Westwood Works 1903-2003

Sports Club Open Days

These sports days, or galas, started in 1937 and went on even during the war, although only two could be held as the factory was constantly working for the war effort. They remained a feature of Sports Club life up to just before the closure of Westwood Works. The work of organising and running the event was carried out by a working committee comprising the Sports Club Committee and the Directors of Baker Perkins.

These events were much more than just a sports day, with dancing in front of the pavilion and many side-show and fun-fair attractions. Other "spectaculars" have included displays of Baseball or American Football by personnel from a nearby American Air Force base.

The competitors were well catered for. The small print at the bottom of the 1945 hand-bill promised "Spacious dressing rooms, hot baths and Masseurs in attendance..!"

It was not unusual for 6,000 people to attend, and as the 1945 hand-bill indicates, significant sums were raised. After all expenses had been paid all were donated to local charities


1945: Open Day Poster	1959: Cycle Racing Event	1968: Where's the fire?	1968: Battling it out	1969: Learning to ride	1969?: Sports Club Open Day Logo	1978: Open Day display of Sports Club Trophies

1985	1985	1985	1985	1986: Last Chance Saloon	1986: Off to the Fire	1986: Listen to the Band

1986: They're Off	1986: Sports Club Open Day Memento	Date??: The Starter's Pistol

The Self-Propelled Vehicle Racing Event

This activity began in 1967. The vehicles were designed and built by Apprentices in their spare time. Races were held on both the Apprentice and Alma Road Sports Grounds but Apprentices travelled all over the country to pit their designs against those of other companies. A smaller "kiddie go-cart" version was also built in the Apprentice School and a number of these were raffled off at Sports Club Open Days.


1967: Racing at Bedford	1968: Apprentices building a kiddie car	1968: Kiddie car in action	1968: At Sports Club Open Day	1969: Just off the Production Line	1969	1969

1969	1969	1969