John Dunsford 1933-2020: Fifty years a Belgravian
John Dunsford wears number 2 competing for Belgrave at the National 35kms at Leicester in 1985.
Last month we learned of the passing of long-serving Belgravian race walker John Dunsford.
For most of his professional life he worked for London Transport at the Acton works along with teammate Dennis Jones, and they were the organisers of the London Transport District Line Sports day to which Belgrave Walkers were invited.
John was a member of Wigmore Harriers before joining up with Bels. He was also a firm supporter of the London Business Houses (LBH) and was a Vice President of the Athletics Section. He was also a regular timekeeper at the Middlesex Road and XC meetings.
John joined Belgrave in 1970 as a race walker, but had dabbled at running.
Over two decades he competed and scored in many Belgrave teams over all distances.
He competed in many of the prestigious long distance events including Hastings and London to Brightons, Plymouth to Dawlish and many National Championships.
The above photo wearing number two was at the National 35kms at Leicester in 1985 where we finished 2nd team overall.
He became Centurion 734 in 1982 at the Leicester Walking Club 100miles in 22hrs 12m 40s.
In later years he turned to Veterans events competing in other events apart from walking.
With wife Barbara, they would travel the world to Veterans Championships and if on the continent would be in their camper van, used by many Belgrave walkers over the years.
He leaves wife Barbara and children Wendy, Jonathon and Barbara Junior, all former members of Belgrave
Tributes
Very sad news. We remember John with admiration and fondness, as a loyal Centurion and Belgrave club member, a family man and a genial and friendly colleague. John was just 6 minutes ahead of me when we both qualified as Centurions in Leicester, 1982 – we became C734 and C735. I remember him well from many subsequent races and Centurion events over the years. Our sincere condolences to Barbara and the family.
- Sandra and Richard Brown C735, C760 Surrey Walking Club
A sad passing of another RW stalwart. He was there or thereabouts against me in many races of my era.
- Len Ruddock. Ilford AC
That camper van carted us hither and thither back in the day. I almost got the taste for camping, well, nearly. I liked John. He was encouraging and a real stalwart of the scene.
- Paul Warburton, Belgrave Harriers
Sad news.
- Chris Maddocks Plymouth and Dawlish, 5 times Olympian
When he couldn't manage race walking any longer he turned to putting the shot in order to keep competing and only in recent years did his appearances in every World Masters Championship end.
- John Hall, Belgrave Harriers
John was evacuated in the war and ended up at the school at which I taught, much later, of course!
- Cath Duhig, Spain
That is sad news. I hadn’t seen John or Barbara for a good number of years when I saw them at the Vets races.
- Kathy Crilley, Surrey Walking Club