The Speedway world is in mourning at the very sad news of the passing at the weekend of legendary Poole & England rider, Ken Middleditch at the age of 95 years.
Ken was a hugely important figure in British Speedway for many years – as a successful rider for the Poole Pirates throughout the 1950s and both before and after his retirement from racing providing a friendly welcome to so many riders at the family home in Dorset.
Kent co-promoter Len Silver who knew Ken so well as a fellow rider in that era said,
"Ken was a champion during my own riding days. He was admired and respected by fans and riders alike, always a power of strength for the Pirates. Off track, Ken and his whole family were a pleasure to know and their Lodging House was a place we all enjoyed staying in when we were in the area. He will be sadly missed and my condolences to his family and all at Poole ".
The club sends condolences to Ken’s son Neil (himself a former rider of distinction and then a hugely successful team manager of the family’s beloved Poole Pirates) and all the rest of the Middleditch family and Ken’s many friends.