Cycle track at the Jewel, Edinburgh

Question 1

The Jewel or Magdeline

Thomas Lee who sent me the photograph above tells me that he is not sure about the location. It may be the Jewel or Magdeline. If you recognise the location, please e-mail me.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs.

Answer

I normally associate The Jewel with the large Asda store, near Fort Kinnaird. However, Donald Grant, Penicuik, Midlothian replied, explaining where he believes the cycle track would have been.

Donald wrote:

The Jewel

"Having looked at this photo, tagged as 'The Jewel or Magdalene', I'm pretty sure that it is indeed The Jewel.

My understanding is that the area known as the Jewel was on the western side of what is now Duddingston Park and lay between that road and the Bingham housing scheme, although as that wasn't my home territory I do stand to be corrected.

The buildings in the background are consistent with the now demolished flat roof Bingham buildings. I'm not sure if it is still there but The Jewel Miners Welfare Club used to sit on Duddingston Park and was built of the same red brick as the miners rows that can be seen in the background of one of the other Jewel photos."

Donald Grant, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland: February 13, 2008

Donald added:

"Further to my comments on the Jewel Miners Welfare Club, I can now confirm that the building itself is still there, but is now harled and white in colour.

As to its purpose these days, I'm afraid I don't know."

Donald Grant, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland: February 19, 2008

Question 2

Donald Grant added:

Alex Cropley

"What really intrigues me is a rider named in one of these shots as Alex Cropley. I would be very interested to find out if it is the same Alex Cropley who played football for Hibs, Arsenal and Aston Villa. It certainly looks like him!"

Donald Grant, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland: February 13, 2008

Answers

Thomas Lee replied:

Alex Cropley

"You might want to confirm to everyone that the Alex Cropley quoted in one of the pictures is THE Alex Cropley who played for the Hibs, Aston Villa"

Thomas Lee, Edinburgh: February 13, 2008

Andrew Hogarth added:

"Alex Cropley rode for the Eastern Royals Cycle Speedway Team in 1966. He was a very good rider and always scored well for the team. Like myself he lived in the Magdalene Gardens Housing Estate.

The gentleman that ran the cycle speedway in our area was Willie Fleet. Alex and I both attended Norton Park High School that was attached to the main stand of the Hibernian FC ground.

In his first season on the left wing for the Hibs reserves Alex scored 19 goals. He was indeed a rare talent.

Andrew Hogarth, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: March 18 +19, 2008

Andrew tells me that he has lived in Sydney, Australia since 1981, and that, while living in Edinburgh, he also rode for Eastern Royals, Eastern Warriors and later Eastfield Eagles who won the 3rd Division Championship in 1967.

Dave Watt added:

Tam Cropley

"This team was the Brunstane Bees. The rider in the lead is Tam, Cropley, brother of Alex Cropley. Alex was also a fine footballer but never made it to Senior ranks."

Dave Watt, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland: March 20, 2008