Do you have, or need, any Bagshot knowledge?
This page is one of several provided as a vehicle for posting questions related to Bagshot that other readers might be able to answer. Please scroll down to the message pad to ask a question or to provide answers.
Index page to local knowledge questions
A further page is dedicated to enquiries about people.
Bagshot FC is now relocated here and we have photos of a number of teams here with the challenge to identify the people in them.
Cyclo-Cross
Erik writes From 1938 untill the years '50 or '60 there was a very famous cyclo cross organised in Bagshot named "The Bagshot Scramble". It was organisated by Ealing Manor R.C. Is there more information regarding this cyclo cross ? A list of the winners, pictures or reports ? v9
Eric Dunsdon tells us "The Bagshot Scramble was one of the classic events of the cyclo cross season during the 1950's and 60's. In later years the race was organised by The Edgware Road Club and attracted the country's top riders. In 1965 a special race was run for BBC television and was featured on the Saturday afternoon 'Sportsview' programme. The local St Johns Ambulance branch were kept vey busy due to the many crashes on the steep 'Saddleback' descents. I rode in this race and many others including the following year's South of England Championship and have many fond memories (and photographs) of The Bagshot Scramble." Nov09
To which Roger Craven adds "Yes! I remember well witnessing the carnage at the bottom of the "Saddleback" Hill" Jan10
Peter Summerton fills in some detail and resolves the comment I had previously made regarding illegal off-roading on Bagshot Heath. "I remember Motor Bike Scrambliing on Bagshot Heath during the Late 1940's and early 50's. These events were held three or four times during the summers near the Water Tower and surely must have been approved because of the shear numbers of competitors, spectators, mobile refreshment suppliers and the resultant noise! I recall one frequent competitor called Eddie Beasant. Us kids were all 'Eddie Beasant' on our walk back home across the common. This area was subsequently used as the test track for vehicles from the Fighting Vehicles Research and Developement Establishment based at Long Cross." Dec 09
And Ron Frost views things from a different perspective "I was a cadet in the St Johns Ambulance and used to attend the "Bagshot Scramble" whenever it was held. We had a Packard Ambulance. We had more customers from the fans than the racers."
Tony writes: I am doing some research on Steve McQueen and it is believed that he raced a motorcycle in the Bagshot scrambles events from 1957 onwards.,.,can anyone conform that ? Better still, has anyone got a photo of Steve on a bike ? Jan10
Alan Edwards adds: Like my old neighbour from Bagshot Green, Peter Somerton, I remember the motor cycle scrambling on Bagshot Heath. Sadly I was only allowed to go once with my older sister and brother. I'm 65+ now but still recall the sight and sound of large British Bikes - BSA's, Matchless's, AJS, Ariels etc charging up Water Tower Hill. As they were held on a Sunday I usually had to attend Sunnday School at the Mission Hall. From my own experience later as a member of the Windlesham MCC organising off road events the scrambles would have been legal with substantial fees being paid to the MoD. In the late 50s through increased use of the heath as a test track the events ceased and scrambling moved to Tunnel Hill, Pirbright. Eddie Bessant was known as the uncrowned King of Bagshot Heath . I believe his ashes are scattered on the old start finish line near the Maultway. Bagshot has a proud position in motor cycling history . The first ever Scramble (Moto X) took place on or near the Poors Allotments in 1926 to become what is now a world wide sport. The winner was a Bagshot man Mr Sparks of Sparks garage by the Jolly Farmer. The year before on Old Dean common the UKs first ever Speedway took place having been brought over from Australia. I believe that during WW2 British agents had Rough Riding training prior to being sent to enemy held Europe to assist resistance groups as part of their training at Normandy. Oct10
Dave Kell: I never saw Steve McQueen at the scrambles but I remember Geoff Ward and Johny Haynes very who were famous riders at that time. Ward rode a BSA500 and Haynes a Truimph which was unusual because they were too heavy to be considered good scrambling bikes. Oct10
Charles Kirby: I was a regular competitor at Bagshot Heath, and I do appreciate seeing some of the old times when I raced with Ward, Archer, Stonebridge, Bob Manns, Geoff Duke. Jun11
Eric Dane's neice: I had an uncle who regularly raced his motorcycle on Bagshot Heath and even named part of the track 'Kilimanjaro' which I read in motorcyclenews in his obituary. Never could find anything much about it but have lots of pics! Apparently my Uncle together with a lot of his fellow bikers volunteered to join 'Campbell's Bluebirds' when Sir Malcolm Campbell asked them to form special despatch rider unit. He joined the RMP's and retired as Major C.E. Dane, stationed in Caen and Iceland. [Aug 11]
Connaught Cup (football)
Ray Ward asks "Does anyone have any knowledge of the Connaught Cup(s). Two cups played for by senior and reserve football teams in aid of the 'Duchess of Connaught Memorial Nursing Home and Benefit Nursing Association' in Bagshot. Both cup competitions ceased at the outbreak of WW2 although there were attempts to re-start the competition. Ideally I would like to know who the winners were. The Duke of Connaught was the first President of the Surrey County FA and our offices are so named - Connaught House in recognition. Sep10
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