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.
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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.
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