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Helena Foster / O'Donnell


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#1 arttidesco

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Posted 29 May 2013 - 17:05

Hi I don't often come to this bit of TNF but sitting next to me is a friend whose Grandmother was Helena O'Donnell, nee' Foster, who he believes took part in motorcycle hill climbs around in the Leeds Yorkshire area somewhere between 1910 - 1920.

He is wondering if anyone can add any further information, photographs and or results to the above which was passed on by Helena's son, my friends Dad John Guy O'Donnell.

Thanking you in anticipation of your responses.

Edited by arttidesco, 29 May 2013 - 18:32.


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#2 Geoff E

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Posted 29 May 2013 - 20:32

Aged 9 in the 1911 census, Ivy Helena Foster had a brother Clarence who was a Motor Car Mechanic. Her age makes it unlikely that she could have raced much before 1920. She married in 1927.

The said Clarence Rupert Foster had a couple of motoring-related patents http://www.patentmap...t_Foster_1.html

Edited by Geoff E, 29 May 2013 - 20:40.


#3 arttidesco

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Posted 29 May 2013 - 22:24

Most kind Geoff, my friend was unsure of the dates and was working backwards from his fathers age rather than any knowledge of his Grandmothers age.

I'll see if any of this regarding the name Ivy and a brother Clarence Rupert rings any bells.

Thanks.


#4 arttidesco

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Posted 31 May 2013 - 10:05

Looks like Geoff E is on the right track, turns out Clarence owned a Bugatti dealership in Leeds.

It would appear that Helena got involved in motorcycling 'after' getting married to John O'Donnell who himself also took part in ' "scrambles" or hill climbs.'