National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Aberdare Park National Motor Cycle Races - Saterday 30th August 1952
The huge trees of Aberdare Park loom over the racing motorcyclists and the roadside spectators who are protected by the odd hay bale or fence.
From the collection of:
Overview
Aberdare Park, situated in the village of Trecynon near Aberdare, is considered one of the best motorcycle circuits in the world and here John Surtees, CBE, who was 500cc Motorcycle World Champion in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960, and Formula One World Champion in 1964, wins the main race as an up-and-coming 18 year old. S T Bennett, another competitor, has a dramatic crash just one lap from the finish and there is footage, too, of a scramble at Coldra Farm, Langstone, Newport.
The first motorcycle meeting was held in Aberdare Park in 1950 and from this particular Saturday onwards it became a national meeting. This exciting footage was shot by Evan Morgan from Pontypridd, a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of Cardiff Amateur Cine Society. John Surtees (b.1934) is still the only person to have won World Championships on two and four wheels! Aberdare Park, notable as can be seen for its tall trees, is situated in the village of Trecynon, near Aberdare.
Related
Watch for free
Baltimore Q&A Baltimore Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Watch for free
Joanna Scanlan - Exclusive Q&A Joanna Scanlan - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 51 mins
Actor and writer Joanna Scanlan talks to Mia Bays, director of the BFI's Filmmaking Fund, about her career in film and television.
Watch for free
Baldwin's N***** Baldwin's N*****
Documentary 1969 44 mins
Horace Ové's striking portrait of the American writer James Baldwin at his sharp-witted best addressing a group of radical West Indian students in 1960s London.
Watch for free
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
Watch for free
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
Watch for free
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.