dantodan Posted October 14, 2008 Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 There are some photos of California on www.defunctspeedway.co.uk check out the A-Z section for California Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 16, 2008 Report Share Posted October 16, 2008 Here's the latest Press Release regarding the Third California Reunion on Sunday October 12 2008: The Third California Reunion Report The morning of 12th October dawned very misty and the organisers were worried it may put people off of coming along. But by the time they had just about finished setting up you could see across the lake so it was obviously clearing. They had organised a line-up of speedway machines to span the 80 years that the sport had been in existence which started with a 1928 Douglas and ended with Jason Crump’s machine of last year. This year an ice speedway racing bike was included, alas minus its engine, but sporting a full set of spikes in the tyres. Also something different was a rotary engined grass track machine to compliment the display. Various machines were started during the afternoon so that the assembled throng could savour the different sounds from one era to another. By 10am folk had started to drift in and the place began to buzz with people chatting and meeting up with friends both old and new. A steady stream of fans seemed to continue for most of the afternoon. As always the reunion was organised by Friends of Speedway and very soon their stall was busy with enthusiasts looking for a bargain amongst their goodies on display. They also had a 1970s Jawa speedway bike fitted with a reaction tester which was great fun especially for the children attending to be able to sit on a bike and do a dummy start as if at the tapes. As part of the attractions there were two organised tours of the California Country Park by Lynn and Emma, the park wardens. As there used to be a holiday camp there in the past it was called a Hi-Di-Hi Tour. Much too every ones’ surprise at the start of the tour, Emma did a Ruth Maddock impersonation to get people in the mood. As part of these tours, Bryan Horsnell, who used to sweep the concrete starting grid (and it’s still there) told folk about the days of the Poppies as the team was nicknamed then. Quite a few of the original riders were in attendance from the 1950s era which included: Jim Gleed, Eric Hockaday, Eric Jolly, Al Holliday, Bill Booth, Pete Rogers, Bill Pittingale, Bill Holden, Ron Walton and Dave Collett. Ron Sharp and Peter Mould who sadly had passed on were represented by son Terry and mum Vi and daughter Carol respectively. Neil Robert’s son, Neil arrived having ridden his Dad’s old JAP at Scunthorpe the previous evening and won the final against must more modern machinery. Well done Neil. During the day the Battle of Britain Cup was presented to co-organiser, Stuart Towner by Mr. Beckford of the RAF Association. This was an award that was raced for at Reading speedway in thanks of allowing a collection to be made there each year. The first recipient was ex-California rider Ross Gilbertson in 1969 and the last in 2005 was Matej Zagar. This will then be displayed in the Speedway Museum at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire. The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances, like the Kerison’s from deepest Kent and Tim Templeton from Poole. The feedback from the wardens was that they were very pleased with the day; so it’s roll on next year. Ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 16, 2008 Report Share Posted October 16, 2008 More photos taken by organiser Stuart Towner from Sunday's Third California Reunion can be found on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stutowner Posted August 3, 2010 Report Share Posted August 3, 2010 More photos taken by organiser Stuart Towner from Sunday's Third California Reunion can be found on <a href="http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway" target="_blank">http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway</a> Hi all, just to let you know this year's event will take place on 17th October 2010. More details later, but if you wish to contact me: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk or 0208-397 6599 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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