...Continued from page 21
motorised and cycle - declined
around 1960, it became more
and more difficult to recruit
enough new riders to make up
a full team each week. The
situation was also affected by
many other activities which
were becoming available. New
sports, such as skate boarding,
BMX and cross-country cycling
events, which eventually
emerged as mountain biking
were tempting the younger boys
to try something different.
There was also more money
about. “You’ve never had it so
good” was the political slogan
at the time! Most teenagers
Chandler’s Ford Stars at Hursley Road Track – 10th September 1950
Left to right: - Terry ‘ Tosh’ Bevan; Pete Manning; Johnny Haley; John
left school at 15 or 16 and
Forder; Peter Smith (capt); Allen West; Don Marriner; Brian Bacon;
went out to work. Some went Reg Bevan (manager). Seated in front is team mascot Johnny Blyth.
to sea with one of the big
Picture - John Forder
shipping companies who were
operating regular routes to South Africa and with rider availability during the season and
the USA from Southampton docks. Other failure to recruit a full team squad for 1964,
school leavers obtained apprenticeships in the unfortunately resulted in the team dropping
engineering industry or building trade. The out of the league.
late 1950s and early 1960s was a boom time It was the end of an era. The Chandler’s
for housing development; particularly on many Ford Stars cycle speedway team that had been
of the new building sites that were springing in existence for 15 years (14 years at the
up, in and around the Chandler’s Ford area. Hursley Road track) and had given so much
This allowed those youngsters, with more pleasure to its many participants during that
spending power, to purchase motorbikes or old time, was sadly never to race again.
cars. It gave them new found independence The site of the Hursley Road track became
and mobility. They were now able to get derelict, overgrown and untouched for 42
out and about much more easily than their years until its clearance in 2005 to make way
predecessors, who only had bicycles or public for the “Chandlers Gate” Development.
transport to rely on. In 2006 John Heward arranged a reunion
This situation created a dilemma for for ex Chandler’s Ford riders and it proved so
these older lads…should they spend Sunday successful that it has now become an annual
afternoon at the cycle speedway track….or event. The next reunion is due to take place
should they make use of their own transport at 7-30pm on 21st February 2009. Further
to get out with their mates or girlfriends for the details may be obtained from John Heward on
day? telephone number 023 8027 1499.
The craze that had been so popular after Many thanks goes to local resident
the war was being challenged by all of these John Heward for sharing this wonderful
new factors and was starting to lose out in memory with us all. If you have any
favour to them. comments on this piece or memories of
Although the team completed all of their your own you’d like to share we’d love
1963 fixtures, it had been a constant struggle to hear from you.
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