Historic Liverpool Dwellings - The Bingle

 

The beginnings of a sporting dynasty at The Bingle

The Bingle stood on Mill Lane opposite the recreation ground and was occupied by eminent medic and sportsman Dr Jaffir Rumjahn. Jaffir was born in Hong Kong on the 8th of September 1887, and at aged 14, he was sent by his father from Hong Kong to be educated at Liverpool Institute with the express wish that eventually he studied either law or medicine. He subsequently qualified as a Doctor at Liverpool University where he was awarded his Blues in a number of sports. He held all kinds of sporting records at the Liverpool Institute, as did his three sons Peter Usuf, Edward Jaffir and Ronald Madar - all of whom were English Internationals at table tennis and County players at hockey. Jaffir played hockey for West Derby where the pitch was next to Sefton (now Harbern Close.) and cricket for Clubmoor CC. Jaffir was 'Victor Ludorum' at the Liverpool Institute for three years in succession as well as skippering Clubmoor Hockey Club for fifteen years. His eldest son, Peter, captained the Liverpool Institute eleven for four years and as well as his table tennis and hockey credentials also set a school long jump record. Edward similarly excelled in cricket and in athletics in the 100, 220, 440 yards and long jump to become 'Victor Ludorum', together with his table tennis and hockey national honours. The youngest son Ronald, not to be overshadowed, played cricket for the Institute's second team when only 12 years old and hockey for the first eleven at hockey as well as being the youngest competitor to carry off the men's singles consolation prize table tennis in the close championships.

At first he lived at 'The Bingle', in Mill Lane (where Holly Lodge netball courts are now) before it was sequestered by the Army, as it had a tower for a lookout. However the century-old house was badly damaged by a stray bomb in 1940.

'The Bingle' in 1940 after the stray bomb

It was later demolished and the site, between Fremont and Sand Heys (part of Holly Lodge School), remained vacant for many years.) Dr Rumjahn then had his GP practice at 77 Queen's Drive Walton, by Rice Lane flyover and on retirement moved to Huyton. He also had a practice in Roby where the Table Tennis room also served as the Doctor's waiting room and where he was GP to founder member Fred Applebee and his family from Twig Lane, Roby. Jaffir passed away in early 1961.
The access road leading to a new housing estate passes over the site and at the suggestion of the West Derby Society it has been named Bingle Way. Chairman Stephen Guy said: "Thanks to Liverpool City Council for ensuring that The Bingle is remembered in this manner, adding interest to the area." 

see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2022/12/historic-liverpool-dwellinngs-allerton.html