Cecil Sandford plaque unveiled at former garage in Shipston

The plaque, which honoured Cecil Sandford, was unveiled by his two sons, Mark and Ian, and is "another story for the town" according to the town's mayor. 

Over 50 people attended the ceremony including many residents, motorcycle enthusiasts and Cecil Sandford's family. 

A crowd of 50+ people attended the ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

John Dinnie, mayor of Shipston on Stour, said: "I think this is a good thing as it's yet another story for the town and it raises awareness of our history. 

"The ceremony itself went very well.

"I think everyone was pleased to see Pat, Mark and Ian, and I think they were also pleased to see so many people turn up. 

"Mark and Ian unveiled the plaque and there was a small speech. 

"We decided to put the plaque next to Harry's Barbers because that is where his garage used to be. 

The new plaque (Image: Newsquest)

"We had a couple of his apprentices that worked at the garage turn up. 

"What looks like a brick flowerbed beneath the plaque is actually an old fuel tank and one of the last remains of the old garage which I think is a nice touch."

Cecil Sandford died in November 2023, however, plans to to remember the world champion in Shipston started before. 

The plaque was unveiled on Saturday (September 21).

Cecil Sandford's family: Pat, Ian and Mark (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Dinnie continued: "Basically, Harry's Barbers was the garage where Cecil worked and tuned up his motorbikes. 

"A few residents had been in touch with the council and we decided to go ahead with the plaque.

"He won two motorcycle world championships five years apart which just shows how good he was. 

"It's one more bit of the town's history that is now fixed in place, it's always good to have a memento. 

"Apart from a lot of residents, there were some motorcycle enthusiasts but what surprised me was just how many historians also turned up."

Cecil Sandford worked out of A R Taylor Garages in Shipston but was born in Blockley.