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Bodybuilders descend on Brierley Hill Civic Hall for veteran contest organiser's last show

Bodybuilders from across the country descended on Brierley Hill Civic Hall for the final show organised by a legendary show promoter and gym boss who is retiring after more than six decades championing the sport.

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By Beverly Rademacher
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Jim Charles, who runs the world famous Jim’s Gym in Lye, has decided to throw in the towel after a lifetime of promoting fitness and bodybuilding with the National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association (NABBA).

Having lived and breathed bodybuilding for almost as long as he can remember, Jim, from Quarry Bank, has been chairman of NABBA for many years as well as organiser of the association's Midlands, England, Britain and Mr Universe shows. 

Bodybuilders on stage at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on Sunday September 7
Bodybuilders on stage at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on Sunday September 7

He has also been an international judge and DJ at bodybuilding shows all over the world.

But at the grand age of 86, he's decided to step down from the organisation and to call time on his popular competitive shows held at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, holding the very last one, the NABBA England show, on Sunday (September 7).

The last bodybuilding show being put on at Brierley Hill Civic Hall by NABBA chairman Jim Charles. Jim pictured with Joanna Sokolowska, who won Miss Bikini Fitness and Mitch Jarvis, who won the Men's Classic Bodybuilding round and was voted overall show winner
The last bodybuilding show being put on at Brierley Hill Civic Hall by NABBA chairman Jim Charles. Jim pictured with Joanna Sokolowska, from the Lake District, who won Miss Bikini Fitness and Mitch Jarvis, from Kent, who won the Men's Classic Bodybuilding round and was voted overall show winner

He will remain honorary life president of NABBA, however, and will continue to run his community gym in Chapel Street, Lye, which has been going for 67 years. 

Val Charles, Jim’s wife who has been a driving force behind the scenes of the competitions, has also stepped down from her role as NABBA secretary after 27 years.