Billinge Sports History

Sports history – team photos

Our Nell’s Jack 🏆

On December 28th, 1879, a Billinge lad, John Hill, better known as ‘Our Nell’s Jack’, beat Fish Smart, the speed skating champion of England over 400 yards on Carr Mill Dam. Billinge, for the first and only time in its history, had a Champion of England. The song, composed about this feat and was sung at local gatherings for years. Download and hear the song [mp3] - with thanks to Kevin Frayne who sings and plays all the instruments. Read the full story in the part 2 of the main text, section ‘Our Nell’s Jack’.

We don't know the person 5th from the left in the front row. Taken 1928-1929.

Many of these Billingers in this photo taken in 1918 would have served in the First World War.
The main text contains every Billinge person killed in action in both World Wars.

Some of those featured in these two photos are still around to tell the tale. If you have any sporting photos that are not included in this web site, please contact us so that we can scan and save them.

Who's in the middle of the back row, the right of the front row or that kid in front?
The last Billinge team before the ground was used for housing. They won the league that year. Who is that kid sat in front?

These are just a few of the photos that we have and can send to you, in high resolution, without charge, if you contact us by creating an issue. Please get in touch if you have any old Billinge photographs, we hope to save as many as possible.

Please download our Billinge History book, read through it in you own time then send us any suggested changes or additions. Create an issue