Carshalton man to showcase Olympic memories (From Your Local Guardian)

Carshalton man to showcase Olympic memories

6:43pm Wednesday 15th October 2008 in Sutton By Julia Kennard

Barry King was 12 years old when he watched his first London Olympics event in 1948.

The experience stuck in his young mind and set the Carshalton resident on a path to collect dozens of related memorabilia.

Now with the London 2012 Olympics looming Mr King, 72, has volunteered to help and will show off his wares from the games of 60 years ago at an exhibition.

He said: “I went with my uncle and my cousin to Windsor Great Park to watch the road race and we were stood on the bend when there was slight collision between a two cyclists and a couple of punches were thrown.

“Later on we went with the school to the Wallington Odeon cinema and saw a film of the games and as the film went on there was a clip of the cycling event and the fracas that ensued.

“It was quite exciting, I would love to be able to see that film again."

Mr King, a retired Sutton Council employee, has since collected swimming and athletic programmes of the 1948 London Olympics.

But the grandfather-of-one said he always regretted cutting up the programme of the cycling event to use in his scrapbook.

“But a couple of years ago I found another one, an exact duplicate. It was such a coincidence, now I have quite a good set."

He added: “I’m looking forward to the 2012 Olympic Games – we have some excellent talent here in Sutton and it would be great to see us win some medals."

Mr King will show his memorabilia at an exhibition at Sutton Central Library in June 2009.

Sutton Council is urging residents to bring in old photos, souvenirs, wedding dresses or toys from 60 years ago to contribute to the event.

All objects displayed will be returned to their owners.

For more details call the Honeywood Museum on 020 8770 4297.

Residents are invited to bring their items to Cheam Library on Wednesday October 22 also from 2pm to 4pm.