JIM MORGAN , WEIGHT LIFTER

 
Jim's B.A.W.L.A. lapel badge.

Weight lifting remains, these days, a popular sport, with representative competitions up to Olympic level.  In the 1930s it was, perhaps, much more popular, especially when it is taken along with what was then a closely associated activity, physical culture.  Physical culture was part of the "Health and Strength" movement, with the "Health and Beauty" movement for women.  It is quite likely that these activities appealed to Jim Morgan not least because bus driving in those days - with no power steering, no power brakes - needed strength and endurance. 

Jim's membership cards and other printed documents show that he was actively engaged in this sport from at least 1926 to at least 1939.  He was a member of the Wolverhampton Weight Lifting Club, which, on some documents, is referred to as the Wulfrunian Weight Lifting and Physical Culture Club.  Where they met is not known, though some of Jim's certificates refer to the club's being at Heath Town; and some refer to weight lifting feats being performed at the Wellington Road Institute of Physical Culture, Bilston.  He may have been a member of that club or it may be that this was the centre for all local refereed performances.

Presumably the Wolverhampton club engaged in weight lifting competitions with other clubs, though there is no indication of this in the scrapbooks which Jim kept. But one of Jim's fob chain medallions is engraved with the words "Morgan (winner) v Washbrook" suggesting some sort of competitive lifting.   Perhaps of more importance (or perhaps simply better recorded in memorabilia) were personal achievements.  Jim kept a large number of certificates, some of which are issued by the magazine "Health and Strength", which record Jim's own weight lifting feats, all observed by the British Amateur Weight Lifting Association.

Jim seems to have become a senior stalwart of his club and may well have been one of its officers but there is no mention of this in the scrapbook.  But there is a reference to him, in one his membership cards, as "James Morgan Esq., Certified Divisional  BAWLA Referee, etc.".  He was clearly a leading light in the weightlifting world locally.  One of Jim's fob chain medallions is simply engraved on the back "J. R. Morgan in appreciation of services rendered". 

Jim's fob medallions.  All but one are hallmarked silver.  They are inscribed: top left:  WWLC. Morgan (Winner) v Washbrook. top centre:  7 Certificate of Merit. J. Morgan. top right:   B.A.W.L.A. J. Morgan. Wolverhampton 1928-30. bottom left:  J. R. Morgan.  In appreciation of services rendered. bottom centre:  J. Morgan. 9. B.A.W.L.A. Diploma Winner. bottom right:   J. Morgan.  Swung Clubs 68½hrs.

There are two group photos of the Wulfrunian Weight Lifting Club.  Unfortunately neither is dated but as Jim appears in them they must be from the late 20s or the 30s.

This photo was taken in the Queen's Arcade.  back: Bill Adams, Jim Morgan, Wilbrey, H. Bills, A. Hazeldine, J. Powell. front:  ?, ?, ?, S. Solloway, Mr. Whittingham, G. Bennett, Joey ?, A. Kidd.

The club seems to have taken part in carnival parades.  These snaps might be of the Royal Hospital Carnival or of the Bilston Carnival.

The weight lifter are on the left hand float, with banners saying "You must keep fit". The vehicles and the hats suggest late twenties or early thirties.

Jim's scrapbook contained many photos of him and his club mates posing for body building shots.  To see them go on to the next page, which is the last page in this story.  Otherwise you can go back to the People Menu.