A bronze plaque commemorating legendary motorcyclist Malcolm Uphill has been unveiled in Caerphilly town.
Uphill, who was raised in Trecenydd and later lived in Machen, was the first man to average over 100 mph for a lap of the Isle of Man TT on a production motorcycle. He achieved the record on a Triumph Bonneville 750cc in 1969.
He passed away in 1999, aged 64 from asbestosis.
The plaque, unveiled by Caerphilly MP Wayne David on September 7, is the result of £2,500 worth of fundraising by a committee dedicated to getting Mr Uphill recognised in the town.
The group of six people was chaired by town councillor and local businessman Eddie Talbot.
Cllr Talbot said: “It’s been a long project, but absolutely brilliant and we’ve all enjoyed it, learning a lot about Malcolm Uphill and his life.
“This is about somebody from Caerphilly actually doing something with his life and being disabled as well, he was deaf, added another dimension to the achievement he made going around the Isle of Man. If he can inspire today a youngster doing something similar, then I think this task has been achieved.
“I’d like to thank everybody who bought a t-shirt, donated money, the top of town garage, Wetherspoons, Bedwas Motorcycle and Light Car Club who donated £500 and the list goes on.”
Siân Gough, Mr Uphill’s daughter, posting on caerphilly.observer, said: “Thank you all so much for all you have done for the remembing of my dad. I think about him every day but didn’t realise how many others admired him.
“I’m currently in Johannesburg so couldn’t be there. Thank you again and I’m looking forward so much,as are his grandchildren, to seeing the plaque.”
At last, a tribute in the town to one of it`s own, Malcolm Uphill was awarded the freedom of the town for his personal achievements as a Champion and a true Welshman, who, unlike others, never forgot his roots.
This appears to be a wonderful effort by the group who were originally inspired to honour Malcolm. I am told that various Community Councils in the area, and members of public, made fantastic contributions towards this plaque, but, the local Town council withdrew their support!!!, But, it is good to see Caerphilly`s MP Wayne David representing all the citizens of the area at this unveiling.
Can anyone inform me, as a resident of the town area, why my local Community Council (The Caerphilly Town Council) made no final contribution towards this brilliant memorial in order to endorse their support for it, but I do understand that Caerphilly County Borough Staff were invaluable to bringing the creation of this plaque about, whilst, Community Council`s outside the town made financial contributions towards it?. If this is the case local Caerphilly Town Councillors ought to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves, particularly when they make thousands of pounds available from, the rates, every year, to celebrate Guy Fawkes, surely a small token contribution to Malcolm`s memorial would have been a generous gesture even though it appears, the fundraising, was being organised by opposition Town Councillors, who, have no control over the purse strings.
Local Plaid Cymru Councillors should hang their heads in shame every time they pass this memorial for failing to join in the creation of it.
Surly Jeff has made a mistake, or he has been misinformed?.
The Caerphilly Town Council would have insisted on joining in this celebration of to a FREEMAN OF CAERPHILLY, I would go as far as to say they had no alternative than to be seen to support it on behalf of the people of the town who elect them, were they asked at all?
If Jeff is correct, but, under the circumstances relating to this memorial I think he may have made a mistake, or at least, I hope he has made a mistake, then someone needs to explain it and clarify it.
Can someone please let me know where the memorial is and if possible post me some pictures of the run out on the Sunday after it was unveiled. Miss my dad so much but am half way round the world in Johannesburg so couldn't be there. Thank so much. Sian x .