I’ll take the airline cash and spend it in Whitby

THOMAS Parker asked for information about Slaithwaite Health and Strength Club in the 1930s.

His parents were members and did adagio performances as Tom and Louie.

Mike Shaw, former editor of the Colne Valley Guardian, says: “I’ve not heard of the Health and Strength Club but I would imagine it would have involved physical fitness fanatic George Milligan, a popular character who was proud of his strength and flexibility. “

“I saw him in a variety show at Slaithwaite Civic Hall during the early 1950s, performing like the famous muscle man Tony Holland on Opportunity Knocks to the tune of Wheels Cha-Cha.“

“His daughter Sabra followed in his footsteps and won several physical culture prizes before tragically dying in a road accident.

“George lived at Hollins Row, Slaithwaite. In later life he lived in Blackpool but returned regularly to the Colne Valley when he would flex his muscles for the entertainment of folk at the Slaithwaite Socialist Club.”

Amazing that people would watch in the days before TV gave the option of 800 channels, whether you want them or not.

Music hall and variety had strong men and novelty acts, including chaps who displayed their dexterity in the standing spring jump.

No run up, just bend your knees and jump. Amazingly this was also an Olympic event until 1912.

The world record standing long jump is 3.73 metres (more than 12ft 2inches).

Having said that, it’s amazing what is classed as entertainment today with the start of another series of Britain’s Got Talent, a show of novelty acts, forlorn hopes and broken dreams.

Watch out for performing dogs, 80-year-old salsa dancers, zimmer frame pensioners performing I’m Sexy and I Know It, and double acts combining opera singing with flower arranging.

Bring back the standing jump and muscleman Tony Holland. We’ll be going to Whitby to celebrate our windfall. Far left: Protesters outside the United Airlines terminal at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago