Longford Rockers

Are there any old Longford Rockers out there. I remember well the laurel on the back of leather jackets with the big LR in the middle and the word TRIUMPH along the bottom in chrome letters (probably from someone's Herald bonnet)

I was too young to be involved with the infamous Longford Rockers. However a good mate of mine (Bob Law) was a bit older than me and had been an 'LR' in his youth. He had a 'star' tattoo between his thumb and forefinger which he claimed was a way of identifying fellow Longford Rockers!

I remember Longford Rockers very well. I don't think they were really an organised group as such, not a gang you actually joined. There were some actual motorcyclists and many more kids who wore the leather jacket and jeans because they liked the look and the association of cool. They were loosely based around Longford skating rink, snooker hall and Saracens. In those days it was not compulsory to wear a helmet and it's frightening now to remember some of those lads were riding Bonnevilles and Square Fours at 100 mph + wearing just a flat cap, sometimes with a girl on the back! In 62/63 aged 15 with no money, Longford rink was a fantastic place to go. A shilling to get in (if you went in the main door) and all the latest records played at full blast. Fantastic days.

'Leather jacket and jeans because they liked the look and the association of cool' You are joking walrus - 'shrink to fit' Levi's, Fred Perry Polo Shirt, Baracuta Harrington & Loakes Royals - That was cool!! Edited by member, 31st Oct 2013 10:26 am

Wow! Mods and Rockers rivalry lives on nearly 50 years later!!!

Of course Beesman ! I still wear the clothes - and own a 1965-66 Lambretta Li 150 Silver Special ! In fact the Two-Tone Village are/were raffling a Scooter (Sky Blue) I think, It was on their website.. Edited by member, 31st Oct 2013 12:24 pm

Used to go there with my cousin Frank, he had a 650 Bonnie sprayed Jaguar metalic light blue with lots of chrome

Oh yes, the clothes! I had pigskin loafers, check hipster trousers, American soft roll collar shirt, half belted jacket and a college boy hair style. I thought I was a swan and couldn't pass a shiny surface without checking myself out. Best not to go to the rink dressed like that. Bald head and casual golf wear now. Just to tie in with "First gig" - for me it was The Who at Plymouth Guildhall late 1965, absolutely fantastic.

Hi Mick, yes, I remember my sister being a Longford Rocker back in the 60's, she was very good at art, I remember her bringing leather jackets home to paint the laurel wreaths on. A memory I have is seeing my sister crying and sobbing when listening to the radio, "Leader of the pack" by The Shangri La's came on, her boyfriend had recently been killed on the Foleshill Road, from what I understand they had just built a "chopper" bike, I think his name was Gale Jackson?? (Gig) and a pillion called Doug?? Edited by member, 31st Oct 2013 3:45 pm

I remember going to the skating rink very well. I arrived wearing my "plastic leather jacket" which I had adorned with a fancy FB logo (I had a Francis Barnett motorbike which I was foolish enough to advertise). I handed my jacket over to the guy looking after them and neglected to mention that the paint was still wet on the FB bit. He was most unhappy when he got covered in white paint. When I got onto the rink my lack of skating skill soon became apparent. However, not to worry, the kind people there said they would allow me to hold on to the end of them and they would tow me around the rink. What they neglected to mention was that to make it more enjoyable (for them) they would slam me into the outer rink fence at great speed as they went round. It wasn't too long before I was proficient at skating however and doing the same thing to other beginners. One of life's quickly learned lessons.

That was one of life's pleasures GVB, at least your were veered to the side line. On the very few occasions I was persuaded to go I was dragged to the middle and left there, doing the splits nearly until someone would take pity and push me in the right direction. Well, it gave somebody a laugh and that is what we were there for. Nothing to do with the Rockers but I may have pulled some of you down with me at times.