Hastings Forum

Due to the large amount of interest in the Ridge Eagles within another forum and the e-mails I have received on the subject I have raised the specific topic in this Forum as it does relate to old friends.

Do you remember the Ridge Eagles? who rode at "Oratava" on the Ridge in the 1950's. I have heard from some of the supporters and some of the team. And after the matches we all meet up at the Fish and Chip Shop down in Ore Village for a good old natter.

The Ridge Eagles were: Bert Utting,Charlie Pepper, Dereck Barton,Frank Saunders,George Potter,Ginger Hope,Brian Phillips,Bert Gurr,Frank Kent,John Pepper, and Cyril Collins .

Do you have memories of the Cycle Speedway?
Were you one of the many supporters?

I know that there were other Cycle Speedway Teams in Hastings, but this was the Local team of Ore Village.

I have added a photo of the Ridge Eagles as supplied by John Pepper.
http://www.hastingschoice.co.uk/HASTING ... eagles.htm

If anyone has a photo of Oratava itself I would love to include it in the history pages.

I am Johns eldest sister who supported him , my brother Charlie and the other riders of the Ridge Eagles Cycle Speeday team. We, the girls travelled with them to shout them on at both home and away matches, but how we travelled l have no idea, probably rode our own bikes, or walked !
Our Dad was a great supporter and helped the boys in many ways, He even bought medals for the team.
It would be great if other riders and the girls read this so they can forward their memories of this happy time, and hopefully from this we could arrange a renuion.!
Although l have lived away from Hastings for many many years l would certainly travel for such an occasion.

Hello Audrey,
This is jean, we knew john through the cycle speedway.
is he ok as havent heard from him for a while,
Did you know ( jean Blackman- connie man- and Joan Blackman.
we all lived in the same road, I married Bert utting, he also rode with the
ridge eagles.
kind regards
jean

Hello Jean. At last an answer to my message. John has just mailed me to tell me that you had made contact. John is fine, we keep in touch every few weeks with all the family news etc. I left Hastings many years ago. John,and myself had hoped that there would be other contacts from the hey day of our cycle spedway but sadly no replies apart from yours, but it is a long time ago is'nt it.Yes l do remember Jean and Connie have you idea where they are now?Many thanks for making contact, hope to hear from you again. My best wishes to you and Bert and your families. Regards Audrey.

Hello Audrey.
Nice of you too Reply.
Connie now lives in Rye road, Near White Hart pub. not sure where jean is.
we All lived in the same street years ago.
Its a shame you have had no replies. we often speak of the speedway.
Bert has so many Memories of it, Do you remember /? when there was a fair in
the Field. off on the left side of Rock lane.There is now Houses there.
It was run by the Bonfire boys, Bert thinks it rained most of the time
Regards jean. good wishes to you all.

brian phillips is my grandad he was in the ridge eagles

[See the photo, Brian Pillips (2ND IN FROM THE LEFT) next to Bert Gurr

Just found this website! Is Bert Gurr still alive? He was my husband's best man at our wedding. My husband ,Budge Burgess, rode for Langham Lions way back then.

Hello John Pepper

I should like to use your Photograph and history of the Ridge Eagles in "Hastings Town". Would you be kind enough to give me permission to print it?

Jim Hollands
Editor
jim@ryesown.co.uk