My lovely Dad passed away last Friday and as he loved every aspect of motorcycling, I thought it would be fitting to pay him a tribute on WBs and I know it would fill him with pride.
Throughout the Sixties Dad was a regular attendee at the Isle of Man TT races, grass track racer and active member of the Invicta Motorcycle Club in Kent. Grass track was huge and very serious in the south east during that golden era and many of the top speedway riders of the day competed on the grass.
My Dad always boasted about the time that he led the legendary Barry Briggs in a race, even if it was only round the first bend from the start. I have one of his old programmes at hand dated Sunday 15th July 1962 priced 1/- and would like to share some extracts with you. “£1 will be paid to the rider who puts up the fastest time of the day, if this time breaks the record held by A Hagon (42.9 mph)” A few names from the list of competitors: D Godden 350/500 JSS, K Glass (Dad) 350 Matchless, M Simmons 250/350/500 TSS. Dad raced against Malcolm Simmons’ Dad at many meetings and young Malcolm (just turned 16) went on to have a distinguished career in speedway. Perhaps some of the older WB members will recall that Malcolm signed for Poole Pirates in 1975.
One of my fondest memories I hold of Dad was the time when he rode his Vincent to the Isle of Man TT races along with my Uncle Bill, also on a Vincent. Dad was erecting the tent near a small brook with his back to Uncle Bill. Bill said, “I brought a wardrobe along for our clothes.” Dad turned his head and replied, “What the bloody hell are you on about Bill?” With a stone from the brook, Bill was hammering a six inch nail in to a tree and retorted, “Hang your coat on here Ken.”
Uncle Bill is sitting on his Vincent waiting for you Dad. RIP :'( :'( :'(
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you all.
