Here's a bit of village history:
On 27 July 1952 Mel Barnet, who was the landlord of the Bush Inn (click here for the history of the Bush), represented Great Britain in the Heavyweight Lightweight Weightlifting event at the Olympic Games in Helsinki. It was the first time that this event was included in the Olympic programme (Source: XV Olympiad Helsinki 1952. Publication from the Olympic Museum)
Here's the list of his podium finishes in major championships:
- 3rd in the 1950 World Championships Unlimited class (400kg)
- 2nd in the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games Middle-Heavyweight class (830 pounds)
- 2nd in the 1950 European Championships Unlimited class (400kg)
- 2nd in the 1951 European Championships Unlimited class (395.0 kg)
- 2nd in the 1954 European Championships Middle-Heavyweight class (385.0 kg)
In the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games middle-heavyweight class he finished sixth (805 pounds). In the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games he represented England, but four years later he competed for Wales.
Around 2015 we received this email:
I have just been in St Hilary with my wife. Her family ran The Bush Inn in the 1960s and I loved the village. My father in law is buried here. His name is Mel Barnet, and he took part in the weightlifting competition at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. I hope to come back soon.
Best regards.
Pedro Mateus