Wall of Death - Extracts from Sixteen Decades in Wallasey

Ursula Cole

Few may remember her name but many over a certain age will have seen her as one of the star attractions of a dangerous and exciting show "The Wall of Death" held in the town during the 1950s and 60s.

Ursula Cole, was the beautiful pillion rider in the Wall of Death motorcycle stunt show.

Born in 1933 Ursula was one of four children and became an accomplished dancer, appearing in semi-professional roles in musicals and pantomime.

But it was through her relationship with Peter Catchpole – who had many business interests in New Brighton – that Ursula became the fearless and glamorous local star riding the Wall of Death at the Tower Grounds.

The venture became so successful it later toured Europe and even went to Sierra Leone in Africa.

After Ursula split with Peter Catchpole she married the businessman Reg Brown and later moved to Florida where she met many cinema legends on parties held on Reg’s yachts including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Lou Costello – of Abbott and Costello – Ava Gardner and Ingrid Bergman.

Reg, who was also a seagoing captain, later set up a charter business on the Mediterranean, where they also encountered famous names such as the actors John Mills and Norman Wisdom, but it was due to his failing health that they eventually sold up and returned to New Brighton.