THESE speedway fans were on their way to cheer on their heroes.

Oxford Cheetahs had an away meeting at Rayleigh, in Essex, and ardent supporters were keen to see their team win.

So they hired a coach, spent the day by the sea and then enjoyed the match in the evening.

The picture was taken at Southend-on-Sea on July 15, 1950, before they left for Rayleigh. It was sent in by Ed Lewis, a keen speedway fan in those days.

She is the young lady in the pale coat with the rosette, at the front of the group.

Mrs Lewis, whose maiden name was Allard, writes: “I can’t tell you all the names of the folk in the photograph – suffice to say we were all from the Eynsham area.

“I think the coach firm was Crappers. We did go to a few away matches, but certainly Thursday night was speedway night. My abiding memory was of the World Championship at Wembley Stadium – the vast number of people and the atmosphere when I entered the arena took my breath away.

“I think that year was when my favourite rider made it to the finals.

“His name was Pat Clarke and he came from the Plaistow area of London.”

Mrs Lewis, who now lives at Longworth, was one of several readers to supply names to the picture of the 1949 Cheetahs’ team sent in by Terence Smith (Memory Lane, June 29).

The full list was supplied by John Shepperd, of Howe Close, Wheatley, who spotted the picture, with names, in Oxford Speedway – A Potted History, by Glynn Shailes, Oxford speedway press officer.

They are, back, from left, Alf Viccary, Dennis Gray, Ron Bear (manager), Ernie Rawlins, Alf Elliott, Bob Aldridge and Roy Court. The rider on the bike is Bert Croucher.

Sadly, 1949 was a poor year for the Cheetahs – they finished bottom of National League Division III, with just 11 wins and 23 points in 48 matches.

Any more speedway memories and pictures?