Reminiscing
1964
As a youngster I was employed by the main contractor, Marples Ridgway, in the reconstruction of Grosvenor Bridge that carries the main railway lines into London's Victoria Station.
The contractor's site office was located off Queenstown Road, Battersea.
This being just down from the Chelsea Bridge 'Tea Stall' beside the River Thames.
As my brother and I were already into bikes we frequently visited the Tea Stall and on one occasion found ourselves chatting about BSA Gold Stars. One of the guys surprised us and said he had one for sale so we headed up in the general direction of Clapham common.
This was to be our first Goldie and complimented our existing 600cc Dunstall Dominator
1966
Living not far from Beaconsfield an unkindly lady decided to rocket out from a side street and demolish our Goldie. It was then traded (in a sorry state) for a Triumph Bonneville.
Goldie number 2
This was basically a basket case when I bought it and spent the next few years rebuilding to concours condition.
It came about that it had to be sold as finances were low and having just received the correct 1961 registration as a DBD34 from DVLC it was last seen heading to Canada.
Chelsea Bridge, London
Early Photo
Chelsea Bridge Tea Stall - Daytime
Later Photo -
Chelsea Bridge Tea Stall - Daytime
Chelsea Bridge Tea Stall - Night-time
Grosvenor Bridge, London
Battersea Power Station and Grosvenor Bridge which carries the main railway lines into Victoria Station, London
Reconstruction of Grosvenor Bridge in the 1960's
The Main Contractor of the bridge Renovation