This picture shows a meeting of two cycle speedway teams at Brettenham on September 17, 1952.

The teams are the Brettenham Brecklanders and Harling Hawks. (The latter had yet to acquire racing vests so borrowed them from Whissonsett). Several of the Hawks team came from Bridgham. Bridgham is hosting a 1940s reunion on July 11 and although these cycle teams didn't get going till 1952, we thought it would be a good opportunity to reunite them as well .

Apart from those known to have died, we have located the whereabouts of all but Bertie Crook and the two Rayner brothers, Jim and John (?) all from Brettenham or Rushford.

Jim is back row first on left – quite young. His brother, somewhat older, with scarf, pipe and goggles on far left middle row. There were at least five Rayner brothers so we are not totally sure which this is.

Bertie Crook second left front row is believed to be living in Attleborough.

If any readers can help us track down any member of the Rayner family, please contact me as soon as possible, 01953 718266.

David O’Neale,

Bridgham

Planners are against us

As a member of Heywood Sports and Racquet Club. I have to say how disappointed I am at recent South Norfolk Council decisions relating to the club.

The refused permission to extend the use of the Astroturf floodlights beyond 9.30pm effectively prevents 50 young people from playing five-a-side football each week.

This is despite the tennis court floodlights, which are closer to the road and houses, already being allowed until 10pm.

Even harder to understand is the refusal of planning permission for a major upgrade of club facilities (doubling the size of the building with the extension of new changing rooms, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, badminton court and fitness studio.

I can only assume that the grumbling ‘Victor Meldrews’ of Walcot Road have got their own way. Would they rather have these young people on the street corners complaining of nothing to do – as long as they are not in Walcot Road?

Nick Bell,

Robinson Road, Scole



Thanks for the funding

Yaxley and Mellis Little Nippers would like to say a massive thank you for the generous funding, gifts and donations, to Midwich, Bennetts, Tom Barker at Mid Suffolk District Council, Norwich and Peterborough, High Suffolk Childrens Centre, Tesco and Morrisons and Yaxley Cuckoo Club.

We are also grateful to all the parents and children who have attended so far .

The trial weeks have been successful, so we will continue to run sessions every Friday 10-11.30am. Children aged up to five are welcome, accompanied by adults. Older siblings are welcome during the holidays.

Lauren Fox, Yaxley