Mayor gets his revenge

Surprise highlight of the Youth Week judo and boxing exhibition held at Bideford Pannier Market was when the Mayor of Bideford (Mr Ron Lake) was called upon to present a cup to one of the members of the North Devon Judokwai.

The audience gasped when the Mayor on shaking hands with the club leader, Mr John Davies, was thrown over Mr Davies’ shoulder, ending on his back on the mat. Smiling and unconcerned, the Mayor rose from the floor, again offered his hand to Mr Davies who found himself receiving the same treatment, as the photograph illustrates.

The Mayor confessed afterwards that in fact he himself had made the suggestion that he should join in the occasion in this way. He told the audience that he had had some secret practice the night before – but only for half an hour.

Gazette article 26 May 1961