Ixion Cavalcade

Dave Masters told Bexhill Town Forum how the event would have forty pre-1940 machines on display and taking part in a road safety run of over 30 miles duration with prizes being awarded to the stars of the show.

He said the name of Ixion is well known to bike enthusiasts because he was a celebrated journalist writing for The Motor Cycle from 1903-61 - but in another guise he was also Canon Basil Davies, vicar of St Barnabas church for 14 years until he retired in 1940 and moved to Bournemouth.

He was father to six children, of whom only one is still alive - Godfrey, now 99 years old and known as Joff, who hopes to be present at the celebration in May which will include unveiling a blue plaque in commemoration of his father’s life.

Dave told Forum members details of the event and the plaque ceremony at the church at 2pm and said in his day Ixion was as familiar to motorbikers as Murray Walker was to Formula One fans, but even so was rarely linked with his altar ego Canon Basil Davies.

He asked for support for the Ixion Cavalcade and said anyone wanting an entry form or further details should send an A5 SAE to Ixion Cavalcade, SMCC Ltd, CO Dave Masters, 6 Fairlight Close, Bexhill TN40 2PT or phone on 01424 211873 for information.