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Terry Stone and Vic White had worked hard to put on a good show and a magnificent four course meal was enjoyed by all. President Danny Dunton, with chain of office, was in great spirits now that he is getting used to his new leg. When all were seated for the meal Danny asked for a one minute silence in respect for the victims of the recent bombing in London. Amongst the crowd was 90 year old past president, Archie Windmill with his partner Sonia. Archie was looking well despite a few bruises and a black eye he received in a fall when he tripped on an uneven pavement a few days before the event. Terry Stone and Roy Bowers, both in remission from their ailments, were both very active and looking well. Great to see them both up and about. During the meal Terry an his team came round with raffle tickets for the many prizes that were up for offer. After
a few words from Terry and the drawing of the prizes, we all went
outside into the sunshine where they had a couple of pre-war Douglas
dirt track machines in beautifully restored condition owned by Terry
Stone and Jim Gregory. As usual one was started up for all to hear the
wonderful nostalgic sound of the old time speedway machines. Among the many other veterans present were Chas Aldridge, Ernie Baker, George Barclay, Roy Bowers, Alan Clark, Sid Clark, Roy Craighead, Reg Duval, Roy Etches, John Fitzpatrick, Vic Gooden, Clive Hitch, Martin Hitch, Eric Hockaday, Alan Jackson, Rod Laudrum, Peter Lipscombe, Sandy McGillivray, Geoff Moloney, Russ Osbourn, Vic Ridgeon, Hughie Saunders, Pete Saunders, Len silver, Stan Stevens and Peter Thorogood. The contingent from the old days of Rayliegh Speedway included Betty Gosling, the secretary of Rayleigh supporters, Terry Rippo who was the announcer at the track along with his wife, Dennis Mugford, the track timekeeper, Robert Barltrop and his wife, Robert has been a long time speedway journalist, Kathy Pope and her gang, Stan Brown, Ken Archer, R. Rolph and T. Gray, Joe Harrod, Mr. and Mrs. Tarling, Mrs. V Debbage and her gang along with Mrs. P Gowers and her group. No doubt I may have missed one of two in which case I am sorry. George and Linda Barclay were doing a good job for the proposed Speedway Museum by handing out leaflets, rider profile submission forms , selling badges and generally chatting and making us aware of the proposed museum which will be on land offered by Pete Sampson at his Paradise Wild Life Park, Broxbourne, Herts. After final drinks, perusal of all the old photos on show and a walk round the lovely gardens of the Motel it was time for our farewells and head for home with thoughts of another fine day next year. Copy and photograph by Alan Clark
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