Rev of revs to be commemorated

SUNDAY, May 8 will see the unveiling of a blue plaque dedicated to Canon Basil Davies, one-time vicar of St Barnabas Church in Sea Road, who also rejoiced in the nom-de-plume, Ixion, as a top journalist for the magazine, The Motor Cycle.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2011, 13:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:27 BST

This was read avidly by vintage motorcycle enthusiasts and was served by Ixion for almost 60 years. Now the present vicar at St Barnabas, Father Roger Crosthwaite, is supporting the installation of a memorial plaque there by the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club.

More than 40 motorcycles dating from 1909 to 1939 will start a special day of events at 10.30am by touring roads across the Pevensey Levels before returning to St Barnabas Church for a 12.30pm lunch and a display featuring their treasured vintage machines.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Then at 2pm, Ixion’s sole surviving son, 99-year-old Godfrey “Joff” Davies, and other members of the family will unveil the plaque before Bexhill mayor Jimmy Carroll presents riders’ awards at 3pm. At 4pm the church will host an ecumenical healing eucharist.

In his guise as Ixion, Canon Davies also broadcast on the BBC and gave the first live commentary from the Isle of Man TT races, while as a sporting motorcyclist himself, he won several gold medals in international six-day trials.

Ixion’s blue plaque at St Barnabas Church will be the second in Bexhill - the town already has a plaque commemorating the former residence of John Logie Baird, inventor of the television, close to Bexhill railway station.

Anyone wanting an entry form for the May 8 cavalcade or requiring further details should send an A5 stamped addresed envelope to: Ixion Cavalcade, SMCC Ltd, c/o Dave Masters, 6 Fairlight Close, Bexhill TN40 2PT or phone on 01424 211873 for information.

Related topics:BexhillJohn Logie Baird