when he worked out at Stan Booth’s gym.

Stan died two years ago, and Brian couldn’t resist reminiscing, from his new home on the Costa del Sol in sunny southern Spain, on those dark days in Milnsbridge when Stan was training him in the 1950s.

“As I’m cycling along the sea front at Fuengirola, I’m recalling a story written in fine detail by my sister Dixie, reflecting our childhood in Cowlersley, and how my life has changed over the years, influenced greatly by my gym coach – Stanley Booth.

“Back in the late 50s, it’s a cold, dark September night and I’m hurtling down Morley Lane on my Raleigh Roadster, having jumped the lights and narrowly missing a number 40 trolley bus.

“I speed past New Street Junior School – one that I had left that summer, and head for the place all my mates were talking about – Crow Lane Youth Club, Milnsbridge.

“We have been living on the Costa del Sol for over 11 years, after visiting the region since 1984. I guess the attraction of the sun and having made lots of friends out here, it seemed the right move for us.

“Leaving Kirklees Youth Service in 1985 as a full time youth worker to go into the pub trade was as difficult as it was dramatic – from encouraging sport, recreation and self worth to alcohol promotions, late nights in a smoky atmosphere!

“It nearly killed me at first but encouraged by Elaine and a great staff team we prevailed – taking on four successful, award-winning pubs over a 15-year period.

“As a youngster my life could easily have gone down the direction of petty crime and delinquency, but it all changed on seeing a group of lads being put through their paces in gymnastics by ex-Para PT instructor Stan Booth, who stood for no nonsense.

“ ‘Where do you think you’re going, lad?’ said Stan as I got close to a pyramid of youths about to collapse in a heap. ‘I’m going to Pat Tyrell’s boxing class,’ I said. ‘Walk round next time,’ he snorted, then quickly maintained order from the group.

“Who could have known that Stan Booth, with support from youth leader Mr Grace, was to produce many champion gymnasts, including Britain’s best and Olympians?

“Here on the Costa, it was my character-building gym training, I am certain, which enabled me to overcome many serious problems with properties, contractors plus the relentless bureaucracy and red tape obstacles we confronted.

“Bad deals, builders disappearing and a half built house which was condemned and had to be re-built were just the tip of the iceberg! Sun, sea and sangria were put on the back burner as we attempted to get back on track and create a home.

“In the 60s, Huddersfield Gym Club became known nationwide as we became British Team Champions. The club raised many Yorkshire champions and in 1968 Mike Booth (Stan’s son) became Men’s British Champion and performed at the Mexico Olympics. My training partner Mike and I took every opportunity we could to train, and it paid off as we were able to travel Europe and compete for GB in many internationals.

“The crowded little school hall attracted other top line gymnasts for weekend training sessions.

“Niggling injuries, a mortgage, HP, the loss of my young son to a reckless driver did nothing to further my career in the sport I loved. It was tough, but with Stan and a bunch of guys around me it was all worth while.

“My dad said I should have taken up golf, but I would not have had that special camaraderie. Many of us still keep in touch.

“It was in 1972 that gymnastics exploded onto the scene with millions of young girls, worldwide, wanting to be like Russia’s Olga Korbut – the elf-like performer who stole the limelight at the Munich Games. We were overwhelmed by the influx of ‘wannabes’ and moved to bigger premises in Paddock, where the mixed club still remains. Many girls obtained national and international honours.

Stan, who sadly passed away two years ago, had set up Continental Sports to satisfy the demand for the specialised equipment.

“The thriving company was later run by Mike and more recently, his two sons Nicholas and Anthony. I became announcer/presenter at major events prior to retiring from the gym scene and pub life in 1999.

“The past decade has been eventful after a demanding seven years working on the house. We now have grandchildren in Edinburgh and Australia who we try to visit.

“I try desperately to keep the ageing body in shape, but the lure of restaurants in picturesque locations, and occasional charity fund raisers, appear to be winning.

“We enjoyed our life in Huddersfield, especially those momentous early days with Stan and the lads. We still have family and friends who we do miss, but Southern Spain, with all of its problems is still the place for us.”