We learnt sadly of the passing of our good friend and Vice President, Ken Sprayson on Friday 15th October. Our thoughts are with his wife Marjorie, his friends and family at this difficult time.Ken's funeral will be held at Yardley Crematorium at 1.00pm on 11th November 2021. All are welcome but please wear a mask if you wish to attend the service.
Yardley Crematorium is at: Yardley Road, South Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8NA
We will write a more considered eulogy in "Roadholder", but in the meantime let's remember Ken as a great supporter and an inspirational friend. The following is taken from the publisher's introduction to his excellent book "The Frame Man".
'Ken Sprayson was the man the stars turned to for something a bit special in the way of motorcycle racing frames - Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith, Bill Boddice, Cyril Smith and many more, all came to Reynolds and Ken Sprayson.
For over 30 years Ken worked at Reynolds fabricating special projects in tubing, especially Reynolds '531' steel tubing, so often used by racing machines and where strength and light weight were vital. His practical design knowledge and ability to fabricate in steel and aluminium tubing were legendary throughout the industry. At Reynolds where he worked for some 35 years, it was Ken's job to make the first of any special project, so he was the man who built the first production Featherbed frame from McCandless' original design for the Norton Manx; the man who built the frame for Project Thrust, Britain's world speed record breaking car; who designed and built the Reynolds leading link motorcycle fork, who knocked up a scooter frame or a flagpole or yacht mast as required, even the steel cages the electricians used for working on cables between pylons! And in between times he designed and built many special frames for the racing legends of the day. He was also known to just about everyone who ever raced at the Isle of Man TT as the face behind the TT Welding Service, an essential part of each and every TT for 50 years, repairing the ravages brought about by the notorious Isle of Man roads. Ken was the man who just did the job, the knowledge was in his hands as well as his head and his enthusiasm for the job simply knew no bounds."The Frame Man" is Ken's personal account of his life from his early days through his long service with Reynolds to his time as a consultant on welding and fabricating in tubing. His life was eventful, rich in detail and the book provides a fascinating glimpse into post-war manufacturing as well as motorcycle racing. A book for all the TT racers and fans down the year, all those who love motorcycle racing, and those interested industrial history.'
