Pontypool motorsport legend honoured with ride out and track naming
Selwyn Griffiths was a champion motorbike racer who spent many years of his working life in the town.
He sadly passed away back in January aged 83 years old.
Selwyn's main claim to fame was as the winner of the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix.
He was also a podium finisher at the Isle of Man TT Races, a Southern 100 Championship winner, and twice Aberdare Park Welsh Open winner.
These however are just some of his many victories.
Selwyn Griffiths at the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix (Image: Michael Griffiths) Selwyn worked at Ray Cowles Motorcycles in Pontypool with his business partner and race sponsor Ray for 68 years and was a much-loved figure in the community.
At least 160 bikers were present during his funeral procession.
Now a 'ride out' is being held from Pontypool to Pembrey circuit in Llanelli to celebrate the naming of 'Selwyn's corner' at the track.
Speaking of the ride out and his father 41-year-old Michael Griffiths Selwyn's son said: 'Dad's achievements are being honoured by the naming of a corner at Pembrey Circuit, the home of Welsh Motorsport, and I think that says it all.
'We'll have a great time and contribute to a good cause in memory of dad.'
Selwyn Griffiths at Ulster race track (Image: Michael Griffiths) All proceeds from the ride out will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
So far, an incredible £1,466 has been raised through a JustGiving page in Selwyn's honour.
At the circuit a raffle to raise further funds for Wales Air Ambulance Charity will be held where participants will have a chance to win motorsport related items.
Selwyn's family have said for more information on the ride out to search for Selwyn's Pembrey Circuit Rideout on JustGiving.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire schoolgirl Lily Wilson, 10, dies suddenly
Lily Wilson, 10, passed away in her home village of Simpson Cross last week. Lily was a popular and precious member of Roch Community Primary School, big sister to Eva and beloved daughter of Andy and Kate. The Pembrokeshire community has now pulled together to help her family. Family friend Emma Robertson has set up a fundraising appeal to help cover the costs of Lily's funeral and kind-hearted contributors have helped smash the £2,000 target, raising more than £11,000 in just over 24 hours, as of the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4. 'Last week, dear friends Andy and Kate suffered the most devastating sudden and unexpected loss of their beautiful 10-year-old daughter Lily,' said Emma. 'The pain of the last week is a pain no parent should ever have to imagine, let alone navigate their way through. 'Lily was a loved and valued pupil in Roch community primary school and I know her friends, their parents and staff alike are all heartbroken at the sudden loss of Lily.' Emma said that she, as well as other friends, colleagues and the local community, was desperate to help Lily's parents during this heart-breaking time. 'With the permission of Kate and Andy, I would like to try and help raise funds to help with the financial burden of the funeral of beautiful Lily,' she said. 'Together, we could all help ensure that Lily has the special day she deserves and take away some of that worry from Andy and Kate, so they can focus their attention on Lily's little sister, Eva.' Emma said that any money left over would be put towards funding for a local defibrillator in Simpson Cross. 'Every rural village should have access to such vital resources,' she said. 'Maybe together, we can all help this happen.' To contribute to the JustGiving appeal, go to linked above. Emma asked anybody able to donate to do so. She asked those unable to donate to share the fundraiser, so that other people could contribute. 'I know the whole family would be so grateful,' she said.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Charity netball tournament inspired by Kinmel Bay woman's cancer news
Rebecca Quayle, a 40-year-old mother-of-three from Kinmel Bay, was told she has secondary breast cancer 12 months ago. On June 28 from 1.30-4pm, her sister, Jen, will take part in a 'men vs women' charity netball competition at Holywell Leisure Centre. in aid of Make 2nds Count, which supports secondary breast cancer patients. Secondary breast cancer occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. After teaching at Rhyl High School for 17 years, Rebecca gave up her job following her diagnosis. She co-hosts a podcast, It's All Gone T*** Up, with fellow secondary breast cancer patient Danielle Robinson, who is an ambassador for Make 2nds Count, and who runs the Tea & Chat group in Rhyl for patients like her. Rebecca said: 'Every year, they (Jen's netball team) do a netball match for a charity close to their hearts. It made me really emotional (that Make 2nds Count was chosen this year). 'My sister is my rock. She ran a marathon for Breast Cancer Now previously and raised £5,000. I was nearly in tears when I heard; I just thought it was so lovely. 'Danielle's Tea & Chat group has been a real lifesaver. We can speak to people going through the same thing, so it's an irreplaceable, brilliant support network. 'It's tough, but we get up and keep going for our children.' A JustGiving page for the event has also been set up – donations can be made by visiting: An estimated 61,000 men and women in the UK are living with this incurable disease - with an estimated 1,000 lives lost each month - and symptoms can vary from person to person. Jen wrote on the JustGiving page: 'Bec has faced treatment after treatment, and setback after setback, with an insane amount of positivity. 'As her little sister, who feels a little helpless and regrets not becoming a doctor, I want to raise money for the incredible Make 2nds Count, who are dedicated to funding research into secondary breast cancer. 'My amazing netball team is going to hold and compete in a tournament against other teams and husbands to raise money for this incredible charity. 'So, if you can, please donate, and if you're free on June 28, come to Holywell Leisure Centre to watch what I'm sure will be a very interesting tournament!'
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool motorsport legend honoured with ride out and track naming
Selwyn Griffiths was a champion motorbike racer who spent many years of his working life in the town. He sadly passed away back in January aged 83 years old. Selwyn's main claim to fame was as the winner of the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix. He was also a podium finisher at the Isle of Man TT Races, a Southern 100 Championship winner, and twice Aberdare Park Welsh Open winner. These however are just some of his many victories. Selwyn Griffiths at the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix (Image: Michael Griffiths) Selwyn worked at Ray Cowles Motorcycles in Pontypool with his business partner and race sponsor Ray for 68 years and was a much-loved figure in the community. At least 160 bikers were present during his funeral procession. Now a 'ride out' is being held from Pontypool to Pembrey circuit in Llanelli to celebrate the naming of 'Selwyn's corner' at the track. Speaking of the ride out and his father 41-year-old Michael Griffiths Selwyn's son said: 'Dad's achievements are being honoured by the naming of a corner at Pembrey Circuit, the home of Welsh Motorsport, and I think that says it all. 'We'll have a great time and contribute to a good cause in memory of dad.' Selwyn Griffiths at Ulster race track (Image: Michael Griffiths) All proceeds from the ride out will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. So far, an incredible £1,466 has been raised through a JustGiving page in Selwyn's honour. At the circuit a raffle to raise further funds for Wales Air Ambulance Charity will be held where participants will have a chance to win motorsport related items. Selwyn's family have said for more information on the ride out to search for Selwyn's Pembrey Circuit Rideout on JustGiving.
