Guest Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 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 Just a reminder that the California Annual Reunion is this Sunday, October 9. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 Gustix you are not having much luck with threads.!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 (edited) Gustix you are not having much luck with threads.!!! In what way do you mean "not having much luck with threads!!!" Sydneytherobin? Edited October 8, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doctor... Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 Gustix you are not having much luck with threads.!!! He does seem to be running out of material somewhat. What would have been nice was to mention that from what i see on facebook, the hard working chaps at the committee to resurrect the Reading Racers will be in attendance. With Wokingham being my hometown, i would love to be back for this, but sadly work gets in the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 He does seem to be running out of material somewhat. What would have been nice was to mention that from what i see on facebook, the hard working chaps at the committee to resurrect the Reading Racers will be in attendance. With Wokingham being my hometown, i would love to be back for this, but sadly work gets in the way. Good luck to Reading be great to have them back i loved my Monday night out there often better than Swindon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 (edited) Gustix you are not having much luck with threads.!!! In what way do you mean "not having much luck with threads!!!" Sydneytherobin? No response to my query then Sydney the robin? Edited October 11, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 For me i quite like your threads for others who knows and to be honest who cares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 (edited) I remember back in the 1950s that I used to travel by train from South London to Waterloo, then train from there to Wokingham, and then walk all the way - via a couple of pubs on the way - to California-in-England, a distance of several miles. Sometimes I used to manage to beg a lift back into Lodon with one of the riders, but also did sometime make the reversal of my outward journey. Edited October 8, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 (edited) The Eleventh California-in-England Speedway Reunion Report ::::: BY STU TOWNERSunday, 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. Edited October 11, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sommelier Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 He does seem to be running out of material somewhat. What would have been nice was to mention that from what i see on facebook, the hard working chaps at the committee to resurrect the Reading Racers will be in attendance. With Wokingham being my hometown, i would love to be back for this, but sadly work gets in the way. Shame mate, would have had a pint or 2 with you 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 (edited) I was interested to see that Mike Broadbank was the guest-of-honour at the recent California Reunion. I have great memories of Mike racing there for Rye House in the mid-1950s, in a team that also included hard-riding team mates like Vic Ridgeon and Al Sparrey. For me it was great racing to watch - as an old saying goes "...when speedway WAS speedway..." Edited October 11, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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