Jim Bennison MBE

The alumnus was originally an art teacher and taught at a secondary school in Stockport. Although Jim was an art teacher, he had a great passion for sports.  

At university he completed a Certificate of Education in Handicraft and was awarded a Centenary Honorary Degree from the Design School in 2010.  

Jim was a pioneer in women’s basketball. The alumnus’ connection to the sport first started off when he took part in a training course. He became involved in basketball and started a club in 1963 which was located in a small school gym that started out as Brinnington Lapwings and eventually became the Stockport Louvolites, then Stockport Lapwings and ultimately Stockport Basketball Club. 

Under his leadership, the Louvolites women’s team won multiple Division One League titles and cup finals, while the Lapwings more recently secured the WNBL National Cup crown in 2021/22 as a Division 2 team. 

Jim was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to Basketball in 2013. 

Jim’s contribution to basketball has flourished into a home for hundreds of senior and junior basketball players and his legacy will live on through the club and those whose lives he touched.