Arthur Rushton

Arthur Rushton, a resident of Alexander Road, Shipley, was a devoted member of Bingley Harriers from 1913 until his death in 1960. He was an active and a very able athlete who excelled in the traditional Harrier style events of those days. His first appearance in the club archives (most of which are still intact) was on 24th November 1915 when he took part in the 'novice handicap' and came second.

This photograph was taken circa 1920 and shows the Rushton Shield (far right) along with other Club trophies including the Fowler Shield (far left) which is presented to the Club Champion. Arthur Rushton is pictured, kneeling, front left.

A former footballer, Arthur played for Shipley Weslyan FC that became defunct in 1925. The football club had been presented with an imposing shield by the Thornton Engineering Company of Bradford and upon the demise of this club Arthur Rushton transferred the shield to Bingley Harriers where it was presented for annual competition in cross country.

The last time the shield saw light of day was when it was presented annually as the team trophy at the Bob Smith Handicap, a cross country event held in memory of the late club secretary. The event ceased to be held in 1984 and the much handled shield literally dropped to bits!

This saga may have ended there, at least for the time being, had it not been for our Club Centenary year. Margaret Rushton, Arthur's daughter and now resident in Harrogate, read an article in the Yorkshire Post about Bingley Harriers' Centenary. She wrote expressing her interest in the Club and was shown the remains of the shield. Margaret gave the Club a number of old photographs of members of Bingley Harriers and the shield along with some of her father's medals. She also kindly offered to pay for the shield re-furbishing. And so it came to be that the shield was re-furbished to its former glory. Ian Goodyear added the finishing touches by mounting it on a replica wooden base. For details of the Rushton Shield competition see the Club Championship Page.