Doncaster pensioner Roy is surrounded by nine decades of happy memories

Roy Ashmore, pictured with an old Doncaster Plant Works Boxing Club tournament poster

Images of his wife, Iris, his children and grandchildren are littered in amongst black and white photos of himself as a young man, growing up in Doncaster.

“This was taken at Beechfield School in 1939,” says Roy, turning the 80-year-old photograph over in his hands.

“I was seven or eight when it was taken, and as you can see all the names of my classmates are still on the back.

Roy (back row, 2nd right) pictured at Beechfield School 1939

“I don't think many of them are still around.

“It's a good photo, there are some terrific patent leather shoes on display.”

Roy was born in Doncaster in 1932, and attended Beechfield School before going to work at the local plantworks aged 15.

“That's when I joined Doncaster Plantworks boxing club in 1947,” he says, picking up another photograph which was taken at the boxing club in 1949.

Plant Works Boxing Team - B.R. Champions 1951. Pictured are: (back row, centre) Dave Parker, trainer; (middle row, L-R) Ian Self, George Warner, Harry Fellows, Dennis Jackson, Norman Bilclough, Ron Davies; (front row) Peter Jones (far left), Dereck Brown (second from right), Roy Ashmore (far right).

“I was a member of the boxing club for years, right up until 1987. It was a big part of my life for a while and I had a big group of friends there. I was also a member of Elmfield House Club.

“I was quite fit at one time,” he laughs.

In 1953 Roy left the plantworks briefly and went into national service, where he was stationed mainly in Germany, returning to the plantworks when his service was completed.

He also married his wife Iris that same year, and the couple of three children and five grandchildren. Sadly, Iris died in 1997.

Roy Ashmore, pictured at Doncaster Plant Works Boxing Club in the early 50's

“We were married for 44 years,” says Roy, who lives in Balby.

“She had a twin sister who married my cousin, meaning Iris and her sister shared the same surnames their whole lives.

“I like to keep photographs and various memorabilia out around the house, and the kids and grandkids do take a peek from time to time, which is nice.”