Does anyone remember the Star Walk and a guy called Albert Parr I remeber in late 50's early 60's this guy very popular with my dads generation who ended up getting a lift part of the way round i used to watch from outside the Beer off on Page Hall rd.

Away's intended to join the star walk in the old day's but never got on with it, sadly, now it is too late. H. E.
:( :( :(

Is the Star Walk still going? when is it? and how far do they walk again?

The Star Walk used to be a big event up to the late 70's, crowds would queue along the route, and it would attract more than its fair share of characters. We used to stand at Shefield Lane Top to watch, you had to be there early to get close to the roadside for a good view. Still have some cine-film somewhere that my dad took from that point.

As a kid growing up in the seventies, I always thought the term 'star walk' was the actual name for that style of race walking. In fact, it was only quite recently when my wife and I were reminiscing about it, that it dawned on us that it was presumably sponsored or supported by The Star newspaper, hence the name.

"As a kid growing up in the seventies, I always thought the term 'star walk' was the actual name for that style of race walking".
___________________________________________


Damon, I did too!!!! My friends and I used to "go starwalking" (didn't last for more than a couple of days tho') ;)

Albert Parr- One of the greatest walkers and rider I might add of Sheffield. He won the Grimesthorpe Walk every year (unofficially of course)

He was mentally retarded but really enjoyed the event. Every year he was scrubbed up, dressed and encouraged to participate.

After accepting car lifts to get to the front of the other walkers he always won and was rewarded with a special cup and a prize which pleased him no end.

If such a thing was done today people would cry it down as something wrong but in those days he was included and I think it was a marvellous thing for somebody to give him a boost when he was so handicapped.

Originally posted by Guest
Does anyone remember the Star Walk and a guy called Albert Parr I remeber in late 50's early 60's this guy very popular with my dads generation who ended up getting a lift part of the way round i used to watch from outside the Beer off on Page Hall rd.
albert parr lived grimethorpe it wasent
the star walk it was grimesthorpe feast walk
starts athe victoria pub up firth park road up sicey avenue
round shire green down bellhouse road back to the pub
he got on the tram to firth park

The Grimesthorpe Feast was quite a popular event in the 50,s and 60,s with the walk one of the highlights,and first man home was always Albert Parr (with the assistance of a lift) ,he was known as the "Black Night",i remember one chap trying to fasten his Race No on with drawing pins

heel and toe heel and toe!

we use to stand at corners of hartley brook and barnsley road
and watch star walk.
my mum's got a very old picture of crowd stood there must be from 40s.

My dad grew up in Page Hall and told us stories of Albert Parr, I have seen a picture of him. I always thought my dad was making these stories up about him getting a lift during the star walk.

Wanted
Sheffield "Star Walk" photos to borrow for book publication.
Phone 0114 2869769
Thankyou

The Star walk took place on Whitsuntide Sunday if memory serves. The waiter at the Washington Arms on Wosternhome Rd. took part a couple of times,he seemed to enjoy the micky taking.

It was traditional then for everybody to wear their new clothes on that day.

I never entered the Star Walk, but I always used to go to the bottom of Colley Road to watch the entrants go past. I went down with my family and we had a good time just watching everyone involved.

The Star walk took place on Whitsuntide Sunday if memory serves. The waiter at the Washington Arms on Wosternhome Rd. took part a couple of times,he seemed to enjoy the micky taking.

It was traditional then for everybody to wear their new clothes on that day.

I'm not sure but seem to remember the Whit programme as being, Sunday - going around in new clothes. Whit Monday - the singing in the parks and Whit Tuesday - The Star Walk starting at Kemsley House, High Street?

Was there also a successful walker called Albert Johnson? I seem to recall we called him 'Nid-Nod' because of the way he moved his head!

Yes i remember the star walk, we use to die laughing the way they walked, like that monty skit "minister of silly walks" remember that ?

I did the star walk, must have been about 1975, did'nt finish anywhere near the front though, although at the start of the race I was in front and got my photo in the star. we got a pie and a pint at the finish......happy memories.

I did it twice, came absolutely nowhere. The best bit was that me and my mates had a trial run (or should it be walk) a week before, and called in several pubs on the way. By the time we got to the Norfolk Arms at Grenoside we realised it was a long trek down to Ecclesfield before the next pub so we went home.
Worst bits of the Star Walk: up Halifax Rd from Hillsborough to Grenoside, up Barnsley Rd from Ecclesfield to Firth Park, then up Longley Avenue. The downhill bits were OK though.

I remember going to watch the star walk at the end of calder way when they used to walk all the way down Barnsley road before they alterd the route and changed it to them going down longley lane. It was walked on Whit Tuesday.

I watched the walk as they passed by what was the Forum Cinema at Southey Green, it was a great attraction, old Albert lived up the road from my wife who lived at Grimesthorpe at the time.

I also did the Star Walk a couple of times to raise money for charity (as I suspect did most people). People are talking as though it finished somewhere in the dim and distant past. I did the walk within the last 13 years, so it's not been finished for that long. I seem to remember it was about 12 miles long, and doing it without any practise was a bit mad, as it was difficult to walk properly for a couple of days afterwards!

It was a regular meet at my mates cottage, 1st on the left at the bottom of Whitely Lane. We would stand at the gate supping whiskey, chucking money into the buckets and clapping. You'd be suprised how many refused a wet of the amber nectar!! We did that for many years, but unfortunately, he is now deceased.

Yes I remember the star walk it used to go up Herries Road, the sun always seemed to shine and it was always hot, can't for the life of me remember why we used to go!!! :loopy:

The Star walk took place on Whitsuntide Sunday if memory serves. The waiter at the Washington Arms on Wosternhome Rd. took part a couple of times,he seemed to enjoy the micky taking.

It was traditional then for everybody to wear their new clothes on that day.

I was in the Star Walk a couple of times and sure it was held on the Tuesday after Whit Sunday.
The route started in the city centre, West Bar, Passed the Swfc ground, Halifax road,whitley Lane down to Ecclesfield, Barnsley Road and ended up at Owlerton greyhound stadium.About 12 miles in total.

I did the Star Walk, must have been 1990 or 91, got a certificate too:hihi:
Lost that but still got the photo of me and my work mates with our numbers on! Completed it in quite a good time too if I remember rightly!

I did the star walk in the seventies ,i cant remember if it was the 50th or the 75th,i know ive got the certificate somewhere i'll have to dig it out,we also got ,just for that walk only,a commerative badge but i lost mine years ago

I went to Newfield school in the 70s and one of the caretakers there was an ex-walker who trained some good race walkers. Barry Lines was one of them and somebody Staniforth or Stainforth. I don't know if they ever won the race, but they were amongst the elite walkers.

The Star walk took place on Whitsuntide Sunday if memory serves. The waiter at the Washington Arms on Wosternhome Rd. took part a couple of times,he seemed to enjoy the micky taking.

It was traditional then for everybody to wear their new clothes on that day.


Actually it was always held on Whit Tuesday during the years I watched it (1950 to 1966).

Yes I remember the star walk it used to go up Herries Road, the sun always seemed to shine and it was always hot, can't for the life of me remember why we used to go!!! :loopy:


Hi Cherry. Probably the same reason as us = we had nowhere else to go.

Actually it was always held on Whit Tuesday during the years I watched it (1950 to 1966).
And later than that.
The last Tuesday I saw it was around 1984.
Later on it was changed to a Sunday and just dwindled off after that.

i remember star walk in mid to late 80s.
my grandmother used to make us all get ready and stand along halifax road/ wadsleybridge wmc! seemed to be stood there for ages before wede see anything but i do remember it was quite a big event as there was always loads of peple there.

There was also a marathon run from Doncaster to Sheffield, does anyone remember that? All I can remember is that it attracted most of Britain’s top marathon runners of the time, and at least one Olympic finalists.

Does anyone enter the isle of man parish walk?......85 miles in 24 hrs!!!!

i can remember going to hillsborough park when i was a little girl to see the finish with my mum and my grandmother

I was in the star walk in june 11/1946. It was the 20th annual
whitsuntide walk I was 16 years old and completed the course
of 12 miles in 2hours 11minutes. I still have my certificate signed
by the editor. I also played the last post at the unvailing of the
1939-1945 war plaque at barkers pool with the eccelsfield army
cadets before I went into the army REME. 1947.

As a kid growing up in the seventies, I always thought the term 'star walk' was the actual name for that style of race walking. In fact, it was only quite recently when my wife and I were reminiscing about it, that it dawned on us that it was presumably sponsored or supported by The Star newspaper, hence the name.

Join the club, i thought for years that distance walking WAS star walking

am i right in thinking that a star walker went on to represent GB in one of the Olympics?

We use to watch the Star Walkers on West street , they walked like they had rubber arms and legs...now it seems thats the healthiest way to walk.

I did the star walk in 89/90 with a friend in fancy dress, we did all 9 miles, finishing it with a lap of the stadium.
It was 9 miles for the ladies and 12 miles for the men I think.
We did it in good time too, still got photo's of us setting off and finishing it.

am i right in thinking that a star walker went on to represent GB in one of the Olympics?

yes you are I forget his name but he lived on basegreen and did go to the next two olympics around 1960s.

yes you are I forget his name but he lived on basegreen and did go to the next two olympics around 1960s.

I think you are talking about John Warhurst a long distance walker in the Olympics.

Does anyone remember the Star Walk and a guy called Albert Parr I remeber in late 50's early 60's this guy very popular with my dads generation who ended up getting a lift part of the way round i used to watch from outside the Beer off on Page Hall rd.
did the star walk twice in the late 70"s just thinking about it now makes me fall asleep ! :loopy:

did the star walk twice in the late 70"s just thinking about it now makes me fall asleep ! :loopy:

I did the Star Walk three times, I have two certificates for the first two events, the third time I did it I got disqualified for running (never did) in Hillsborough Park near the finish, I was most upset and never did it again. :)

I think you are talking about John Warhurst a long distance walker in the Olympics.

thats the name I could not remember

thats the name I could not remember

He is still going strong,Talk to him often.

My hubby's Grandad, George Moore was in the Star Walk on June 2nd 1925 he came 2nd and won a silver cake stand. We are now the proud owners of that cake stand.:thumbsup:

Hello.

Someone mentioned Albert Johnson earlier in this thread.
I'm Mike from Tasmania, Australia, and was coached by Albert here for 20 years (as a runner, not a walker).

Albert did win the Star Walk, but I couldn't tell you what year it was. I just remember him telling us about it a few times. Albert then went on to represent GB at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. He finished 8th in 56, as was DSQ in Rome after leading with Don Thompson.

Albert moved to Tasmanian in about 1974 and took up coaching almost straight away. He only retired from coaching a few years ago due to some health issues.

Albert was a very successful distance running coach here in Tasmania for many years, producing some national champions in running, as well as some Australian reps. He also coached many good walkers..some who are still competing.

I can vouch for the fact that Albert is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and he is a true gentleman of athletics.

I'm interested in any info anyone here has about Albert's earlier days with Sheffield Harriers. The name Nid-Nod is not something I ever heard about, but sounds very funny !

The Star walk took place on Whitsuntide Sunday if memory serves. The waiter at the Washington Arms on Wosternhome Rd. took part a couple of times,he seemed to enjoy the micky taking.

It was traditional then for everybody to wear their new clothes on that day.

It was always held on the Tuesday morning after Whit Monday. We always stood at the junction of Church Street and Whitley Lane in Ecclesfield. Walkers arrived there around 1100. This was in the 1950's. Hulley's Ice Cream always had their van there and seemed to be busy selling. It always seemed to be good weather too.

Before the war on the Star walk day , my parents along with their friends , used to spend the day in the Lane Top Working Mans club. At the appropriate time they would drag us kids to the corner outside the Pheasant ? inn to watch the walkers . One of the pubs staff used to dispense pints of ale , how the system worked I have no idea, but I do remember the crowds that turned out to watch.

am i right in thinking that a star walker went on to represent GB in one of the Olympics?

Several Entrants from the Starwalk Represented GB in the Olympics.
Lol Allen,Roland Hardy and John Proctor in 1952 Albert Johnson in 1956 and 1960.John Warhurst won the Commonwealth
games:

Hello.

Someone mentioned Albert Johnson earlier in this thread.
I'm Mike from Tasmania, Australia, and was coached by Albert here for 20 years (as a runner, not a walker).

Albert did win the Star Walk, but I couldn't tell you what year it was. I just remember him telling us about it a few times. Albert then went on to represent GB at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. He finished 8th in 56, as was DSQ in Rome after leading with Don Thompson.

Albert moved to Tasmanian in about 1974 and took up coaching almost straight away. He only retired from coaching a few years ago due to some health issues.

Albert was a very successful distance running coach here in Tasmania for many years, producing some national champions in running, as well as some Australian reps. He also coached many good walkers..some who are still competing.

I can vouch for the fact that Albert is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and he is a true gentleman of athletics.

I'm interested in any info anyone here has about Albert's earlier days with Sheffield Harriers. The name Nid-Nod is not something I ever heard about, but sounds very funny !
Albert was 3rd in the Starwalk in 1949 I was in Sheffield united Harriers the same time.I was in the Starwalk 1950 and Albert trained with several of us for several years.

I took part in the star walk two years on the trot in the eighties.
The first year as part of the Middlewood angels team.
The second year with a friend.Third from last, but we enjoyed it and never stopped laughing.Are there any Middlewood Angels out there that took part with us.

Me and my sister entered the Star walk in the early 80's.It was the junior one and we were invited to go to a party at Cairo jax for taking part .We were about 13 at the time.

Way back in the fifties I knew a woman at work whose husband Bill Merrills took part in the Star Walk and if I remember correctly and he and another competitor crossed the line together in first place,a dead heat, the only one I think

i can remember going to hillsborough park when i was a little girl to see the finish with my mum and my grandmother

us too. we would go to barnsley road to watch the first few pass then jump in car to somewhere nr hills (remember been stood outside a pub while my folks had a swift half) and get to hills park to see them finish. my uncle was in it one year.

I entered the walk in 1973 finished 11th
that was the last walk to finish at owlerton stadium
the route was altered in 1974 to finish on the athletics track in hillsborough park

Oh Yeh shud mention that after that result I trained with albert johnson along with keith french stuart ashston terry stephenson brian johnson mick hague derek slinn paul slinn, chris harpham jimmy jankers oops real name john cheetham sorry john blame ashton n stephenson for that nickname and a load of other dedicated walkers fromsheffield united walking club. names to mention john warhurst all off the greasleys from cresswell leon pedryck got close with the spellin leon!!! ken booth frank clay n an absolute load of other members that put a lot of effort into organising and executing the STARWALK

i remember most of those names. also dick holland, derrick shaw, ray hankin and the ryan twins. did many laps of the triangle opposite wednesday ground also boxing day handicap. great fun after a good christmas drink.

i remember most of those names. also dick holland, derrick shaw, ray hankin and the ryan twins. did many laps of the triangle opposite wednesday ground also boxing day handicap. great fun after a good christmas drink.

The Boxing day handicap was a seven mile walk held in the morning from Hillfoot Working mens club who donated the prizes.I won this twice,1950 when I was 15 and the 2nd time i think was around 1957 I don't know if the race still takes place or where from:huh:

Does anyone remember the Star Walk and a guy called Albert Parr I remeber in late 50's early 60's this guy very popular with my dads generation who ended up getting a lift part of the way round i used to watch from outside the Beer off on Page Hall rd.
it was the grimesthorpe feast walk he would get on a tram to firth park

In the 50s we used to go down to the "bottom rd" (Penistone rd) just a bit after the start and then later watch them go down Pitsmoor Road to the finish at Corporation street baths

I remember my mum doing this..used to sit outside the Huntsman pub (when it was there) and watch everyone go past. :)

Oh Yeh shud mention that after that result I trained with albert johnson along with keith french stuart ashston terry stephenson brian johnson mick hague derek slinn paul slinn, chris harpham jimmy jankers oops real name john cheetham sorry john blame ashton n stephenson for that nickname and a load of other dedicated walkers fromsheffield united walking club. names to mention john warhurst all off the greasleys from cresswell leon pedryck got close with the spellin leon!!! ken booth frank clay n an absolute load of other members that put a lot of effort into organising and executing the STARWALK

Well... I was just browsing the net and came across this.. I know ALL of those people mentioned.. You missed out Bob Siddall.. !! What I want to know is.. Who is Rab1?

Also, is the Star Walk still going? If not, when did it end? Why? etc..

Cheers, Chris

Oh Yeh shud mention that after that result I trained with albert johnson along with keith french stuart ashston terry stephenson brian johnson mick hague derek slinn paul slinn, chris harpham jimmy jankers oops real name john cheetham sorry john blame ashton n stephenson for that nickname and a load of other dedicated walkers fromsheffield united walking club. names to mention john warhurst all off the greasleys from cresswell leon pedryck got close with the spellin leon!!! ken booth frank clay n an absolute load of other members that put a lot of effort into organising and executing the STARWALK
i remember paul slinn winning it in the early 70,s.

I used to go down to the bottom of Colley Road and watch the Star Walk as it went past. That was over 50 years ago. I never took part in the Star Walk, but always enjoyed watching.

has anyone got any idea what sheffield united H & A club is ?

Sheffield United Harriers And Athletic Club,Runners, Racewalkers and Field Events.I was an active member myself in th 1950's

Did the Star Walk twice for charity with an old football team i used to be in charge of
1st time i did it i didnt do no training,worked the night shift till 7 a.m the night before,went home got changed and set off for it with rest of lads,i finished 17th and got a trophy as our team finished 3rd in team event (they used to add up first 3 finishers out of each team) and have still got trophy
Went home after a few beers,had a kip and when i woke up i fell over TWICE:hihi: my legs were like jelly

2nd time i trained for the bugger!!!

Oh.and i got told off because apparantly i was "running" through the 5 arches bridge on the way to hillsborough....you try walking fast down a steep hill without raising both heels at same time!!!

Well... I was just browsing the net and came across this.. I know ALL of those people mentioned.. You missed out Bob Siddall.. !! What I want to know is.. Who is Rab1?

Also, is the Star Walk still going? If not, when did it end? Why? etc..

Cheers, Chris

Rob Siddall used to be my best mate,along with his brother Russell,think it was Rob who went to Russia to represent Great Britain at some walking event

chap who worked at davy's on prince of wales rd won it round about early 90's think hi name was trevor hibberd

Sheffield United Harriers And Athletic Club,Runners, Racewalkers and Field Events.I was an active member myself in th 1950's


My Grandfather use to drive the Sheffield United harriers to most of ther away event and I use to travel with him to some. Remember Roland Hardy,? Clayton, Messuer Harry Barker, Was A guy who also was a policeman also walked with them.

I have a T service that was presented to his services to them in 1953. The last time I asked towhat had happened to the SUHWC they had been merged into Sheffield Athletics club.

Albert Johnson, who came from the Walkley area (I think) was a great guy, and in the early 1950s he was very helpful to a lot of younger walkers. I knew him well for a time, and remember him emigrating. In his time in Sheffield, I think he was a hospital orderly. Often wonder how he's going on. If anyone is in touch, tell him an old pal was asking about him!
Anybody remember Bill Woodward, who won the Star Walk in 1952? Bill came from the Staniforth Road area, and his dad did some coaching: you'd often see his dad on his bike following a group of walkers on a Sunday morning in the early 1950s --along Attercliffe Road and Effingham Road. I think old man Woodward lived somewhere just behind Banners.
When Bill and Brenda were first married, they lived in Pitsmoor, on Tea Garden Terrace, off Grimesthorpe Road. Bill worked on a furnace at a steel firm.
Bill and his wife Brenda emigrated to Australia many years ago. They came home to Sheffield several times. Sadly, Bill died a few years ago, but, the last time I heard, Brenda was still going strong in Morphett Vale, South Australia.
Talking of Race Walking, does anyone remember Frank Clay and Jim Hackett? They did more for the sport than anyone else in the history of Sheffield United Walking Club, and the Star Walk would not have survived as long as it did without them. What a pity that changing times brought to an end a great local tradition!

i took part in 1985 it was a ritual up to then to watch it every year on the grass outside hillards on barnsley rd, lane top, i was 16 tho in 85 so i could take part

I took part in the Star Walk in 86 as part of a team for Bassetts. We all wore a Berti Bassett T shirt and shorts with pictures of liqorice allsorts on them (looked a right set of twerps). I was 18 then and I couldnt walk for a week afterwards because of blisters on my feet.

Why do we do these things?

I remember doing the star walk in about `76. It was an extremely hot day and I remember going past the pub at the bottom of Barnsley Road (Yew Greave or something like that) and this bloke was at the top of his drive with a hose pipe spraying all the walkers with nice cold water. I bet he was a godsend to all the walkers that day...well done that man!

Hi guys and gals.

Can someone please let me know who "Redfyre" is?
He posted a comment about Albert Johnson a couple of months ago and I live in Tasmania (Australia) where Albert now lives.

I wanted to pass on the details to Albert but not sure who the user is.
Thanks

Mike

Hi guys and gals.

Can someone please let me know who "Redfyre" is?
He posted a comment about Albert Johnson a couple of months ago and I live in Tasmania (Australia) where Albert now lives.

I wanted to pass on the details to Albert but not sure who the user is.
Thanks

Mike

why not click on his user name and PM him, or send an e-mail ?

Albert Johnson, who came from the Walkley area (I think) was a great guy, and in the early 1950s he was very helpful to a lot of younger walkers. I knew him well for a time, and remember him emigrating. In his time in Sheffield, I think he was a hospital orderly. Often wonder how he's going on. If anyone is in touch, tell him an old pal was asking about him!
Anybody remember Bill Woodward, who won the Star Walk in 1952? Bill came from the Staniforth Road area, and his dad did some coaching: you'd often see his dad on his bike following a group of walkers on a Sunday morning in the early 1950s --along Attercliffe Road and Effingham Road. I think old man Woodward lived somewhere just behind Banners.
When Bill and Brenda were first married, they lived in Pitsmoor, on Tea Garden Terrace, off Grimesthorpe Road. Bill worked on a furnace at a steel firm.
Bill and his wife Brenda emigrated to Australia many years ago. They came home to Sheffield several times. Sadly, Bill died a few years ago, but, the last time I heard, Brenda was still going strong in Morphett Vale, South Australia.
Talking of Race Walking, does anyone remember Frank Clay and Jim Hackett? They did more for the sport than anyone else in the history of Sheffield United Walking Club, and the Star Walk would not have survived as long as it did without them. What a pity that changing times brought to an end a great local tradition!
Hi, Mike Dalton. I have sent you a PM.

Cartoon by Heap of Albert Johnson and others in 1949 Star Walk posted on Sheffieldhistory.

Hi everyone,

I was interested to find this thread. I went to the running club in Northamptonshire where I live last night and we had a lady who came to do a bit of race walking with us.

It brought back a few memories as I'm from Sheffield as was a member of the Hallamshire Harriers for a while as a teenager. But more interesting than that my dad Roy Millitt actually won the Sheffield Star Walk in 1961!! We still have all the newspaper cuttings. If anyone remembers my dad Roy Millitt from Sheffield it would be great to hear from you. My dad does have a photo somewhere of a line up of the winners over a 20 year period so it would be great if anyone knows him.

WendyE

we use to stand at corners of hartley brook and barnsley road
and watch star walk.
my mum's got a very old picture of crowd stood there must be from 40s. Hi Tara what years are you talking about we always stood there as well, I was the youngest lad in it 1970 just over 16, I lived at no 13 hartley brook rd

Before the war on the Star walk day , my parents along with their friends , used to spend the day in the Lane Top Working Mans club. At the appropriate time they would drag us kids to the corner outside the Pheasant ? inn to watch the walkers . One of the pubs staff used to dispense pints of ale , how the system worked I have no idea, but I do remember the crowds that turned out to watch.

Hi Janner what years? what did they call your parents?.

I remember the star walk. I remember Albert Parr very well. There used to be a photo of him on the wall in the Ball Inn on upwell street. I think its still there. My Dad entered a lot of star walks every year. He won cups and medals. It was a good day out for us when we were kids

I went in the Star walk in 1972,no training no practise suede boots road runner t shirt finished 102 out of 365 absolutely jiggered for want of a better word couldnt walk for two days and suffered with my joints ever since.(not the ones you smoke)

Did it in 86, it was the downhill parts that really hurt, its suprising how hard walking fast downhill is.

My dad, Colin Cardwell, was in the Starwalk in 1969, he came 2nd. Walked for Sheffield United Harriers. Just bought him the book and its been intresting listening to him talk about it.

i remember going to stand outside the five arches as a kid as my aunt lived opposite we used to make it a family day out we would shout at them and pass bottles of po to them