The cover of the official magazine programme for the British League Match Division II between the Romford 'Bombers' and the Crewe 'Kings' on Thursday, July 10th, 1969.

Speedway had come to Romford only 6 weeks earlier, on Thursday, May 29th.  This had been a challenge match, also against Crewe, which the 'Bombers'  had won 45-33.¹

The team had been scheduled to ride at Rochester, but were unable to get planning permission.  They actually rode a few away meetings as the Rochester 'Bombers' before switching to Brooklands (home of Romford Football Club) at the start of the season.²

The team for the league match against Crewe was: Tony George, Frank Wendon, Ross Gilbertson (c), Charlie Benham, Phil Woodcock, Brian Foote, Ron Schofield, and Brian Curtis.¹

The track length at Brooklands was 375 yards, and at this early stage in their first season the track record was 71.9 seconds, set by Ross Gilbertson on the opening night.¹   Apparently it was quite a 'hairy' track, as it had a concrete 'safety' fence.²

Speedway remained at Brooklands for only three seasons.  The 'Bombers' were closed down after a member of the public complained that the noise of the racing was keeping his children awake at night.  Legend has it that after the team were shut down (they moved to West Ham's Custom House Stadium and then on to Barrow) the man who had complained then moved out of the area himself!²

¹ From the programme.
² John Stoneman, Romford History email group, message 232.

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