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Post by muttley on Aug 30, 2011 14:33:12 GMT 1
I know that this is not Grays Ath related but the older fans will surely remember him.
Mel Batty, the well known Thurrock athlete, sadly passed away last night. He was a giant of athletics from by-gone days and a former world record holder, and a true gent. No doubt George Watts would have met him in his capacity as local dignitary, and having met and talked to him myself he was a true gent as well as a great athlete.
R I P Mel
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Post by yourthurrock on Aug 30, 2011 14:37:29 GMT 1
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Post by muttley on Aug 30, 2011 14:48:47 GMT 1
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2011 15:47:41 GMT 1
Thanks for your thoughts.
Mel was my Uncle and God Father (My Mum's Brother), and my Dad's best friend at Park School.
Both Dad, my Son and me are regular Grays Fans.
Also George Watt had just started to write a book about Mel, hopefully he will get it finished, so the people of Grays can read about his Running expoilts. Mel held the 10mile World Record and was also the National Cross Country Champion 3 times I think in the 1960's.
RIP Mel,
Paul
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keato
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Post by keato on Aug 31, 2011 9:04:34 GMT 1
Very sad news. I was introduced to Mel by former Grays player Greg Lindsay (now himself sadly departed) when Greg was Manager of the Rocks. Mel was a true local hero to many a yougnster like myself in the sixties. A very likeable and enthusiastic bloke, and always good to be in his company. Sadly another local "character" lost to us. Condolences to his Family.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2011 10:04:57 GMT 1
I knew Mel when we were boys, his brother Ron was in my class at Grays Park Secondary School. I have always followed his carreer. Mel was a fine role model to young people proving that despite a modest background anyone could, by hard work and determination, reach the highest levels in life.
I discovered not much had been written about this gentle giant of a man and had indeed just started to sketch out the potted history of his life, if it be the wish of the family once a little time has elapsed, I will continue with interviews, etc.
Thank you for the great memories Mel - RIP.
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Post by yourthurrock on Aug 31, 2011 18:13:44 GMT 1
FYI: The obituary was sent to us by Dave Staines from Thurrock Harriers.
I had a few phone calls from around the country yesterday re Mel.
Just two things:
1. He never made it to the Olympics because he struggled to convert his ability on the road onto the track.
2. He was one of the people who, in the mid-seventies, could see that running/jogging could be a popular sport. At that time, if you ran round the streets, people used to stare at you as if you had two heads (Harlow AC 1975-1979).
As USA had Bill Bowerman and Fred Lebow, so UK had Mel. I have the feeling that he never capitalised on it.
mc
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