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Post by Administrator on Sept 24, 2013 14:32:24 GMT
That time of the year is fast approaching for the Friends of Speedway organised Eighth California-in-England Speedway Reunion on 6th October 2013. 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 a pay and display car park; then there is a short walk to the display area which will include a selection of machines covering over 80 years of speedway. If you have any memorabilia/memories please make your self known to any of the Friends of Speedway members bearing their name badges. We are still searching for any cine film not only of the racing, but of the park in general that could be loaned to be copied. It is a never-ending search for items of interest of all the different activities that that went on in the park; not only speedway. Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours including a reproduction California Poppies one. Also, for this year a small display of memorabilia from the days when it was a holiday camp with photos and postcards. Here you will be able to talk with riders 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 and Methanol to bring back memories of those earlier un-silenced days of speedway. Also we are hopeful of a celebrity guest of international fame and are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be able to attend. Also attending will be the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp. At the time of going to press the organisers are waiting confirmation from one or two new personalities whether they can attend or not. Part of the presentation will be a guided walk where you can see the original children’s paddling pool from the holiday camp days which has been cleared by Friends of Speedway personnel and 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 (the only surviving one that we know of); where a member of the original track staff will give a short talk of his duties there. 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 stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk
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Post by Administrator on Sept 25, 2013 18:31:03 GMT
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Post by Administrator on Sept 27, 2013 21:27:11 GMT
Urgent message from Stu Towner: ::::::::::: Everyone is welcome on the 6th October whether is be bike or car fan, please do come along. One word of warning is that I only found out to-day that the cafe has closed so please bring your own snacks. We hope to be able to provide hot drinks though. Please contact me: Stu Towner on 020-8397 6599 or 07860 135939 - see you there and come and introduce yourself at the Friends of Speedway table next to the silver Transit van'.
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Post by anoldskidkid on Oct 3, 2013 18:46:02 GMT
I plan to visit this event on Sunday. I have in past years seen some good photos from it and it seems quite a few old time riders get there. I am just hoping for a good weather forecast before I set out to it.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 11, 2013 22:23:32 GMT
The Eighth California-in-England Speedway Reunion Report
The morning of 6th October dawned bright and sunny and stayed that way all day. The organisers, Friends of Speedway were so pleased to have such a lovely day for their reunion.
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 1929 BSA, a 1930 Rudge and then through the years with a variety of JAPs, Jawas, Weslakes and a lone Godden. Also something different and now a regular feature was an Mk II rotary Norton 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 and the intoxicating aroma of Methanol and Castrol R.
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). 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 and were given a certificate showing their best time of three attempts.
They also displayed two albums of photos and postcards and one visitor was delighted to see a photo of her Mother posing with a rider of the Poppies era.
As part of the attractions there was an organised trip up to the old track where Bryan Horsnell, who used to sweep the concrete starting grid (and it’s still there) and he told folk about the days of the Poppies as the team was nicknamed then.
Quite a few riders were in attendance from the 1950s era which included: Jim Gleed, Eric Hockaday, Pete Rogers, Eric Jolly, Jimmy Heard, Dave Collett, Ernie Baker and John Hammond. Also in attendance were the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp.
Many photos were taken, so many past good times were re-lived, the press reporters were there also soaking up the tales of do and dare. A great day out at a wonderful setting by the lake was had by all.
The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances.
Captions top to bottom: (1) Pete Rogers is re-united with his old bike which was called the Red Devil when Merv Harding rode it. (2) Eric Jolly, Pete Rogers, Dave Collett, Eric Hockaday (on bike), Ernie Baker, John Hammond, Jimmy Heard and Jimmy Gleed. (3) From the left; Jimmy Gleed (with the California race jacket on), Eric Hockaday holding the California Cup which he won at the last meeting there and Jimmy Heard.
All photos by Stuart Towner.
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Post by gustix on Oct 12, 2013 15:11:07 GMT
The 8th Reunion looks to have been a great day's entertainment and it must be full marks to Stu Towner for arranging it every year.
Maybe something similar could be done for Wimbledon Speedway? May be nearby Garrett Park would be a good place for this?
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Post by Administrator on Sept 6, 2016 15:52:13 GMT
The Eleventh California-in-England Reunion Friends of Speedway are pleased to announce the date of the above reunion to be held on 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 Administrator on Sept 7, 2016 9:59:45 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 The Country Park is at Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berks.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 2, 2016 14:30:57 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 Administrator on Oct 11, 2016 14:06:55 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 Administrator on Oct 11, 2016 14:10:10 GMT
Another photo from the 11th California Reunion: a view of the bikes on display.Attachments:
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Post by toadys4 on Nov 9, 2017 20:41:04 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 3, 2018 15:21:37 GMT
The Thirteenth California-In-England Reunion. Friends of Speedway are pleased to announce the date of the above reunion to be held on 14th October 2018 at the Country Park, near Wokingham, Berks. All are welcome to attend and please bring any memorabilia that you may have. Details from Stu Towner on 020 8397 6599 or stutowner@rocketmail.com
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