Clem Beckett - help needed

Subject: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 03:21 PM

MCfat has challenged me to write a song about Clem Beckett an all round good egg spocialist who hailed from Oldham - was a speedway rider and wall of death rider and went off to fight in the Spanish Civil War where he died

The story is actually brilliant but I usually like to do a bit of reserch about people before I write a song and there is hardly anything on the net about him anyone got any info/ ideas
Thanks

R&RW

Subject: RE: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: CraigS
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 07:16 PM

I remember being told about him by my uncle (who would be 96 if he hadn't died). Uncle bought a motorcycle from him in 1936 ish, and always referred to it as being "off Rochdale speedway". I don't recall any more than you say above, but you might find local newspaper archives informative.

Subject: RE: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: MC Fat
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 05:36 AM

Have given R&WR a pamphlet I got from Oldham Libraries that is all the info she has. Along with R&WR I would like to find more out.

Subject: RE: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 01:45 PM

Thanks Craig - I have tried some old speedway programmes from the right era and the places where he was supposed to ride but he isnt listed anywhere

Subject: RE: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: okthen
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 02:18 PM

I suppose you've done a google search
good luck

Subject: RE: Clem Beckett - help needed
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 02:21 AM

yep many hours of one trying all the different things i can think of - its like this guy didnt exist