Sidney motors ahead

Local man Sidney Handscombe, who is pictured in this 1908 photograph, was the proud owner of the three-and-a-half horsepower belt-driven REX.

The bike was originally registered at Newark, Nottinghamshire on September 9, 1908 to Samuel James Gregg. He later moved to Sandy and sold the bike to Sidney.

The photo was taken near the Crab Lane railway bridge at Biggleswade.

Born in Langford, Sidney married Florence Presland and they had two daughters, Elsie (now deceased) and Madge.

When the girls were young, Sidney worked at Langford Mill. Later the family moved to Biggleswade and Sidney found a job at Wells and Winch where he remained for the rest of his working life.

As well as being a motorcyclist, Sidney was well known locally as a keen fisherman and would often cycle to Tempsford after a day’s work so that he could bring home a catch for supper.

And whilst fishing on the River Ivel, he reported that sometimes a kingfisher would perch on the end of his fishing rod.

It was his wish before he died to have the words “He leadeth me beside the still waters” from Psalm 23 on his memorial stone.

Sidney’s son-in-law Ronald Bowles kindly brought in this wonderful photo and history provided by himself and his own son-in-law. Thanks go to them both.