Final farewell to some of Craven’s sporting heroes

Firstly, a man who was used to finishing first. Skipton born and bred, Roger Judson, 73, who was Skipton swimming champion on the last occasion - 1963 - that the championships were held at the old Moorview Baths, up Shortbank Road. He then proceeded to become champion at the newer baths - 1964 - in Aireville Park.

Roger Judson

Emulating the achievement of his father, Cecil Judson, Roger won the contest which had long been recognised as the Blue Riband event, namely the men’s 100 yards championship. And, as the Moorview Gala had, by 1963, moved to the indoor pool following the closure in 1959 of the open air pool, a 4x1 lengths individual medley was added to the programme and Roger added that title for good measure.

He then proceeded to successfully defend both titles when the championships then moved up to Aireville.

Also, Ermysted’s swimming champion, ‘Judder’ as he was often regaled, once displayed his swimming capability on a grander scale while on holiday with pals in Scotland where he swam in choppy seas more than a mile across from Oban to the Isle or Kerrera - and back.

Coincidentally, to his accomplishments as a swimmer, Roger also shone as a rugby player. A powerful back-row forward, he was a key figure in the pack, first of all for Ermysted’s and also for Skipton in the early to mid 1960s era. And, while studying history at Durham University, ‘Judder’ not only played for the university first 15, but he also won national representative honours for the Universities Athletic Union.

Starring for both Ermysted’s and Skipton at rugby just before Roger Judson arrived at first team level was William Richard Smith.

He had also figured keenly in local cricket. Richard’s fine innings recently declared at 78.

Of Carleton roots and affectionately known throughout his time in Craven before heading off to Cambridge as ‘Wally’, he was nothing as such in the education field. Indeed he was one of the highest academic achievers in the country.

Those glowing attributes would also reflect upon his sporting aplomb for, as a true disciple of the coaching manual, he was at Ermysted’s - captain of rugby, captain of cricket and athletics champion for good measure. Everything in his game being marked with dedication to detail.

Hardly, if indeed ever at all, noted for attempting a tackle above the stocking tops, ‘Wally’ - a speedy three quarter, could well be classed as one of the last of the true Corinthians. For, if felled by a text book tackle himself, it would not be an unusual occurrence to see him take time out to pat and commend the opponent before moving on to the next phase of the game.

His fine achievements as a first team player for Skipton were perhaps best appraised by a reporter for the Yorkshire Sports Saturday evening pink which was them a compulsive weekly read for all sporting enthusiasts in the Bradford, Keighley, Skipton localities and which had ‘Wally Smith’ in prime headlights. A compliment to behold in its own right.

Not quite in the elitist bracket of the aforementioned duo as a player, Max Baker aged 77, was certainly in the premier league as a personality.

Max gave Skipton Rugby Club a sterling shift in the late 1960s and throughout much of the 1970s both as a committed committee man and also on the field; invariably as a utility forward.

However, he will always be revered at Skipton, both town and rugby club, alongside four more of his teammates who all figures at some point, and sometimes all together, in the popular Irish and Country and Western groups, Moonshine, then later Custers Band. Traditional star attractions at Skipton town centre festivals and also the annual gala.

Skipton Rugby Club was at a lowish ebb when these musical maestros first arrived one by one as players, but their eminent appealing public rapport, while by no means the sole reason, certainly helped to raise spirits and played a part in much more community involvement and support from thereon upwards.

Max was also well known in town as a street busker alongside his ‘Everly Brother’ pal Glyn McConnell, and was also a talented artist of the brush and pen variety.

He had lived for more than the past 30 years up in Cumbria where he was also a popular figure displaying his handiwork at Lakeland sports and shepherd’s meets.

Also the final whistle has also sounded at the age of 78 for a former star of local football, Tony Cartlidge, who was arguably one of the brightest Craven League stars of his era from the late 1950s and throughout the ‘60s and into the early ‘70s.

Tony Cartlidge

Tony, who has since lived for many years in Australia, first came to prominence outside of school as a member of Craven Minors Under 17 representative team which reached the West Riding County Cup Final in season 1958-59.

His long-time club in Craven soccer was Barnoldswick Park Rovers for whom he figured as a key player when the West Craven side traditionally featured on the end of season honours board.

A talented inside-forward, and often regaled as Craven’s version of the legend just down the East Lancashire road at Turf Moor, Burnley, Jimmy McIlroy, Tony was somewhat unfortunate not to have been playing at a higher level himself. And, had there been a semi-professional team in the locality, playing in the North West Counties League, as of Barnoldswick Town today, it seems logical to suggest that he may well have been a fixture there.

Playmaker, creator and often scorer, he was also great for morale, win or lose, and with an indigenous dash of humour to boot.

We understand that Tony’s final farewell in Australia can still be tracked on social media