Guest Posted July 10, 2015 This is one of the London area's 'forgotten tracks' - Elstree in Hertfordshre. Racing took place in 1947, Does any BSF member remember the track? http://londonspeedways.proboards.com/thread/239/elstree Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted July 10, 2015 Nine meetings took place on a track which had been prepared by a local farmer pouring oil on to a grassy field. The only covered accommodation was a canvas marquee which served as a dressing room and everything else. The first meeting was held on 10 August and included Freddie Williams, Bill Kitchen, Cyril Brine, Tiger Hart, Bob Wells and Roy Craighead. All nine meetings were refereed by Arthur Humphries. Although speedway did not return the following season, or ever again come to that, the meetings were well attended and had sideshows such as beauty contests and knobbly knees competitions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sommelier 1,118 Posted July 10, 2015 Any one know of any programmes of Elstree ? Don't even think John Somerville has anything from this venue! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted July 10, 2015 Never seen any. I wonder if they actually had any? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sommelier 1,118 Posted July 10, 2015 Never seen any. I wonder if they actually had any? Nope, just had a look at John's list, if any one would have had one John would! Nothing on John Skinners excellent site defunct tracks either! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted July 10, 2015 Nine meetings took place on a track which had been prepared by a local farmer pouring oil on to a grassy field. The only covered accommodation was a canvas marquee which served as a dressing room and everything else. The first meeting was held on 10 August and included Freddie Williams, Bill Kitchen, Cyril Brine, Tiger Hart, Bob Wells and Roy Craighead. All nine meetings were refereed by Arthur Humphries. Although speedway did not return the following season, or ever again come to that, the meetings were well attended and had sideshows such as beauty contests and knobbly knees competitions. Were the meetings reported in the speedway press - plenty around at the time including 'Speedway Gazette,' 'Speedway News'. 'Speedway World'. 'Speedway Reporter' and 'The Broadsider'! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sommelier 1,118 Posted July 10, 2015 Were the meetings reported in the speedway press - plenty around at the time including 'Speedway Gazette,' 'Speedway News'. 'Speedway World'. 'Speedway Reporter' and 'The Broadsider'! I'm biting at the bit to find a programme on this one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted July 10, 2015 Were the meetings reported in the speedway press - plenty around at the time including 'Speedway Gazette,' 'Speedway News'. 'Speedway World'. 'Speedway Reporter' and 'The Broadsider'!I've just checked my 1947 copies of Speedway News and Speedway World and can't find a single mention of Elstree. Though I did come across this little snippet from Speedway World, 27 August 1947, "Fred Williams, the Wembley lad, made his bow in the team on Thursday, coming in as a reserve, and although not setting the Stadium alight, looks the right type to make the grade." You know, I think they could be right there! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted July 10, 2015 If this Link works it should show Cyril Brine, left, and Bob Wells, in action at Elstree in August 1947. Click on the image seen for an enlargement of the photo. http://londonspeedways.proboards.com/thread/239/elstree?page=1&scrollTo=2940 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted July 10, 2015 Should have known Mike would have a photo! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted July 10, 2015 If this Link works it should show Cyril Brine, left, and Bob Wells, in action at Elstree in August 1947. Click on the image seen for an enlargement of the photo. http://londonspeedways.proboards.com/thread/239/elstree?page=1&scrollTo=2940 Should have known Mike would have a photo! Yes indeed Norbold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sommelier 1,118 Posted July 11, 2015 Never seen any. I wonder if they actually had any? There must have been some sort of race card i would have thought ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyclone 943 Posted February 10 On 7/11/2015 at 10:05 AM, sommelier said: There must have been some sort of race card i would have thought ? Here's prog cover of 1st meeting - unfortunately no heat dets. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chunky 6,101 Posted February 10 1 hour ago, cyclone said: Here's prog cover of 1st meeting - unfortunately no heat dets. Wow! So there was a prog! Great find - and a great lineup... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
