DURING a poll to find a Sporting Legend of the 1970s the names of Denis Law, George Best and Clive Lloyd would probably spring to mind.
But during that decade Lymm based Peter Collins was a living legend at Belle Vue Speedway and was crowned individual world champion in 1976 as well as winning many other pairs and team world titles before retiring from the sport in 1986.
Peter truly is a “local hero”. Raised in Partington he learnt his riding, along with four younger brothers on his father’s farm there before they moved to Lymm, Warrington.
His followers proved just how loyal they are to their sport and their idol when Peter came out on top in the popular vote in the reader poll organised by the Manchester Evening News.
“ I was immensely proud to have been given the award” says Peter “and hope that it has helped remind people not just of speedway’s golden age but the fact that it is still an exciting vibrant sport today”.
Peter lives with his wife in High Legh where he is still an avid collector and renovator of classic speedway bikes and cars . So it is fitting that Peter should be patron of this year’s Historic Transport Day.
“ I have ridden and shown bikes all over the world” explained Peter “so it is great to have an event like this on the doorstep and to be able to contribute to a show that celebrates Lymm’s fantastic transport heritage. Hats off to the team who have put in an enormous amount of work to bring it all together”.
Peter is planning to bring along two favourite bikes from his collection, one of his own plus a bike originally built and ridden by another speedway legend of the 1930s, Eric Langton and now rescued and restored by Peter. He will be supported at the event by a mobile speedway museum packed with memorabilia of the sport.
Speedway and classic motor-bikes will be just one part of a huge show which will round off this year’s Lymm Festival. Other highlights include a steam trail, hundreds of classic cars and transport exhibits of every type from vintage prams to flying bi-planes. Learn more about Lymm’s big day out on June 29 at lymmtransport.org.uk.
Speedway legend is patron for Historic Transport Day
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
