Celebration of Speedway

"High Beech is No More,........................Long Live High Beech!" Before anyone suggests that I am loosing my marbles (again), let me explain;-

For some years now, every February, we have had an annual get-together at High Beech in Epping Forest to celebrate the birth of Speedway, or Dirt Track Racing as it was then called, which began 'way back in 1928.and next year, (2009) on 8th February, we will be moving to pastures new when we stage the event at Paradise Wildlife Park, home of the National Speedway Museum. Although we are moving, we are not forgetting our Dirt Track roots and the event will be called, "A Celebration of Speedway Incorporating High Beech".

Originally organized by WSRA member and former Editor of Vintage Speedway Magazine, John Chaplin, the High Beech event was always very popular and well attended by former riders and supporters keen to break the long bleak winter and to hear the sound of unsilenced Jap and Douglas machines being warmed up.

The original Kings Oak Pub at High Beech was getting too small for the Collectors' Fayre plus parking around the area was always very difficult unless you got there very early in the morning, but we will have no such problems at Paradise. Former rider, Peter Sampson, who owns Paradise Wildlife Park has given us the use of the new Events Marquee to hold the Collectors' Fayre and, just to show that we are not moving from High Beech for monetary reasons, entry to the Park will be FREE on that day.

This is an ideal opportunity to meet up with old friends and fellow WSRA members and to listen to Terry Stone and The Men in Black warming up the Rudge, Douglas, Jap and Jawa machines, visit our Speedway Museum and wander around the Park to see the lions, tigers and other animals.

There will be a Bar-B-Q plus various food outlets around the Wildlife Park (Fish & "Chimps" a speciality) and Sunday Lunch will be served in the Woodman Pub just one mile from the Park from 12noon until 4pm, but advance booking on 01992-463-719 is necessary. Just mention the Celebration of Speedway at Paradise Wildlife Park and the cost is £9.95 including dessert.

So,......,.To paraphrase 'Uncle' Len Silver's Hackney motto,......."Make It A Date,....February Eight!"