Success for a little boy with a lot of bounce in 1977

He may have been just five years old but Neil Beard was the star of the trampolining show in 1977.
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The tiny lad, from Crawley Trampoline Club, was presented with the Filkins personality cup after bouncing his socks off to reach the finals in the British Trampoline Federation’s south-eastern division schools championships.

His performance at Crawley Sports Centre, in Haslett Avenue, was even more impressive as he was suffering from shingles at the time.

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Crawley’s other special star was Adrienne Rogers, who earned a silver medal in the 13-15 age group, taking her into the national schools finals.

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Other team members were: Dawn Martin, Beverley Mansbridge, Jane Chandler, Caroline Sandwell and Yvonne Rogers.

While the trampolinists were bouncing their way to success, three Crawley gymnasts were earning their places in the national regional squad.

Following an excellent performance during trials in Lewisham, Sally-Anne Warner retained her position in the squad and was joined by Claire Adams and Julie Broom.

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Among the other gymnasts to do well were: Tracy Carter, Michelle Boss and Kirsten Sallows, along with Loretta Walsh, Kim Marshall and Melanie Gee.

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Sally-Anne Warner went on to found Hawth Gymnastics in the summer of 1986.

Did any of the other girls go on to make a career out of their gymnastics?

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