In a follow-up to last year’s hugely successful get-together, the Long Eaton Reunion Group, led by former rider Pete Wrathall and his hard working committee, staged this years event once again at the Bridge Inn, Sandiacre, on the 20^th June.

Blessed with good weather and pleasant surroundings, everyone made good use of the garden which housed a fully restored upright speedway bike… “that’s a proper speedway bike” …. I heard someone say, obviously wallowing in nostalgia, and who can blame him. Camera’s flashed and tales were exchanged as the night progressed.

For those who stayed indoors there were the displays of photographs and other memorabilia to keep them occupied, while mixing with some of the riders who thrilled them years ago. Among the riders, which included former Long Eaton stars and other names from the past from various other teams, were Ray Wilson, Vic and Keith White, Roger Mills, John Hughes, John Hart, Norman Hunter, Russ Dent, Alan Butterfield, Geoff Bouchard, Steve Walpington, Chris Piddock, Graham Tattersall and Dave Harvey.

To add spice to the proceedings we had former Long Eaton announcer in the 80’s, Ken Walker. Popular and professional as ever, Ken interviewed former riders Vic White, Paul Evitts, Russ Dent and John Hart. Ken asked interesting questions, which were answered in interesting if sometimes blunt, ”tell it as it was” style. Great fun and everyone listened intently as the guys reminisced those bygone years.

As usual we were all made welcome by the people of Long Eaton, even though the North East contingent’s table scooped the majority of the raffle prizes!

One thing these reunion have taught me, and that is, they are worth persevering with, you always learn something interesting and new…..and it keeps those tracks which are no longer running…..in the loop! So don’t forget them.

Once again, thanks for all the hard work Pete and his merry gang put into making the night a success, especially the ladies……where would we be without them, they worked hard, while the men……well, they reminisced.

Bob Ferry