C716 George Beecham
Centurions
C716 George Beecham MBE
Tributes to George Beecham from the race walking world
George competing in the London to Brighton race.
George passed away 14 September 2020
From friend and fellow Centurion , Steve Kemp..
Sadly George passed away last evening at home. George's health had deteriorated since about March and especially so over the last month. His wife Marlene and daughter Katherine were with George when he passed way. Not sure that I can quite believe it, George has always bounced back from everything thrown at him, some may recall how poorly he was yards agowhen he met us on our trek around Canvey, yet he bounced back attending social walks and AGMs until a few months ago. There will not be a funeral. The family are making private arrangements.
Eric Hall (Belgrave)
With the passing of George Beechn=am, Belgrave has lost a walker who had a unique record. Joining the Club in 1950 serving his apprenticeship as the RWA introduced the 1 hour races to give awards based on the distance covered. At the same time a Junior event over 5 miles was introduced with George in the Belgrave team and it was then we heard that in preparation he had walked from his home in Sutton to Brighton for a work out! Soon he was selected for the National Ten at Stockport where he was in the third placed team - the first placing for some years. Within in a few years he found a liking for the longer distances. One name in particular appears with Beecham - Nijmegen. In 1923 a British group had taken part in a then famed Dutch Walk in Nijmegen and were presented with an award which was adopted by the RWA for the first club team finishing all 8 men in the National 20 miles championship. Belgrave, won over the years, the Nijmegen Trophy several times, few Clubs recorded more than three occasions. George was a member of the Belgrave winning team on 8 occasions. That trophy is no longer competed for but George went to Holland to take part in the original marches on at least 17 occasions covering 55kms a day for four days.
George worked tirelessly for our sport and as an example it was usual to see him doing a walk round the course for the Nicola 5 held on Canvey, then probably racing in the event and clearing up afterwards. Over the years we always parted by agreeing that we had competed in the best of years, having the best of times with the best of Clubs - RIP George.
Thanks, Carl, and sorry to hear the news. Paul Warburton, Belgrave
Another warrior down. I remember George, but not well, as a cheerful chap, but then I was a funny runner and not one of the walking brethren. John Thresher (Belgrave)
What sad news indeed. I recall George on many Centurion social walks; that he turned up and walked with us, showed tremendous strength of character. George took part and competed in many walks and races from Nigmegen Marches to the London Marathon. I recall George being "noticed" on the BBC London Marathon coverage. Great stuff, George! Kathy Crilley
I only met George once at an event on Canvey Island, about everything genteel years ago, obviously a staunch Belgravian. RIP.Regards. Lionel.Mann Belgrave H
We are sorry to hear this very sad news. It was a great pleasure and an honour to know George. George was a true Centurion, very proud of his membership, and we greatly enjoyed his company on the Centurions’ Canvey Island social walk – a very good walk made all the more memorable and special by George joining us there. It’s excellent that George gave the Centurions some wonderful photographs and press cuttings – these were added to our official archive at the Surrey county archives and will be a permanent and treasured tribute to his memory. Our kind regards,Sandra C735 and Richard Brown C760
Sad news re death of George Beecham MBE. A walkers walker who was everything good about our sport not forgetting Marlene who gave him great support over many years, this was a guy you could look up to as a team member none better who did it all with great pride in a club he was so proud of. We will miss dear friend Ray Middleton
Much sadness on the passing of a great character. He regularly attended the Met Police Walking Club annual reunion and dinner, and he was such a loyal supporter of the Centurions. He really will be missed, and all condolences to his family. In sadness, Chris Flint
We are really sorry and sad to hear of the passing of George Beecham MBE a truly remarkable Centurion 716 achieved on the track at Brighton in pouring rain throughout. He was an extraordinary Clubman with Belgrave Harriers and a great team walker of a very high standard during the Golden Years of GB Race Walking. Being my handler in the Ewhurst 100 Miles when I qualified as a Centurion 890 we hold him and his family in the highest esteem. May he Rest in Peace. He will be massively missed by all who knew him. With sincere condolences, Bill and Kath Sutherland, BEM
Very sorry to hear this. What a character and what an achiever. Always good company on the strolls. Dave Hoben
A lovely man, always cheerful, and greeted you like an old friend, which I suppose we were. Alex Ross
George passed away 14 September 2020