THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — these Findon Chronicles are created by Valerie Martin and contain scenes from her home village of Findon,
West Sussex, U.K.    Everyday stories about real people.

BARRY PULFORD ON CHANCTONBURY

In December 2010 Barry Pulford of Findon Valley related to me his memories of Chanctonbury Ring....

"Dear Valerie.... Motorbikes on the Downs or a Christmas Ghost Story....Back in 1955 I took my Francis-Barnett 'Plover' motorbike, and a friend with a camera, up the downs on the track from Washington to Chanctonbury.

The track was not gated in those days and we made for the disused chalkpit to the north of Frieslands which was a popular picnic area then. As you can see from the black and white photos we had a great time although I did break two spokes on a particularly heavy landing; the 'Plover' was not a Trials bike!

Seeing a mention of this area on your website I returned a few weeks ago to see how it looked today. Parking in the Washington carpark just off the Washington Bostal where it joins the A24, I walked through the gateway and followed the path to Chanctonbury. After a short distance I arrived at the disused chalkpits to the north of Frieslands. It was a lovely day and I took several photos; there were some changes of course after fifty five years but it was still recognizable.

     click on all of Barry's photographs to enlarge  

Barry on his Francis-Barnett in 1955                                    

Looking north from the Old Chalk Pit 55 years ago.

The Old Chalk Pit in 1955

Old Chalk Pit in 2010

Looking north from the Old Chalk Pit in 2010

Looking south west from the Old Chalk Pit in 2010

After wandering around for a while with memories drifting back through the mists of time, I thought I heard the sound of a Villiers two-stroke engine and then - I saw myself - the Ghost Rider!   With Best Wishes, Barry "

I thought that Barry's reminiscences were absolutely marvellous.

John Greves in Walton on Thames emailed.... "Motorbikes on Frieslands Chalk Pits....Good to hear Barry and friends had some fun ... lucky old-man Goring's gamekeeper Fred Allen was not around with his gun.

One of North Farm workers had a Dot ... once dared to ask if he could ride up there ... didn't last long.

Villiers two stroke power unit for many British bikes .... and all sorts of other things ... very easy to service ... unlike a Norton Twin which was a complete b....rd ...!!

Regards John"

 

Continue if you would like to read about The Sea Hawks and Chanctonbury Ring

This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon and beyond.