I WAS recently at Westhoughton Library doing some research in the Westhoughton History Society room.
I was researching Arthur Farrimond who was a marathon athlete in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
There is a bronze medal in a glass case on display that states: “Bronze medal won by Arthur Farrimond 1924 Paris Olympics”.
This information is very misleading. Arthur only came 17th in the said race and all the athletes who took part were all given a commemorative bronze medal which is on display at Westhoughton Library.
In fact the official bronze medal for finishing third was won by Clarence De Mar (USA).
The same information is also on Arthur’s gravestone in Hindley cemetery which is also incorrect.
What should have been quoted is ‘Arthur Farrimond awarded a bronze commemorative medal in the 1924 Paris olympics’. That is a more correct statement and one that does not mislead, for future generations it needs amending.
Colin Barnes First Avenue Hindley
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