OBITUARY, TRIBUTES AND TESTIMONIALS

ERNIE MADE A HUGE CONTRIBUTION – posted 26 February 2014

 

I did not know or ever meet Ernie, but his name was heard and talked about amongst the seasoned riders at Hawbush in the late 60’s.  Ernie was an East Londoner and would be described as a trail blazer and early pioneer of the sport. His English Individual title winning victory in 1954 was possibly the pinnacle of his career, aged about 19 years.

 

The photographs on Dave Hunting’s site, indicates, Ernie in the usual team and track action photos. It shows a young man, enjoying the sport in those halcyon days of the late 40’s and 50’s.

 

His family must be proud that Ernie made a huge contribution to the sport, and will be remembered, for being a fore runner of where cycle speedway now stands today.

 

My sincere condolences go to all his family.

 

Ron Cornell

FIFTIES STAR ERNIE LAMACQ DIES – posted 24 February 2014

 

One of the best known riders of the Fifties has died.  Ernest (Ernie) Lamacq passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 79 years old.

 

Ernie lived all his life supported by his wife Marina and his three children, Carol, Lorraine and Ernie junior who fondly remember how cycle speedway played an important part in his life.

 

“Dad always enjoyed reading the veterans Track Record magazine that was sent to him from England.  He would often talk about his days racing and always had the magazine at the kitchen table.  Every now and then he would be delighted to see old photos and names that he recognised and it was a bonus for him to even see himself” explained Carol and Ernie junior.

 

“At dad’s funeral we showed a series of Ernie’s life photos on the video screen including his cycle days with East London.   And at the end we all song his favourite song “I’m forever blowing bubbles” from his beloved Hammers football team” they added.

 

During his glittering career which pinnacled when he won the All England Individual Championship in 1954, Ernie rode for a variety of London clubs including East Ham Stars, Poplar Penguins, Portway Penguins, Regent Rockets and West Ham Penguins.

 

Ernie pictured in 1949 

SHOCKED AND SADDENED – posted 1 February 2014

 

I was very shocked and saddened to learn that Stu Clements had passed away.

 

I started local league racing at the same time as Stu for Henley Hunters and Bedworth Champs respectively.  Many fantastic memories spring to mind of those barmy days in the Coventry League.  

There will be many Coventry riders past and present who share my feelings. It was a time when events off track were more important than those on it.

 

Stu Clements (left) pictured with Whitley team manager Jim O'Riodan.

Stu will be sadly missed by us all, but always fondly remembered. Thanks mate.  

 

Dave Foster

Chairman

Coventry CSC

SPORT MOURNS DEATH OF STU CLEMENTS – posted 31 January 2014

 

One of the Midland’s best known and most respected former cycle speedway administrators has died.

 

Stu Clements, who was the driving force behind the resurrection of the Whitley club in the late Seventies and was a major influence on the early careers of Dave Frith, Norman Venson and Ray Oliver, sadly passed away peacefully ay home on 26th January after a short illness bravely borne.  Stu was 63 years old.

 

Stu rode for Bedworth Falcons in the Coventry League for a number of years, eventually taking the reigns at Whitley, working tirelessly behind the scenes whilst maintaining a racing career of his own. Stu retired back in the mid Eighties but was a huge supporter of the sport in Coventry, commanding huge respect of those who were lucky enough to know and work with him.

 

Few people knew Stu better than present day Coventry official Jez Hughes.

 

“Stu was responsible for launching and developing the careers of so many riders  including myself” Jez told Spokesman.  “He dealt with his illness so bravely which was typical of the man.”

 

“It's truly a very sad day for cycle speedway.  Everyone at Coventry Cycle Speedway Club sends our deepest condolences to Stu's family and friends” added Jez.

 

A requiem mass will be held at Holy Family Church, Beake Avenue, Coventry at 10.00am  on 6th February followed by a cremation at 11.15am at Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium.

TERRY GREENAWAY

 

Albion Romans 1948, Stratford Hammers 1949 - 1954, Walthamstow Wolves 1955 - 1958

Terry sadly passed away on the morning of the 22nd of December. Terry had been suffering with Alzheimers and had been resident in a care home on the Isle of Wight for some months.

 

An iconic figure from the early days of East London cycle speedway, Terry started his career as a ‘Skid Kid’ on Wanstead Flats with the Lakehouse Lions before moving on to join the Albion Romans in 1948. A year later he joined the legendary Stratford Hammers riding in their ‘B’ team.  Returning after his two years national service, he discovered the team was folding-up. The Stratford  Hammers ceased racing in 1954. 

 

Terry Greenaway pictured on the far left together with the 1954 East London test team – left to right: Terry Greenaway, George Stephens, Eric Branch (manager), Ernie Lamacq (captain), Sonny Cattano, Malcolm Bell, Ted Jones, Ted Walker and Jimmy Moore

In August of 1954 Terry was selected for the East London test team and rode against Suffolk at Ipswich. By the end of ’54 Terry had moved on to the Walthamstow Wolves where he was to have his greatest success as a rider and play a major roll as manager and captain until they ceased racing as a Walthamstow team in 1958.

 

In 1955 Terry won the Hertfordshire individual championship from Vic Cowell (Edmonton Saints) second and Alan Hitch (Hoddesdon Kangaroos) third. He went on to finish joint third with Derek Garnett of Offerton in the National final at Fleet,  Hampshire. The trophy was won by Ron Bagley (Ipswich) with Brian Moston (Carrs Wood) runner-up. In 1958 Terry lead the Wolves as Essex champions in the National final at Hungerford against the Tolworth Tudors of Surrey. The Wolves won 53–43, Terry top scoring with 14 points.

 

Throughout his racing days, Terry never turned out not wearing his ‘trade mark’ brown leather DR boots complete with a steel toecap, the toecap he is reported as saying was given to him by Malcolm Craven’s brother. (West Ham motor speedway star). He is even remembered as wearing them when visiting the cinema in the Leytonstone High Road with the Stratford lads after racing on a Sunday evening!

 

The VCSRA has been asked by the members of the Hammers and Wolves to pass on their condolences together with those of all our membership to the friends and family who may read Spokesman-Online.

A HUMBLE AND DIGNIFIED GENTLEMAN – posted 12 January 2014

 

It was with great sadness that I heard of the news of Jeff Layden’s death. It was in the late Seventies that we first became acquainted and he always made it his mission to promote a warm welcome to west Yorkshire whenever we met.

 

It was a few years ago since we last met, but Jeff had the endearing quality to make you feel like it was only yesterday that you had seen him.

 

My most treasured moment however was when I participated in an open invitation at Heckmondwike.  I had just lost a run off and during a quiet moment of contemplation I felt the heavy thud of an arm across my shoulder. “Tha shoulda won that lad.” He then presented me with a small gift. What a wonderful gesture from a wonderful man, humble, dignified and a true gentleman. My thoughts will be with his family

during this difficult period.

 

Frank Morris

Moscow

JEFF LAYDEN FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS – posted 6 January 2014

 

Thank you all for your lovely and heartfelt messages following Jeff’s death.  It means a lot to us all.

 

For anyone who wishes to attend Jeff’s funeral, the service begins at 11.15am at is on Monday 13th January at 11.15am at Dewsbury Moor
Crematorium, Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PL.


 

Chris Layden

SEE YOU ANON JEFF – posted 6 January 2014

 

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jeff Layden, a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

 

Jeff and I always kept in touch even after I left the sport in the mid-nineties – usually with an exchange of Christmas cards in early December of every year. This year I didn’t receive a card from Jeff and I wondered if there was a problem, but as you do in life, you tend not to dwell too much and it was only when I learnt of Jeff’s passing the other day that the awful reality hit home.

 

I loved our telephone conversations.  They would always start in that wonderful West Yorkshire accent of his... “Naathen Jason!!” and they would always finish with him saying “See you anon... Bye lad!!”

 

Rest in peace Jeff.  I am proud to have known you. I will see you anon.... Bye lad x

 

Jason Burke

ANOTHER GREAT CHARACTER LOST – posted 2 January 2014

 

Can I please echo all the sentiments already recorded in the memory of Jeff Layden.  I hadn't seen Jeff for quite some time now, but he always remains in my memory as one of the politest, straightforward, honest guys that I ever met in the sport.

 

After I retired from racing but continued to referee, Jeff frequently rang

me if they had a 'tough' match upcoming to ask if I would travel across from Lancashire to 'do the honours'. It was an eighty mile round trip and, as non-national matches, were unpaid.

 

Jeff always offered to buy my lunch in a local pub if I would be willing to accept his request. I never did take up the offer of lunch but was more than willing to agree to the requests just because I respected the guy so much.

 

Another great character lost to the sport who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

 

Ken Taylor 

 

THE MOST WARM-HEARTED OF MEN – posted 2 January 2014

 

I was very sorry to learn of the sad death of Jeff Layden.

 

Jeff was the supremo at Heckmondwike throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, building the club up from scratch to being a very strong club during the 80s and 90s. He was also a long serving member of the Northern committee during that time.

 

Jeff was a true gent and the most warm-hearted bloke you could wish to meet. The Astley & Tyldesley club sends its sincerest condolences to Jeff's family and friends at Heckmondwike cycle speedway club.

 

RIP Jeff - you will be sadly missed.

 

Mike Hack

KIND AND HOSPITABLE – posted 1 January 2014

 

How sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Layden. 

 

I first met Jeff in the mid 70's while racing for Anlaby at the old track in Firth Park.  Jeff was a very kind and hospitable person and a proud Yorkshire man.  I know he was a big sports fan and followed the local football and rugby teams.  He certainly made a huge difference to cycle speedway in Heckmondwike and the North. 

 

My condolences to his family.

 

Andy Schofield

 

JEFF WAS A SHINING LIGHT – posted 1 January 2014

 

The news of Jeff's passing struck like a hammer on New Year’s Eve.

 

Jeff was a true gentleman and a shining light of all that is good in cycle speedway and as a person.  When I was 17, I had a bad crash at Heckmondwike and was hospitalised in Dewsbury for two weeks, miles from my Manchester home and with no local family.

 

Jeff visited regularly to keep me company and his visits made my stay in hospital more pleasurable and easier.  He didn't have to visit as he did and I will always be appreciative of the time and kindness he offered me.  Always welcoming, honest and kind on my visits to Heckmondwike.

 

A true pleasure to have known Jeff.  Such a sad loss.  Sincere condolences to his family.

 

Steve Whitaker (Wardy)

 

FAIR AND WELCOMING – posted 1 January 2014

 

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Jeff Layden.

 

The word that crops up time and again in all the tributes to him is “gentleman”, and I think that just about sums him up.  I have known Jeff for over a quarter of a century and, like many, I found him to be such an open, fair and welcoming man.

 

Encouraging to the end

Many riders and ex-riders (myself included) were inspired and encouraged over the years by his gentle motivational one-on-one chats.

 

He generally left the running of the team to the riders and the team manager, but was always a steadying and supportive influence in the background, and the well-appointed Firth Park circuit is testimony to his unstinting efforts on behalf

of the club.

 

Patrick Beacock

 

JEFF’S COMMON SENSE APPROACH – posted 1 January 2014

 

Having raced against Heckmondwike and also for both Lancashire and Manchester against Yorkshire, always hard matches which occasionally became a bit fraught, Jeff always had the common sense approach to cooling things down and just get on with it.

 

Jeff had a real friendly attitude and made many, many friends throughout the sport, very respected with a typical Yorkshire common sense approach often lacking these days.  He will be sadly missed.

 

On behalf of the Blackley and Manchester clubs and my family, I extend my sincere condolences to all of Jeff's family. Truly a gentleman of cycle speedway,

 

John Whiting

A LOVELY MAN – posted 1 January 2014

 

I'd like to add my name to the list of the late Jeff Layden's admirers.  A lovely man with huge loyalty and dedication to his Heckmondwike

club.

 

Terry Kirkup

JEFF WAS FATHER FIGURE TO MANY – posted 31 December 2013

 

You could not meet a nicer man than Jeff.  When my brother and myself headed to ride for the Yorkshire club in the early 90s Jeff was simply the most welcoming person you could wish to meet.  Luckily we raced against Heckmondwike last season and Jeff was the first to greet us as we arrived in the car park.

 

An inspiration to many and a father figure to most. RIP Jeff. Cycle speedway and the world has lost one the true gentlemen left in society.

 

Gavin Parr

Northumbria Vikings

 

GOODBYE MR HECKMONDWIKE – posted 31 December 2013

 

It was with great sadness that I read of the death of Jeff Layden - Mr Heckmondwike.

 

I first met Geoff almost 40 years ago when Heywood CSC and Heckmondwike both joined the National League.  From the first meeting, it was evident that Jeff was a very decent and fair minded person.

 

Always greeting me with a handshake and a broad Yorkshire,”Nah then John“, it is a sad loss to cycle speedway in general.  We would profit in our sport for a few more with the friendly, open and honest way in which Geoff portrayed himself and his club.

 

God bless Jeff.  Nice to have known you.  My sympathies go out to your family.

 

John Burston

 

JEFF ALWAYS POLITE AND UNASSUMING – posted 31 December 2013

 

Cycle speedway has lost another gentleman in Jeff Layden.  In my many years as a national official I met Jeff on many occasions and found him to be one of the most polite and unassuming people in the sport. In Heckmondwike he established a top class set up and it remains a testimony to his good character and commitment to cycle speedway.  RIP.

 

Bill Gill

 

JEFF WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE – posted 31 December 2013

 

RIP Jeff.  It was always a pleasure to see and talk to you.  You will be missed by everyone you encouraged to ride by your love of our sport.

 

Adrian Brownell

JEFF A PLEASURE TO KNOW – posted 31 December 2013

 

I first met Jeff when I started riding for Heckmondwike in 2002 and I will always remember him saying in his Yorkshire accent “Ya’right Mikey lad?”  Jeff was a real gentleman, a man I had the pleasure of speaking to everytime I visited Heckmondwike.  Rest in Peace Jeff.

 

Mikey Hewitson

TERRY GREENAWAY – posted 31 December 2013

 

Many of our older readers will be saddened by the death of Terry Greenaway who passed away in a care home onthe Isle of Wight on Sunday 22nd December.

 

Terry, an enthusiastic member of the VCSRA, raced for several London clubs in the Fifties and early Sixties including East Ham Wolves, Stratford Hammers, Walthamstow Wolves and Whipps Cross Comets.

 

On behalf of the sport, Spokesman extends it condolences to Terry’s wife Doreen, family and friends.

 

Terry Greenway pictured during the 1957 Middlesex knockout cup semi-final match between Whipps Cross Comets and Walthamstow Wolves.  The full line-up is (left to right) Pete Fraser (Wolves), Eric Hemsley (Comets), Terry Greenaway(Wolves) and Sid Pipe (Comets).

FORMER NEWCASTLE OFFICIAL DIES – posted 12 December 2013

 

One of Newcastle’s former officials has died.  Jackie Hiscock passed away earlier this week after contracting pneumonia.

 

Jackie started his cycle speedway career in the late Forties and early Fifties, racing for a number of local clubs in the north-east including Brough Park Eagles.  In 1964 he took on a number of administrative roles for the Newcastle club.

 

On behalf of cycle speedway followers everywhere, Spokesman extends its condolences to Jackies’s family and friends.

 

JEWKES FAMILY CONDOLENCES – posted 2 December 2013