Exiled Bandit 0 Posted March 3, 2004 From tonight's Manchester Evening News THE man known as Mr Belle Vue to staff and visitors at the Manchester showground for nearly 40 years, has died, aged 88. Jack Fearnley joined Belle Vue as business development manager in 1946 while doubling as a player with the Belle Vue Rangers Rugby League side. Over the next four decades, e went on to run virtually every aspect of the world-famous showground at Hyde Road, Gorton, as general manager. This included being promoter for Belle Vue Aces speedway team and the stockcar racing, organising boxing and wrestling, running brass band events including the British Open Championships and travelling the world to book acts for Belle Vue’s annual circus. He had overall responsibility for day-to-day operations at what was then the world’s greatest zoo and showground, including amusement park, ballroom dancing, rock shows, exhibitions and conferences. After retiring, aged 66, he and his wife Laura moved to High Lane, Disley, and then to Southport where they settled. Laura said: “We lived ‘over the shop’ at Belle Vue for many years and Jack was on call more or less 24 hours a day. “He loved Belle Vue and everyone knew him. “It was a big part of his life for nearly 40 years and he always regretted it had not been possible to organise a rescue operation to save Belle Vue.” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevehone 3,429 Posted March 3, 2004 and the funeral is today Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevH 257 Posted March 3, 2004 A very very sad loss. Condolences to family and friends. RIP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatface 2,552 Posted March 4, 2004 Whilst this is sad news, it does seem that Jack enjoyed a very long and peaceful retirement. Well deserved too for a Belle Vue legend. RIP. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
one of clubs 116 Posted March 10, 2004 Speedway owes a massive debt to the late Mr.Fearnley,he was simply a legend,a promoter of distinction and a figure today's promoters should model themselves on.A massive loss to his family,his friends and every club in the land,RIP in sweet heaven. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
