Club History

Whilst Griffin Gymnastics is a new venture, the Griffin mascot has been seen on leotards before!

Bush Harlow Gymnastics Club was founded in 1973 by Mitch Fenner, whom many will know as a commentator of major gymnastic events on the BBC. The club started at Latton Bush School, from where it took its griffin badge. In its heyday Bush Harlow had hundreds of boys and girls, junior and seniors that were training and taking part in competitions ranging from local competitions to national and international championships.

Our Director of Coaching Jeff Davis was one of those gymnasts. Whilst competing for Bush Harlow he twice became British Champion and took part in European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic Games.

Jeff went on to coach at Bush Harlow Gymnastics but left in 1992 to help set up South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon. This club has produced many international athletes and Olympians, including Max Whitlock and Brinn Bevan.

Jeff is now bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge to this new venture. Griffin Gymnastics hopes to build on this legacy by offering flexible classes for boys and girls of school age.

The griffin is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. A fitting symbol for a gymnastics club which aims for strength with the agility and grace of flight!