The end for garage formerly owned by late boxing promoter

Frater's has closed after nearly 60 years of trading

The end for garage formerly owned by late boxing promoter
Photo: Google Street View

A garage in Grimsby, formerly owned by the late boxing promoter Joe Frater, has closed after trading for nearly six decades.

Joe Frater arrived in Grimsby from Jamaica in 1962 and started working at the town’s Curtis Garage. He spoke about this affection for the motor industry, telling the Grimsby Telegraph: “I had always said to my family if I had the chance to come to England I would work and I would never be a burden on society.

“Being in the motor trade has been one of the most loving experiences of my life. When I came to Grimsby, I think they said to me I was the first black person to start a business in the town. I think there were only about two other black families in the town at the time.”

As well as the first black person to start a business in Grimsby, Frater was also the UK’s first black boxing promoter, having gained his licence in 1989.

His premises on Legsby Avenue doubled as the HQ of Joe Frater Boxing Promotions, where the walls were lined with photos of boxing legends such as Frank Bruno, Chris Eubank, Lennox Lewis and Barry McGuigan.

Joe Frater died in 2016, at which point his son Patrick joined the business. Speaking about the closure of the garage, Patrick said: “Some people have been coming to us for 30-odd years for their MOTs and repairs. We have been ever so busy and continue to be now.

He added that he would be moving to the firm’s parts and accessories business, saying: “My dad had all sorts of properties, all within the motor trade, in Cleethorpes and Grimsby.”

Source: Grimsby Telegraph

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