Binman loved old motorbikes

A MOTORBIKE-LOVING refuse collector, who helped organise races at the Donington Park site before it became a world-famous circuit, has died.

Born and bred in Spondon, Alf Pares was also a marshal at the circuit in the 1970s and owned more than 100 vintage bikes during his lifetime.

Son Peter Pares said his father was "happiest when he was tinkering with old bikes" and even spent one Christmas Eve sitting by the fire polishing spare parts.

Peter said: "There have always been bikes in Dad's life and my mum just got used to it. He used to buy ex-RAF flying suits to ride in because they were fur-lined and kept him warm.

"One time in the late 1940s he and my mum, who was riding on the back, were stopped by the police who thought they were escaped prisoners of war.

"They ended up having to take their suits off and were strip-searched!"

Peter said his father's love of motorbikes started early in his life and he kept one at a friend's house when he was 12 or 13.

He said: "My father loved anything with an engine and getting his hands greasy.

"His favourite bikes were vintage Velocettes and BSA bikes."

Alf, who was 88 when he died of heart and liver failure on January 20, lived in Moult Road, Spondon, for more than 40 years.

He was married to Ethel, who died in 1997, for more than 50 years and Peter was their only son.

Alf began work as a bin man for Shardlow Rural District Council in 1939 and also worked for South-East Derby Rural District Council and Erewash Borough Council, before he retired in 1978.

He tried to sign up for the marines during the Second World War but was turned away for medical reasons after passing his basic training.

Son Peter, a butcher, said: "Just after the war, he joined Derby Pathfinders, a motorcycle club that organised races on what became the Donington Park circuit. When the circuit opened properly in the 1970s he used to be a marshal there.

"He just wanted to put something back into motorcycle sport because he loved it so much."

Alf was also an active member of Spondon Liberal Club for more than 20 years.

Peter said: "He was a community man and a devoted family man who always helped people out and never asked for anything in return except a 'thank-you'."

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