Lionel’s sidecar adventure

Frank Prendergast House resident, Lionel Hollands had the chance to relive his sidecar-racing career with a spin around the neighbourhood in a vintage sidecar thanks to Michael from the Vintage Motorcycle Club of WA.

Lionel and his son

Lionel and his son Glen

In years gone by, sidecar racing was a popular event at the former Claremont Speedway, and at tracks all over Australia. Lionel and his brother Neil raced competitively for many years against all of the big-name racers of the era. A highlight for Lionel was winning the prestigious ‘Goomalling Classic’ in 1954, one of the biggest races in Western Australia at the time.

Although Lionel’s decade-long racing career came to a halt after a massive crash, 90-year-old Lionel’s love for racing never diminished, so. he was ecstatic to once again buckle up in a sidecar.

Ian Simms, SCC’s Head of Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services who organised the ride in partnership with Vintage Motorcycle Club of WA, said it was always a pleasure to bring some excitement to a resident’s daily routine.

 

“Lionel’s love for racing is very evident. He has had such an active and exciting racing career that it only seemed appropriate to get him into a sidecar again.

“We would like to thank Michael and the Vintage Motorcycle Club of WA for giving their time so generously and making this wonderful opportunity for Lionel possible,” Ian said.

 

Lionel’s family including his wife, son Glen and granddaughter Hannah and family friends were there to cheer him on as he rode.

Happily married for 68 years, Lionel and his wife both reside at Frank Prendergast House. Their son Glen said he was very happy with the care his parents received at Frank Prendergast House and was grateful his parents could still be together.

 

”The facility is more like a hotel where everything is fresh and it’s been refurbished really well. The staff communication with the family is very strong and it’s great to have the GPs come in often.   My parents are looked after really well, the care they receive is fantastic.”

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