In 1967, a young Geoffrey Brice broke the British deadlift record at just 19-years-old, in front of over 2,000 people in Taunton’s Gaumont Theatre when he smashed the existing junior and senior (under 10st) deadlift record.
His sporting exploits didn’t end there, as his speed was set to be utilised on the Team GB Winter Olympic Bobsleigh Team but this didn’t materialise in the end due to injury.
As recent as 2022 in Bangor, he won the master’s title. Making him the strongest man in Britain for over 75-year-old.
So, who would have thought that sporting events were held at Taunton’s Gaumont Theatre, and with plans to have sporting events in the future we find this story interesting and plays a large role in Gaumont’s heritage.
Thank you to Geoffrey Brice’s sister Val Hookway from Taunton in donating this story and images.
