speedyguy Posted June 21, 2010 Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 John Chaplin writes::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I am planning to hold a commemorative event for Tom Farndon at his graveside on the 75th anniversary of his death at 3pm on Monday, August 30th. As you know, Tom was an icon at New Cross, and was the longest reigning British Champion when he died following a track crash at New Cross on the eve of the 1935 Star Final at Wembley, for which he was favourite to win for a second time. , His headstone in Foleshill cemetery, Coventry, where he was born, is a unique listed monument, a speeding motorcyclist in art deco black marble. I have permission to stage the event at the graveside. It will be conducted by the Rev Mike Whawell, official chaplain to the World Speedway Riders Association, and the only vicar to my knowledge who owns a speedway bike, with a steel shoe to go with it. I am hoping that at least one or two of the Coventry team will be there - those who are not riding in Poland the previous day. Other speedway personalities have been invited, principally double World Champion Fred Williams and past presidents of the WSRA, Bert Harkins and Terry Stone. In my book on the life and racing career of the hugely popular speedway star, Tom Farndon: The Greatest Speedway Rider Of Them All, he is likened to the David Beckham of his day. There is also a report that his ghost has been seen in the cemetery on the anniversary of his death - but we don't want that to put people off. For those who would like to be there on the day, direction details are as follows: St Pauls Cemetery Lodge Holbrook Lane Coventry West Midlands CV6 4BY http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&sou....ls+cem&gs_rfai= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sswf224 Posted August 7, 2010 Report Share Posted August 7, 2010 Hello John, let me introduce myself. My name is Steve Farndon and Tom was my uncle - I will definately be there on the 30th Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted August 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2010 JOHN CHAPLIN WRITES::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: > The Tom Farndon memorial event is certainly still going ahead. In fact I was with he Rev Mike Whawell only yesterday working out a brief running order. I have also sent out lots of invitations to many former Coventry riders and am awaiting their response before being able to commit to numbers. I will be at Coventry speedway on the 20th to do publicity on the track mic and there will be details in the programme nearer the time thanks to the help of David Rowe. I have alerted the local media who are taking an interest so I am keeping my fingers crossed. But no matter how many and how few decide to turn up (it is a Bank Holiday after all) I will be there with some members of the Farndon family. I am hoping Colin Pratt can persuade some of the team to be there, but in any event we will have a JAP bike there to make a bit of noise. Also Miss Lorraine Tedds, the young lady who claims to have seen Tom's ghost in the cemetery on the anniversary of his death - the day we are holding the event - will be there. > So roll up. See you all there. > John Chaplin > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary Posted August 14, 2010 Report Share Posted August 14, 2010 JOHN CHAPLIN WRITES::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: > The Tom Farndon memorial event is certainly still going ahead. In fact I was with he Rev Mike Whawell only yesterday working out a brief running order. I have also sent out lots of invitations to many former Coventry riders and am awaiting their response before being able to commit to numbers. I will be at Coventry speedway on the 20th to do publicity on the track mic and there will be details in the programme nearer the time thanks to the help of David Rowe. I have alerted the local media who are taking an interest so I am keeping my fingers crossed. But no matter how many and how few decide to turn up (it is a Bank Holiday after all) I will be there with some members of the Farndon family. I am hoping Colin Pratt can persuade some of the team to be there, but in any event we will have a JAP bike there to make a bit of noise. Also Miss Lorraine Tedds, the young lady who claims to have seen Tom's ghost in the cemetery on the anniversary of his death - the day we are holding the event - will be there. > So roll up. See you all there. > John Chaplin > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary Posted August 14, 2010 Report Share Posted August 14, 2010 Dear John Chaplin, We read in the Coventry Observer about Tom Farndon's commemoration service. We are relative's my father reginald farndon was contacted some year's ago about Tom Farndon. My father died two year's ago so i am not sure of exacte relationship. My mother and myself want to come to the service and will try to get there. I will try to let other member of the family know so they can attend if they want to. with regard Mrs L CATOR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sswf224 Posted September 1, 2010 Report Share Posted September 1, 2010 Hi all, really enjoyed the memorial service - was great to see so many people there. Anyone seen the article in the Coventry Evening Telegraph ? Many thanks to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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