26th November 2004

Dear Valerie,

Did you know there used to be a motorcycle shop in Findon ?

What on earth would the goalpost objectors say about that sort of thing in the village !

The shop was by the Black Horse and was run by Mr. Mansell. He had sons and daughters and I went to school with Paul. I don't know whether Paul reads the web site but if so I am sure he could tell you some interesting stories !

Mr. Mansell was an engineering genius and built motorcycles for grass-track racing and scrambles. His most wonderful piece of engineering was a miniature racing motorcycle and sidecar.  This was for his sons to ride.  His off road machines included a beautifully modified DMW and BSA Bantam. Only true enthusiasts would remember the DMW marque !

My father bought a 125cc Tandon from him which I learnt to ride when I was nine.  It was blue and had monoshock rear suspension - a long way ahead of the Japanese.

Mr. Mansell eventually closed the shop down when motorcycles went through an unpopular phase.  He was however left with lots of old motorcycles which he once confided to me he had scrapped and disposed of by putting in the Findon Farm House Cellar before it was filled in during modernisation.  I guess these now very valuable machines are preserved in concrete.

My father often told the story that when he was carrying-out ceremonial point duties as a Military Policeman in Gibraltar, Mr. Mansell rode up to him on an army motorcycle and was so shocked to recognise my father he stopped in the middle of the road to have a chat!  My father had to apologise to him later for telling him to "bu.....r off " from the side of his mouth.

Paul, if you read this site please put up a picture of the miniature racing "chair" !

Lawrie May
Antigua,
West Indies.

27th November 2004

With ref. to Mr Mansell's mini bike & sidecar, I can remember the thrill of riding it, as a young boy, & also of it turning over & somebody [possibly Paul] getting burnt on the exhaust.

Wouldn't be allowed now on the school playground. No fun for kids anymore.

John.

John Lindfield, Horsham, West Sussex.