A recent Gunnedah Times story about motorcycle racing in Gunnedah, supplied by Marie Hobson from the Gunnedah and District Historical Society, revived memories of old for many in the community.

Among them was Anne Cheetham who said it was “heartwarming” to read the story’s mention of her grandfather Alf Brown – the father of her mother Beryl Richardson.

“Sadly in 1927, he died before Mum was 12 months old and Mum’s mother died before Mum was two-years-old. The family always said she died from a broken heart,” Anne said.

According to historical records, early motorcycling enthusiast Alf Brown, had a motorcycle shop in Conadilly Street. He was elected the first secretary of the club, under the presidency of the mayor in 1927 but a few weeks later was badly injured in a fall while trialling at the Werris Creek track. Taken to Tamworth Hospital, but died three weeks later at the age of 27, leaving a young wife and two-year-old daughter.

Alf in front of his motorcycle display at a Gunnedah Show in the 1920s.

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