stutowner Posted June 5, 2007 Report Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi All, There certainly will be another reunion there later this year and it will be better publicised than the last one as that was organised in a bit of a hurry. I would be very interested to get in touch with Lofqvist72 if he should read this or any other one know how I can contact him please. I wrote the aforementioned article in the Speedway Star in February and was part of the organisation of it. I can be contacted by e-mail: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk (Editor of 'the Voice', the official journal for Friends of Speedway) or by posting a reply to this. Thank you. Stuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobC Posted June 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2007 Hi Stuart, Lofqvist72 is my user name on the Poole Speedway Website,in honour of my all time favourite rider,Christer Lofqvist. Please see my pm for my email details. Regards, Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Hamilton Posted June 6, 2007 Report Share Posted June 6, 2007 There is an excellent,although small article in this weeks Speedway Star,concerning California Poppies.(see page 22) I recently paid a visit to the site,on Sunday 21/01/07,and took the following photo's.I would welcome any comments about the track's geography.For instance,where were the pits?Ist turn,start etc. Use the following link to access some of the photo's. http://community.webshots.com/user/Lofqvist72 I have been in touch with former riders,Bob Andrews and Tommy Sweetman in New Zealand and they think the pits are where photo 1 is and the start is approx where photo's 3-8 are. I did find some large lumps of concrete on the opposite side of the circuit,photos 14,15,and 16.Were these part of the old style concrete starting area's in use at the time? Anyone venturing there will need to be wearing wellies,as the ground is very boggy.Some places are reasonably dry,but in the main,very soft under foot. I had to venture the 'wrong' side of the barbed wire fence to obtain some of the shots,and believe me,you can easily go up to your knees in the bog! Anyway,I hope this helps shed some light into one of the more forgotten speedway arenas. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have some Californie Speedway programmes at home somewhere that were given to me by a former rider there George Major when I was a lad in the 1960s. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stutowner Posted June 6, 2007 Report Share Posted June 6, 2007 I have some Californie Speedway programmes at home somewhere that were given to me by a former rider there George Major when I was a lad in the 1960s. Brian <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Brian, Any chance of having sight of them please? Stu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Hamilton Posted June 6, 2007 Report Share Posted June 6, 2007 Thanks Brian, Any chance of having sight of them please? Stu <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I will get into my loft and dig them out. Give me a few days Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobC Posted June 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2007 An interesting development tonight at Poole Speedway.I was happily discussing this thread with friends.It turns out that Bob Andrews will be in this country for the British GP at Cardiff.He will be here until early August. Stu, If you are trying to organise something,wouldnt it be great to get Bob along to add some first hand knowledge,and of course reminiss with former riders? I will happily lend as hand where possible,and might be able to arrange a display of machinery as well. Let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stutowner Posted July 18, 2007 Report Share Posted July 18, 2007 An interesting development tonight at Poole Speedway.I was happily discussing this thread with friends.It turns out that Bob Andrews will be in this country for the British GP at Cardiff.He will be here until early August. Stu, If you are trying to organise something,wouldnt it be great to get Bob along to add some first hand knowledge,and of course reminiss with former riders? I will happily lend as hand where possible,and might be able to arrange a display of machinery as well. Let me know. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stutowner Posted July 18, 2007 Report Share Posted July 18, 2007 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi All, There will be another gathering at the Cali track on 12th October. Please bring along all your memories and memorabilia etc to share with us and to go towards the book we are putting together. Anything will be gratefully received and you will of course be acknowledged in the book. Best wishes, Stu ('phone 0208-397 6599) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted July 20, 2007 Report Share Posted July 20, 2007 In fact, the person in the cafe did say that there will be a "speedway day" some time this year, with a guided walk around the area and bikes etc on display. Does anyone know the date of this? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've heard about it; I think that it is going to be in November. I'll post more details when I have them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted August 12, 2007 Report Share Posted August 12, 2007 (edited) A photo from a 1950s California match against visiting Rye House, centred on Vic Ridgeon (RH) - because the other riders are not known! - can be found on PHOTOS Veteran Riders post 1939 at the yahoo site http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway Edited August 12, 2007 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Here's an update from Stuart Towner on the next reunion at the California-in-England Speedway: PRESS RELEASE Plans are well in hand for the second California-in-England Speedway Reunion on 12th October 2007. This will take place at the California-in-England Country Park, Finchampstead, near Wokingham. We are interested in seeing all types of memorabilia that you would like to bring along, but are desperate for any cine film that anyone may have of the venue which we would like to include on a promotional DVD before the event! The list of riders who rode there is growing as is a list of personnel who were not necessarily involved directly with the speedway. We are keen to meet anyone with memories of the venue and a book will be started over the winter months to record what went on at the park. All contributors will of course be mentioned in the credits. Upon arrival you will be directed to a car parking position, and then there is a short walk to the display area which will include a selection of machines covering 80 years of speedway in Britain. Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours. Here you will be able to talk with riders (please see their name badges) from the 1950’s California Poppies team. You are invited to ask questions at any time and all officials will be sporting their name badge also. Machines will be started at various times during the day; you will smell the intoxicating aroma of Castrol R to bring back memories of those earlier days. Please bring your camera and have your photograph taken with these precious historic machines. Part of the presentation will be guided walks to what remains of the track where you can stand on the recently unearthed concrete start/finish line with marked starting boxes; for those interested you can walk the racing line (stout footwear recommended). The park offers a wealth of historic interest in itself, plus a cafeteria with toilets. The display will be open between 11am ‘till 4pm. For further information please call Stuart Towner on 0208-397 6599 or HYPERLINK "mailto:stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk" stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 2, 2007 Report Share Posted October 2, 2007 (edited) Here is a further press release from Stuart Towner regarding the open day at the California-in-England speedway on Friday October 12: PRESS RELEASE The day for the second California-in-England Speedway Reunion on 12th October 2007 is fast approaching and the list of personnel is growing by the minute. The full address is: California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4HT. This is situated on the B3430 coming from the A322 junction 3 off the M3. There is a large sign at the entrance to the park where you will be directed to a car parking position, and then there is a short walk to the display area which will include a selection of machines covering 80 years of speedway in Britain. If you have any memorabilia/memories please make your self known to any of the three researchers bearing their name badges. We are also interested in any cine film that could be loaned to be copied. Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours including a reproduction California Poppies body colour. Here you will be able to talk with riders (please see their name badges) from the 1950’s California Poppies team. You are invited to ask questions at any time and all officials will be sporting their name badges. Machines will be started at various times during the day; you will smell the intoxicating aroma of Castrol R to bring back memories of those earlier days. Part of the presentation will be guided walks to what remains of the track where you can stand on the recently unearthed concrete start/finish line with marked out starting boxes; for those interested you can walk the racing line (stout footwear recommended). The park offers a wealth of historic interest in itself, plus a cafeteria with toilets. The display will be open between 11am ‘till 4pm. For further information please call Stuart Towner on 0208-397 6599 or HYPERLINK "mailto:stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk" stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway Edited October 2, 2007 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 9, 2007 Report Share Posted October 9, 2007 (edited) Just to remind everyone. Jim Gregory will be there with the old time speedway bikes:: PRESS RELEASE WIMBLEDON Speedway fans will be supporting the second California-in-England Speedway Reunion next Friday (October 12, 11am-4pm). The Berkshire track was a training centre for the Dons in the mid-1950s and provided many talented riders to the track. The venue is California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 4HT. Many former riders will attend, and there will also be a display of historic speedway bikes. For more information contact Stuart Towner 020 8397 6599 or email: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/wimbledonspeedway Edited October 9, 2007 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 (edited) PRESS RELEASE BY STUART TOWNER Held Friday October 12 2007 The Second California Reunion Report This event which was organised by Friends of Speedway was blessed with reasonable weather, but not as glorious as the day before which was what was forecast. However, it didn’t stop folk pouring in to the park to meet old friends (a couple said they had met up with people they had not seen for 50 years!) and to make new ones. With next year being the 80th Anniversary of speedway in the UK, the organisers had assembled a line-up of speedway machines from 1928 to the present day. This created an enormous amount of interest, especially when one or two were started up. The local wildfowl were not too impressed and flew off in all directions, but returned when the engines stopped. With people comparing like for like, the 1928 Douglas (the first laydown engine) and the four-valve Rudges (these had four valves in 1925) showed that there was nothing new in this day and age. The organisers, FoS stalwarts George Thompson, Roy Allison and Stuart Towner; had invited as many of the old riders and personalities that they had been able to trace. Others turned up having read about the reunion in the various press reports. Amongst those present were: ex-California riders Eric Hockaday, Jimmy Gleed, Ron Walton, Al Holliday, Bill Pittingale and Ron Fromant. Others ex-riders in attendance were Terry Stone, Malcolm Terry, Bill Holden, Bill Valance, Cecil Bailey and Mike Lawrence. Terry should not be classed as ex as he still rides with the famous Men in Black troupe. California was not only known for the speedway, as one of the attractions was the pavilion which hosted dances on its glass floored ballroom every Sunday evening after the speedway. Roy had managed to trace the bandleader, Bob Potter (who now owns the Lakeside complex) from those far off days to attend also. Heather White came and made herself known saying she was a member of the catering staff there in the mid-50s and that her father-in-law rode there in the 1930s. Cliff Cook arrived to say he used to drive the train and the boat on the lake (these were other attractions too). Incidentally, the boat was an old beach landing craft from WWII. Bryan Horsnell was there to make sure the recently unearthed concrete starting grid was properly swept, he was a member of the track staff and that was his task at the speedway meetings. As the above team are researching what went on there, especially the speedway, people bought their memorabilia to show the organisers and some even entrusted them on loan so that they can be copied. The idea of this is that a book will be started over the winter to compile the complete history of the Country Park at California-in-England. The organisers wish to thank all those who came and shared their memories, for the loan of items, to the people who bought machines and to the staff of the park. It now looks as if this will be an annual event, but the main difference being that it will be held on a week-end date. ADD NOTE: There is an album of 11 photos from the day on: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway They include not only former California riders but ex-Southampton favourites Cecil Bailey, Bill Holden and Jack Vallis. Happy memories of Bannister Court and promoter Charlie Knott. Edited October 14, 2007 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 Was a brilliant day, thoroughly enjoyed it, amazed at how many people brought old photos. BTW Malcom Holloway came to ( I believe he is an ex-rider ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 (edited) Was a brilliant day, thoroughly enjoyed it, amazed at how many people brought old photos. BTW Malcom Holloway came to ( I believe he is an ex-rider ) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes it was a great day. In 2008, I understand it will be on a weekend day rather than a Friday. That should prove an even greater attraction. Have you seen the album of photos on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway Edited October 14, 2007 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Shoe Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 Yes it was a great day. In 2008, I understand it will be on a weekend day rather than a Friday. That should prove an even greater attraction. Just like to thank everyone involved in making this a most enjoyable day. Worth going just to hear that Excelsior!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 PRESS RELEASE The day for the third California-in-England Speedway Reunion on Sunday 12th October 2008 is fast approaching and the list of personnel is growing by the minute. The latest recruit is Neil Roberts whose Father rode there for the Southern Rovers. He still has his Dads bike and gives it a blast round when he can and he is bringing it along for the display. The full address is: California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4HT. This is situated on the B3430 coming from the A322 junction 3 off the M3. There is a large sign at the entrance to the park and car park; then there is a short walk to the display area which will include a selection of machines covering 80 years of speedway. If you have any memorabilia/memories please make your self known to any of the three researchers bearing their name badges. We are also interested in any cine film not only of the racing, but of the park in general that could be loaned to be copied. Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours including a reproduction California Poppies one. Here you will be able to talk with riders (please see their name badges) from the 1950s California Poppies team. You are invited to ask questions at any time and all officials will be sporting their name badges. Machines will be started at various times during the day; you will smell the intoxicating aroma of Castrol R and Methanol to bring back memories of those earlier days. Part of the presentation will be a guided walk around the park where you can see the recently unearthed part of the railway track that took clay up to the brickworks which is how the lake was formed. You will be able to stand on the concrete start/finish line with marked out starting boxes; for those interested you can walk the racing line (stout footwear recommended) as it is very overgrown. The park offers a wealth of historic interest in itself, plus a cafeteria with toilets including one for the disabled. The display will be open between 11am ‘till 4pm. For further information please call Stuart Towner on 0208-397 6599 or HYPERLINK "mailto: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk" stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 (edited) The weather forecast is good for the event. Why not have a day out? Edited October 11, 2008 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 14, 2008 Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 Some photos from the Third California Reunion (October 12 2008) are in an album on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.