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Post by speedyguy on Sept 6, 2016 15:48:36 GMT
The Eleventh California-in-England Reunion
Friends of Speedway are pleased to announce the date of the
above reunion to be held on Sunday, 9th October 2016 (11am-4pm) at the Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berks, where the speedway took place all those years ago.
Everyone is welcome to attend and please bring any memorabilia that you might still have. It doesn’t have to be connected with this venue but a bonus if it is.
Details from Stuart Towner, on 020-8397 6599
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2016 7:41:56 GMT
For those with speedway bikes please feel free to bring them for display. Stu
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Post by speedyguy on Sept 7, 2016 10:01:18 GMT
The Country Park is at Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berks.
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Post by speedyguy on Oct 2, 2016 14:33:02 GMT
Have you got this date Sunday October 9 2016 for the California Reunion marked in your diary? Sunday October 9 2016 - see LEAD IN Post.
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Post by speedyguy on Oct 11, 2016 14:13:22 GMT
The Eleventh California-in-England Speedway Reunion Report
Sunday, October 9, 2016:
A bright and sunny day dawned for this the eleventh reunion for the organisers, Friends of Speedway and they were so pleased that their prayers were answered.
They had organised a line-up of speedway machines to span the over 80 years that the sport has been in existence. The line of machines started with a BSA from 1928, a pair of Rudges, a Harley, two Staride JAP's (when did you see two of those together last?). Then on through the years with a variety of JAP's, and JawasAlso something different and now a regular feature was an Mk III rotary Norton engined speedway machine. Various machines were started during the afternoon so that the assembled throng could savour the different sounds from one era to another and the intoxicating aroma of Methanol and Castrol R all on open pipes. All in all there were 23 machines on display.
The Friends of Speedway stall was busy with enthusiasts looking for a bargain amongst their goodies on display. All profits generated go to sponsoring the British Youth Speedway Championship series (formerly the Under 15’s Championship).
As part of the attractions there is an organised trip up to the old track where Bryan Horsnell used to sweep the concrete starting grid (and it’s still there and the only known one in existence). As this year he was unable to attend so this was done by Roy Allison instead. Now that the track has been cleared of the undergrowth Richard Seal again came in with his machine to cut the grass.
This enabled enthusiasts to continue to walk an entire lap of the old track which had been cleared with the council's permission. We, the organisers are indebted to Richard for doing this all free of charge! He is the grandson of Mr. Coker, the original track designer who used a horse and plough in to cut out the track back in June 1932.
Only one rider was in attendance from the 1950s era at this track which was Jim Gleed. Pete Rogers was sadly missed who passed away only weeks before the event. Other riders who visited were John Hammond, Barry Duke and guest of honour Mike Broadbank. Also in attendance were the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp.
Many photos were taken, so many past good times were re-lived, and folk in general were there also soaking up the tales of do and dare. A great day out in a wonderful setting by the lake was had by all.
The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances.Photos:
Cali 2016 1 General line up of bikes from 1928
Cali 2016 2 A very rare Harley with a JAP engine
Cali 2016 3 Two Cycle Speedway bikes on display
::: All photos by kind permission of Friends of Speedway
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Post by speedyguy on Oct 11, 2016 14:14:50 GMT
Another photo from the 11th California Reunion. More bikes on display.Attachments:
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