Hackney Speedway: The Hawks
Object
Badge
Object number
2013.208
Physical Description
Small yellow and blue 'Hackney Speedway: The Hawks' metal badge depicting The Hawks' logo (yellow hawk on blue and white check)
Associated Organisation
Associated Place
Material
Metals
Dimension
Diameter (Front): 24mm
Exhibition Label
"I grew up near Brandon in Warwickshire, home of the wonderful Coventry Bees speedway team, and loved the weekly matches with all their thrills and spills. Those happy childhood memories returned when researching the history of local speedway at Hackney Archives, so I was instantly drawn to this colourful and eye-catching badge when I saw it in the collection."
Sally England, Local Studies Librarian
Sally England, Local Studies Librarian
From the exhibition 'Pubs, Clubs & Carnivals: An exhibition about pleasure and leisure in Hackney' [21 June - 3 September 2016]
Hackney Wick Stadium at Waterden Road was opened in 1932. It was used for Greyhound racing, one of Britain’s most popular spectator sports. Dog racing appealed to working men in particular, as it was cheaper than horse racing.
The stadium was home to more than one sport, acting as a speedway for motorcycle racing. By 1953 it could hold an impressive 15,000 spectators. The site was demolished in 2003, but found a new sporting life as the broadcasting centre for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.
Hackney Wick Stadium at Waterden Road was opened in 1932. It was used for Greyhound racing, one of Britain’s most popular spectator sports. Dog racing appealed to working men in particular, as it was cheaper than horse racing.
The stadium was home to more than one sport, acting as a speedway for motorcycle racing. By 1953 it could hold an impressive 15,000 spectators. The site was demolished in 2003, but found a new sporting life as the broadcasting centre for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.
On display?
No
Inscription
Front: Hackney Speedway. The Hawks
Reverse: Clubman
Reverse: Clubman