“One two three four, let’s see the Rockets score!” Thus went one of the cheers that began the relatively modest but nevertheless exciting story of Rayleigh Rockets that became part of the history and folklore of speedway in this country.

The evening of the July 24, 1948 saw the first competitive match at the new Speedway Stadium situated at Rayleigh Weir, home of the recently formed “Rayleigh Rockets” who took on the “Leicester Hunters” and triumphed 51 to 32 points. Being a newly formed club, the team could only participate in challenge matches under a provisional licence for the first year and if successful would be accepted into the National Speedway League set-up the following year.

Surprise guests were in attendance that night, British film star Patricia Roc and, more significantly, Bill Owen who at that time was involved in the making of only the second film to feature Speedway racing, “Once a Jolly Swagman”. The film was released in January 1949 and starred Dirk Bogarde as the leading man and Bonar Colleano as the main supporting actor.

The racing action was filmed at New Cross Speedway in South London and interestingly Frank Arnold, the Rayleigh Speedway promoter, was also the film technical advisor and almost certainly instrumental in arranging the celebrity visitors! Apparently both Ron Howes and Vic Gooden were involved in the film as rider stunt doubles for the two main stars.

Echo: speedway

The riders in the Rockets team for the first match were skipper Ron Howes, Jack Wright, Roy Uden, Bruce Abernathy, Len Cooley, Vic Gooden with Stan Crouch and Jack Millross as reserves.

Many changes of riders took place during the following year prior to being accepted into the league set up including Jim Gregory who became a regular in the team over the next two years.

He rode on that opening night but only in the second half of the event. Regrettably Jim has recently died and now, sadly, all the original Rockets team have passed away.

Following the first meeting and during the first few years, people flocked to the stadium in huge numbers, reflecting speedway’s heyday and immense popularity when attendances nationally became second only to football!

The Rockets experienced mixed fortunes over the 25 years they were at the Weir with success in winning two Southern League titles in 1952 and 1953 and the Provincial League title in 1960. However the popularity of Speedway was beginning to decline which saw several changes in the Rockets management together with closures and re-openings at Rayleigh, all reflecting changing public interest in sport and entertainment.

Major development plans for the Rayleigh Weir site subsequently brought on the closure of the stadium which regrettably finally closed on October 20,1973 - the last match being a win against perennial rivals Eastbourne, 48 to 47 points!

So, 70 years on from the start of those halcyon days and although two celebrations of speedway have already taken place during the last 15 months in Rayleigh, we hope you will join us again for another journey down ‘Memory Lane with The Rockets!’ On July 29, we intend to have 12 speedway bikes on view (also running during the day) ranging from Rudge, Douglas, Jap, Jawa-Eso and Weslake together with a substantial number of items of memorabilia, photos and other rarities from yesteryear on display.

The bikes will be able to be viewed in the garden area at the rear of the Spread Eagle and the walkway alongside with the memorabilia being available for viewing in both the museum and pub.

Echo: speedway

Lastly, but best of all, we hopefully will have a number of old riders with us and even the odd promoter and team manager! Len Silver and Peter Thorogood just to name two!!

The Museum will open at 10am and the Spread Eagle’ from 11am food will be available to purchase and in view of the unique occasion, there will be a launching of the ‘Rocket Burger!’ as well as Rockets T- shirts to buy.

So, please join us, we look forward to your company and in the meantime, keep the wheels turning and plugs sparking!

*As well as the event on July 29, the Rayleigh Town Museum is holding a speedway exhibition from July 10- August 6, featuring nosalgic memorabilia, photos and more.

Also, this Thursday (July 12) expert on the sport, Trevor Rand will be giving a talk entitled ‘Rayleigh Stadium & Rayleigh Rockets; in the museum at 7.30pm. Tickets £4.00 (£3.50 for Friends Members) available from the Museum and must be bought in advance. Visit rayleightownmuseum.co.uk for more details.