Nelson Speedway

Seedhill Stadium, Carr Road, Nelson, Lancashire Speedway took place here in Nelson between 1967-1970

Fitzpatrick's

Charles Payne says: This is a long shot but I have to start somewhere!!

When I was a young lad I used to go to Nelson Speedway. My memories are very vague now but I do remember the smell of the bikes, and ducking down hiding from the gravel spit out whilst the bikes went around the corners. Happy innocent days long before health and safety took the fun out of it for us!

After the races we used to go to a shop close to the track and get a drink of pop which if my memory serves me well was named Bulls Blood! They also sold sarsaparilla and dandelion and burdock. On looking back I wondered if it was owned by a company called Mr Fitzpatrick's? They opened temperance bars in Nelson and Burnley now long gone I am afraid. I am researching the history of the business (Mr Fitzpatrick's) and wondered if you knew anything about this shop or anything regarding the business. As I say I know it is a long shot but having found your site on the speedway at Nelson I was hoping this may be a good place to start.

I would appreciate any time you could give to reply to let me know either way.  Best regards  Charles Payne.

John Says: can you help Charles with any info on Fitzpatrick's   John
 

Nelson Admirals 1968

Gerry Birtwell Paul Sharples Fred Powell Dave Beacon Murray Burt Gary Peterson and Dave Schofield on bike.  Dave Beacon has been in touch and has sent the following items:

1968 Dave Beacon

Gary Peterson front and Dave Beacon lining up for Nelson with Derek Tattersall the manager standing on the centre green with his hands on his hips.

Nelson v Belle Vue

Nelson Racejackets

Jack Winstanley's race jacket

Promoter Mike Parker adapted Middlesboro jackets, you can just make out "Bears" on the white half! I am not one to blacken a mans character but was he a cheapskate?

Jack Winstanley's race jacket

1969 Alan Knapkin

Nelson v Long Eaton 1969

Courtesy of Wattie Dunlop

Kenny (3rd bend smitty) Smith's  prized Nelson no 1 race jacket.  The current Scunthorpe manager rode at Nelson and is proud to don the jacket again when he takes part in veteran events.

Courtesy of George Winstanley

There is a Nelson webpage which is worth a look follow this link   Nelson Webpage