California In England
Longmoor Speedway, Little California in England, Nine Mile Ride, Near Wokingham Berkshire 1933-1939, 1948-1958 Nickname: Poppies (candidates for oddest nickname!)
California Reunions  California Badges
Peter Perry's 2016 Photos
These 3 photos show the California track (2016) in a fairly overgrown state.  The big photo shows an old concrete starting area.
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
California in England Badges
	Can you supply any images of California Badges
1954
Year Unknown  Car Badge	Year Unknown	1933
Year Unknown (Pre-War)	1948	1954
	Badge scans courtesy of Stu Towner
1954
Eric Jolly RIP
John Hyam advises:  The funeral and memorial service for the late Eric Jolly is at Easthampstead Park Cemetery on Monday, 3rd November 2014, at 11.15am.  The cemetery is situated in the grounds of Easthampstead Park, near Wokingham Berks. The cemetery and crematorium are located on South Road, off the Nine Mile Ride (B3430, within easy reach of the M3 and M4 motorways.
He was well known in the 1950s and early 1960s as a junior rider at California-in-England, Oxford, Aldershot and Wimbledon. Eric Jolly was often a helper to Eric Hockaday, with whom he remained a close friend until he passed away aged 83 years on Thursday, October 16, aged 83 years. Eric Jolly was a nephew of the Belle Vue and England star Eric Langton.
Eric Jolly was a keen supporter of the speedway reunions which have been held annually at California since 2007. The above photo shows Eric Jolly, left, with Eric Hockaday and Bob Andrews at this year’s California Reunion.
California Fixtures 1939
Southern Rovers 1956
Southern Rovers were a team without a track.  They held their home matches at a number of venues and were very welcome at California in England.
Courtesy of Graham Wilkins
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Bill Newall Leading Bill Simms
Courtesy of Stuart Towner
Bill Newall leading Bill Simms around the California track. Can anyone say what year this is John
Gil Goldfinch Split Waterman & Peter Mould 1954
Courtesy of Stuart Towner
California Line Up
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
California v Brafield
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Ross Gilbertson
Courtesy of Graham Gleave
Eric Hockaday
I know this riders first name is Eric, please help me with his second name and can you put a year on it John Stuart Towner has been in touch he says: The rider is Eric Hockaday
Ron Wilkins
Courtesy of Paul Wilkins
Paul Wilkins says: Please find the photo of my dad and California rider, Ron Wilkins. The guy on the Rudge is Doug Turner. Ron is standing on the right. Photo was taken at a grass track meeting near Oxford. Ron told me it took about an 1hr, to come from Church Hanbourgh, Oxfordshire to Longmoor. He used a model 18 Norton,1930 fitted with a sidecar frame fitted with a large box to transport the Rudge. This Rudge dad bought from Bill Simms from Oxford.
A mate of dads, used to go as mechanic, he is still alive living in Long Hanbourgh. His name is Doug Turner. Dad used to ride at most of the meetings at California from 1936to 1940.He also rode at the opening meeting of the Oxford speedway and was the first person to be admitted to hospital on opening night.  Dad liked California better than Oxford because it was more laid back
Here are some riders Dad talked about.
Jeff Peck.	Pete Lansdale.
Bill Newell.	Roy Craighead.
George Bason.	Ivan Kessell.
Danny Lee.	Eric Salmon.
Herby Deacon.	Reg Lambourne.
Jim Boyd.	Bronco Slade.
Arthur Flack.	Geoff Godwin.
In the early1950s  Ron used take all the family here in South Australia to Rowley Park speedway to watch the solo racing, the home of Jack Young.  Jack's son lives only 1/2 mile away from me here in Adelaide.
My brother John and I have had a go at speedway, thanks to our father. Ron went into the airforce during the war ending up as a flight sergeant on Lancaster bombers. Regards. Paul Wilkins
California 1954
Little California 1954.  Yes the starting area is concrete.  I believe the concrete is still there!
1954 California Poppies
John says: Gil Goldfinch became a very popular Newcastle Diamond in the early 1960's.  Where I as a Diamonds fan watched him every week.
1955 California Poppies
California Dreaming
The following 3 pictures were taken in 1950's California in England after a cloudburst
I wonder if the meeting was called off!
California Reunions
Thirteenth California-in-England Reunion.
Friends of Speedway are pleased to announce the date of the above run-on to be held on Sunday 14th October 2018 from 11am to 4pm at the Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 4HT, where the speedway took place.  There is an hourly bus service, number 3B from either Reading or Bracknell Rail Stations and stops at the entrance to the park.  All are welcome to attend and bring any memorabilia that you may have or of interest to others. Details from Stu Towner on 020 8397 6599 or 07860 135939 or stutowner@rocketmail.com
The 10th California-in-England Reunion 2015
The Tenth California-in-England Speedway Reunion - Stuart Towner A bright and sunny day was ordered for the tenth reunion by us, Friends of Speedway and we were so pleased that the prayer was answered.         We 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 Rudge and then through the years with a variety of JAP's, Jawas, Weslakes, a Godden, a Reg Luckhurst conversion and a Mark 1 Street conversion both on a 2v Jawa. Also something different and now a regular feature was a Mk II rotary Norton engined speedway machine and three other Grass Track bikes 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. Our Friends of Speedway stall was busy with enthusiasts looking for a bargain amongst the 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 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 the only known one in existence) and he told folk about the days of the Poppies as the team was nicknamed then. 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 last year. As a reward Richard then rode George Thompson's BSA around the track much to the amusement of the gathered throng. Quite a few riders were in attendance from the 1950s era which included: Jim Gleed, Pete Rogers, Dave Collett, Ernie Baker, Dai Davies and late arrival 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, and folk in general 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.         We, the organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances and not forgetting FoS stalwarts who helped on the day.
The 9th California-in-England Reunion 2014
Stu Towner writes: The sun shone down on the organisers, Friends of Speedway who 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 three machines from 1928, a Douglas, a Rudge and an interesting, never seen before such an early JAP engined machine.  Then through the years with a variety of JAP's, Jawas, Weslakes and a lone Godden and GM. Also something different and now a regular feature was an Mk II rotary Norton engined grass track machine and two other Grass Track bikes 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.
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 the only known one in existence) and he told folk about the days of the Poppies as the team was nicknamed then. What was even better this year enthusiasts could walk an entire lap of the old track which had been cleared with the councils permission.
Quite a few riders were in attendance from the 1950s era which included: Jim Gleed, Eric Hockaday, Pete Rogers, Eric Jolly and Bob Andrews all the way from New Zealand. Also in attendance were the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp. A surprise visitor was four-time World Champion Barry Briggs who enjoyed chatting to friends and many enthusiasts in attendance.
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.
Stu Towner
Not in Stu Towner's copy shown above but the date of the California reunion was Sunday, September 14, 2014.
General view of the line-up.  I never tire of looking over the old machines.
Eric Jolly, Eric Hockaday, Bob Andrews and bike owner Colin Knight swap tales.  Bob allegedly tried everyone present for a lift back to New Zealand but ended up getting the bus!!
Eric Hockaday with the California Cup that he won in 1957 with Jimmy Gleed and Bob Andrews on the concrete starting grid looking back to the forth bend.
Jimmy Gleed stands by one of the old fence posts that he head butted during a meeting and still sports the scar on his forehead.

2012 California Reunion

Picture 1: Only one more and we would have had a team! great to see the classic bikes and just look at the array of handlebars. The photo call as mentioned in Stuart Towner's report, shown below his photographs. The "Team" from the left; Jimmy Heard, Jimmy Gleed, Dai Davies, Eric Jolly, Eric Hockaday and Pete Rogers

Picture 2: Past riders assemble on the concrete starting grid. From the left; Jimmy Heard, Jimmy Gleed, Pete Rogers, Bryan Horsnell (grid sweeper) and Bill Williams in front

Picture 3: Terry Sharp, Eric Jolly, Eric Hockaday, Vi Sharp and Colin Pratt examine Colin’s book on his personal career

Picture 4: From the left; Jimmy Gleed (with the California race jacket on), Colin Pratt on Jimmy’s old JAP and Jimmy Heard

Picture 5: Bryan Horsnell with Jimmy Heard after the presentation

2012 - The 7th California-in-England Speedway Reunion

Written by Stuart Towner

The morning of 7th October dawned dull and stayed that way until it was time to clear up and wish our good byes – then the sun decided to shine! The organisers, Friends of Speedway were worried it may put people off from coming along but glad to report it didn’t.

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 1928 Douglas and a Rudge from the same year, next a 1929 Sunbeam, a 1930 Rudge and then through the years with a variety of JAPs, Jawas and Weslakes. Also something different and now a regular feature was a 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. 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, Bill Williams and Dai Davies. Also in attendance were the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp.

There were one or two surprises during the day; one being that World Speedway Rider’s Association President Colin Pratt had accepted the invitation to attend and was very interested on what went on there and chatted to one and all. Bryan Horsnell had discovered during his research on the Poppies years that there had been a mistake in the old programmes on the lap record holder. It transpired that indeed it was Jimmy Heard so Bryan presented him with a small plaque to officially state that he held the record there. Then Dai Davies, who had some old Eastbourne programmes with him discovered that there were five riders in attendance who all rode in the same meeting together so Jimmy Gleed was enlisted as a guest for a photo shoot of this auspicious occasion. The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances.

John Skinner says: As always I am happy to chronicle on the website details of any track reunion.  Alas getting down to California from my Newcastle home is too long a journey for me.

John Callis says: Hi john went to just the one speedway meeting at California as a young boy, will never forget it as a lump of something thrown up from one of the bikes hit me on the forehead and gave me a headache for several days. The reason for my email is would like to find the old track and ask if there is a get together this year at California. Many thanks another John September 2013.

2011 The 6th California-in-England Reunion Report

The morning of 9th October 2011 dawned very damp and the organisers – Friends of Speedway were worried it may put people off from coming along. As the morning progressed the sky cleared and it turned out great for the event.

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 1928 Douglas, next a 1929 BSA, a 1930 Rudge and then through the years with a variety of JAPs, Jawas, Weslakes up to a modern laydown machine. 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 and the intoxicating aroma of Methanol and Castrol R.

By 11am folk had started to drift in and the place began to buzz with people chatting and meeting up with friends both old and new.

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.

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) 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, Ron Webb, Dave Collett, Ernie Baker and Martin Ashby. The first four of the above riders actually all rode in the very last meeting there on 5th August, 1957 so a group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion. Also in attendance were the family of Poppies Captain, Ron Sharp and the son of Neil Roberts who also rode there.

The organisers were very excited when the Daughter of Dick Newman arrived with two of her Father’s trophies from California with many photos too. To put the seal on the day four times World Champion Barry Briggs arrived to chat with everyone there. He very generously donated two copies of his latest book to the organisers to boost funds to support the youngsters – thank you Barry!

The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances.

The Line-Up Of Restored Bikes From 1928

Bikes From The Later Years

From the left; Pete Rogers, Eric Hockaday, Jimmy Gleed (with the California Championship trophy) and Ron Webb

Briggo On The Clutch Reaction Tester

All photos by Stuart Towner.

Barry Briggs poses on the reaction tester bike but declined to have a go

2011 California Reunion Press Release

That time of the year is fast approaching for the Friends of Speedway organised Sixth California-in-England Speedway Reunion on 9th October 2011.  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 andn 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. 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. 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 and Neil Roberts junior.

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 email him at stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk

2010 California Reunion

Friends of Speedway Are Pleased To Announce: -

October 2010 The 5th California-in-England Reunion

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 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.

Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours including a reproduction of a California Poppies one.

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.

Part of the presentation will be a guided walk around the park 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; 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 email stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk

5th California-in-England Speedway Reunion Report of 17th October 2010

Words and photos by Stuart Towner

As organisers of this event, Friends of Speedway were more than pleased that their prayers had been answered for good weather and what a great day it turned out to be. Initially followers were slow to attend but all of a sudden the venue was buzzing with people arriving and meeting old friends and making new ones too.

With not quite so many of the old riders being able to attend over previous years the organisers was immensely grateful when ‘Mr. Fearless’ Reg Fearman arrived now he is back in this country. Many photos were taken and folk wanted a souvenir snap with Reg who is still an icon of promoting speedway over the years in England. It was suggested to him that if he was still at the helm of British speedway things would certainly be a lot better – to which he responded with that wry grin and a twinkle in his eye!

Stories were being swapped, tales were told and many ‘old lies’ were being re-lived. The local press was in attendance with reporters from two newspapers plus the scribe from Friends of Speedway taking useful contact addresses from folk who remembered the venue from those halcyon days of speedway at the park to be used in a forthcoming book.

With the event getting going a bit late it was well after 4pm when the last people left and the organisers could clear up and pack away their displays.

Thanks go to everybody who came to make it an enjoyable day, but especially to Tim Templeton who gave his time coming up from Poole with his display of bikes and body colours, to John and Pauline Kerrison from deepest Kent with their display and to Neil Roberts who combined his trip from Ireland to attend as his Father, Neil used to practice there all those years ago.

Reg Fearman poses with the Reading book having just had it presented to him.

The opposite end of the machine display.

All smiles from the left; Jim Gleed, Reg Fearman, Eric Hockaday, Terry Stone, Dia Davies, Pete Rogers and Eric Jolly.

More From California 2010

The following photos x four were sent to me by Reg Fearman: -

Jim Gleed, Reg Fearman, Eric Hockaday, Terry Stone, Dia Davies, Pete Rogers and Eric Jolly.

2008 Reunion

All photos were taken by Stuart Towner

********

Here's the latest Press Release regarding the Third California Reunion on Sunday October 12 2008:

The 3rd California Reunion Report

by Stuart Towner

The morning of 12th October 2008 dawned very misty and the organisers were worried it may put people off 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.

Jack Parker's 1928 Douglas

Rotary Engine!

Rotary engined Grass Track machine

4 Classic Machines

Douglas far left, BSA (green frame), Sunbeam (black tank in centre) and a (Martin Rudge at far right).

Excelsior JAP1938

1960s Jawa Ice Bike

1960s Jawa Ice Bike minus engine.  The bike appears to have extended front forks to extend the wheelbase, were all ice racers like that? John

1980's Machines

Stuart Towner

California in England stalwart, Stuart Towner (in the red), receives the Battle of Britain Cup from Mr. Beckford of the RAF Association.

If you enjoy looking at the Bikes Pictures on this page I would suggest you also visit my 7 Miscellaneous Bikes Pages Bikes

California Re-union

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   "mailto: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk

Have you any pictures of California in England, programmes or badges if so please email me John

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