Skid Kids (Children’s Film Foundation)

At the starting line, Swanky Clarke (Barry MacGregor) and Peter Harrison (Trevor Hill) of the Burton Bullets Cycle Speedway Club prepare to race against two opponents from the Ruskin Flyers. The background is provided by Lady May House at the corner of Pitman Street and Toulon Street in SE5.

The view now obtained by squeezing in between Lady May House and St. Michael & All Angels church.

The semi-final of the South East London Junior Cup gets under way. The waste ground lies south of Pitman Street and the view if from Wyndham Street with St. Joseph's School on Pitman Street to the top.

St. Michael & All Angels church now occupies the site.

Spectators cheer the Bullets on. This film appears to have quite a large internet following due to it's cycle speedway links.

From a restricted angle, this view pick out the white patch on the wall at the rear of 108 Wyndham Road.

The four cyclists slide around the tight corners of the track. In the right background stand homes on Toulon Street. In post-war Britain, groups of teenagers raced bicycles on the bomb sites in larger cities and eventually the pastime became a popular sport.

Heading away in the centre is Pitman Street with St. Joseph's School to the right.

Bobby Reynolds (Anthony Lang) runs over to say hello to Mr. Clark (Tom Walls Jr.) as his Passenger (A.E. Matthews) looks out from the back of the cab. This is waste ground lying alongside Elfin Road between Wyndham Road and Westhall Road in background.

Wanting to wait and see who wins, the elderly Gentleman waves his hat as Mr. Clark pulls away and heads for the railway station. In the background stand buildings on Westhall Road.

The bowler falls to the ground as the taxi speeds up over the bumpy ground. Looking from Wyndham Road towards the now lost Westhall Road in SE5.

ARK All Saints Academy now stands on the former waste ground.

To hear the result, the spectators crowd around after Swanky passes the finishing line. Facing the Wyndham Arms public house at the junction of Wyndham Road and Redcar Street. A sort of junior version of motorcycle speedway, hundreds of spectators sometimes turned up to watch the races.

The same corer with Kevan House and Laird House on what has become the Wyndham & Comber Estate.

Crediting Swanky Clarke with organising the races, the Announcer declares that the Burton Bullets are the winners of the semi-final. Waste ground between Pitman Street and Wyndham Road in SE5 with St. Joseph's School in the background.

While Burton Bullets fan Ted heads for Bermondsey to find out who won the other semi-final between Bermondsey Greyhounds and Peckham Studs, a van enters Burton Square. In reality, Dickens Square SE1 with houses on Bath Terrace beyond Harper Road to the left.

The newly redeveloped Dickens Square, now renamed Dickens Field.

With Spike (Lance Campbell) sitting in the back, the Morris continues past the Burton Bullets track. Dickens Square with the cleared site formerly occupied by numbers 30 to 33 on the left.

Dickens Field with the new children's playground on the right.

The van turns the corner towards Johnson's factory. Dickens Square off Harper Road SE1.

A closer view of the northern corner of the former Dickens Square.

The two thieves spot a solitary bicycle in the yard at the novelty factory.

After parking the van, Sam (Barry Phelps) watches as Spike opens the gate to the yard. The northern corner of Dickens Square with the rear of buildings on Trinity Church Square in the background.

Newer walls now stand at the location.

Having stowed the bike in the back of the van, the two crooks drive away. This lane runs between Dickens Square and Trinity Street and is now known as Bedford Row.

Inside the factory, Mr. Johnson prepares to lock up as Antonio places a miniature statue that he has been working on into a cupboard.

Mr. Johnson (Graham Stuart) and Antonio (Kurt Wagener) leave the premises before discovering that the bike is missing.

Next to Johnson's factory in Burton Square, the Burton Bullets and their fans gather at the small speedway circuit. Dickens Square with properties on Brockham Street crossing the background. Cycle Speedway teams sprang up all over London and a BBC article on the phenomenon mentions names such as the Walthamstow Wolves, the Warwick Lions from Hackney, the Tottenham Kangaroos, the Beckton Aces, Clapham Panthers, the Portway Penguins and the Stratford Hammers. The article can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31013387

A general view of the redeveloped location with the Baitul Aziz Islamic Cultural Centre to the right.

Looking at the small circuit, Swanky and Bob wish that they could find a bigger ground. Dickens Square also features in 'Adventure in the Hopfields'.

Taken from a similar position with Harper Road in the background.

When Mr. Clarke appears in his cab, the two boys cross over to him. Dickens Square with Harper Road in the left distance.

The Baitul Aziz Islamic Cultural Centre now occupies the site of the terrace.

After enquiring who won the semi-final, Mr. Clarke listens as his son asks if they have an old shield that could be given as a trophy. Facing south-west on Dickens Square with the King William IV public house just visible to the top left..

No sign of the past here.

Ted rides up and tells Swanky that the Bermondsey Greyhounds won the other semi-final prompting the Bullets to start practising straight away. Dickens Square, the remaining building of which were demolished between1971 and 1972 and the site designated as a Public Open Space.

The open space is still an open space.

Standing with Sergeant Scott (Peter Neil) and Antonio, Mr. Johnson points to the riders telling the officer that they are the cause of the trouble. A closer view of the rear of properties on Brockham Street.

The backs of the houses on Brockham Street have been rebuilt.

Antonio walks home with his daughter Maria (Pauline Black) and Sally Reynolds (Judy Stephens) as Mr. Johnson speaks with Sergeant Scott. Dickens Square, which was originally named Union Square.

A more pleasant scene now.

Worrying that the factory owner will stop them using his ground, Bob explains to Mr. Johnson that they need to use the circuit to practice for the speedway final on the following Saturday. Dickens Square in SE1.

A wider view of the location as it looks almost 70 years on.

After Mr. Johnson agrees to let the riders practice on his land, Sylvia Clarke (Angela Monk), Sally and Bobby walk home past a second hand shop.

The children admire the new bicycle, out of their price range at 25 shillings.

Sylvia says goodbye to Sally and Bobby before heading home. Ralph Street at the corner of Brunswick Place located by Mark Pearson.

Mark's research caused him to take this view after discovering that the corner also appears in a later scene featured in capture 53.

At the back of a Pull-In, Joe works on a bike as Sam and Spike arrive with more stolen machines.

Returning to Ebenezer Row, Sam and Spike hide the van in their lock-up. This yard lies off Moxon Street at the back of The Kings Head public house in Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire.

The two leftmost upper windows and a less obvious fact confirmed the location to Dave W. (RL)

At Burton Square, the Bullets continue to practice through the week. Dickens Square with the terrace heading towards Ralph Street in the background. By the early 1950s, the teams began to gain official recognition and the National Amateur Cycle Speedway Association was set up to oversee the sport with a few local authorities even finding funds to build proper tracks.

Now Dickens Square Park within Dickens Fields.

Spike steps from a telephone box after placing an order for novelty goods from Mr. Johnson. Abbey Street with the call box outside the Royal George public house at number 84 and the prefab at 33 The Grange.

A wider view of the location now from Mark.

Sam and Spike drive to the factory to pick up their order . . . and stealing another bike while they are there. This lane between Dickens Square and Trinity Street in SE1.

The lane looks rather upmarket now.

Sergeant Scott arrives to tell the Bullets that they can no longer use the factory ground after Mr. Johnson reports the theft of another bicycle. The property to the right is 29 Dickens Square.

As expected, nothing remains of the building.

The Sergeant explains that all of the bikes must be checked before the site is cleared. Dickens Square off Harper Road in SE1.

More colourful now.

In Bermondsey, the Greyhounds practice for the upcoming final. This site lies between Larnaca Street and Stanworth Street in SE1.

Tomson House on St. Saviours Estate replaces the narrow building to the left while the flats on the Purbrook Estate still stand in the background, now joined by the Shard in the distance.

Spike and Sam arrive at the track. The circuit occupies land now taken by Thetford House on St. Saviours Estate enclosed by The Grange, Larnaca Street, Stanworth Street and Maltby Street in Bermondsey.

Thetford House stands to the right.

After an unattended bike is spotted, the van is moved along the road. Larnaca Street with The Grange in the left distance.

A very different sight now.

Unnoticed, Spike enters through a gate. The view towards Stanworth Street from Larnaca Street with Maltby House to the extreme right.

Thetford House blocks the view of the since extended Maltby House.

With the bike in the back of the van the thieves drive away. Larnaca Street with the corner of The Grange to the extreme left.

The corner now lies entirely on a realigned Stanworth Street.

The bike Owner tells his Teammates that his machine has been stolen before telephoning Sergeant Scott. Looking from Larnaca Street across to Stanworth Street with Wyatt & Co's tin box factory, that became part of the Metal Box Company's empire, on Riley Road in the right background.

The background building survives for the moment as the Tower Workshops.

At a market, the crooks unload their van before drumming up interest in the items purchased from Mr. Johnson.

With trade slow, Sam explains that they are closing until the afternoon.

Arriving in the market, Bobby overhears the two men talking about Antonio's statue.

Bobby follows Spike as he makes his way to the Caledonian Market. Tower Bridge Road SE1 at the crossroads with Artillery Street with Tower Bridge in the distance and the railings of St. John's churchyard on the left.

A fairly well preserved scene. (PW)

Carrying Antonio's statue, the crook walks into the market. Bermondsey Street in SE1 with the still standing numbers 5 to 8 Bermondsey Square to the left and the Troc-ette Cinema towering above number 219 Bermondsey Street on the right. The BFI website advises that the New Caledonian Market had relocated to Bermondsey Square after the war.

A newer property obscures the view. (PW)

Bobby leaves the market after seeing the statue being sold to a market trader. Bermondsey Square SE1 with still extant buildings on Grange Walk to the extreme right. In the left background, across Tower Bridge Road, stand the premises of John Feaver Ltd., manufacturers of iron and tin products. New Caledonian Market can also be seen in 'The Boy and the Bridge'.

Some of the surviving buildings are covered in the now expected scaffolding. (PW)

Following Spike to Ebenezer Row, Bobby climbs onto the roof of the hideout as his bike is taken inside before returning homeward and reporting the stolen statue and the theft of his bike to Sergeant Scott. The yard at the rear of The Kings Head at 84 High Street in Barnet.

Fortunately for Dave it was only a small white van. (RL)

On the day of the final, Bobby sees the crooks' van approaching. The corner of Harper Road and Rockingham Street with Trinity House on Bath Terrace in the left background.

Newall House now stands at the corner.

The camera follows the vehicle as it crosses Harper Road into Ralph Street.

Ralph Street is now lost but the sign for Dickens Square remains in place for the moment.

Concealing himself in doorway, Bobby watches as the van passes Swanky's bicycle standing outside a shop. The corner of Harper Road and Ralph Street.

The same corner.

As the van comes to a halt, Spike gets out and takes the parked bike. The corner of Harper Road and Ralph Street. The long disappeared junction can also be seen in 'Adventure in the Hopfields'.

Taken from a similar viewpoint.

Alerted by Bobby, Swanky runs after the van as it pulls away. Looking east along Ralph Street.

Just looking east!

Swanky is caught and pushed into the back of the van. At the junction of Ralph Street, Dickens Square and Circular Road in SE1.

A greener spot these days.

Children start to chase after the crooks. Ralph Street with houses on Falmouth Road in the left background.

An approximation of the location now.

On bikes, roller-skates or running, the youngsters ride after the criminals. Looking into the northern section of Ralph Street from Falmouth Road.

Looking towards the open space named after Dickens Square.

Spike and Sam escape along the main road followed by two taxis full of Children driven by Mr. Clarke and a Colleague. Facing south on Harper Road with Harper Road School at the corner of Ripley Street in the background.

From the safety of the footpath, looking towards the Ark Globe Academy, the same school building which is no longer on the corner of Ripley Street.

Unaware that they are being pursued, the crooks continue to flee. London Road at Canons Corner in Stanmore, Middlesex.

Antony Blair arrived at the same location.

The shot follows the van as it negotiates a roundabout. Canons Corner on the A5 Watling Street in Stanmore at the junction of London Road, Spur Road, Stone Grove and Brockley Hill.

Just the centre background building remains standing in Antony Blair's shot.

Losing Swanky's kidnappers, Mr. Clarke brings his taxi to a stand for Bobby to ask a couple of pub Customers if they have seen the van. Opposite The Fishmongers Arms public house at 132 High Street, next to Herkomer House on the corner of Melborne Road in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The location also appears in 'Cross-Roads' and ‘Johnny On the Spot’.

Today The Fishmongers Arms has gone, and Herkomer House has been converted into apartments. (SR)

The crooks arrive at Joe's Pull-In. The entrance to allotments on Two Waters Road in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Two Waters Way now occupies the site of the allotments.

Somewhere along here, and could those railings to the left be original? (PW)

Finding Swanky in the back of the van, Joe tells Spike and Sam to get rid of him.

After Swanky manages to leave a clue at the entrance to Joe's Pull-In, the crooks drive away before turning off the main road to disguise their van.

The two cabs full of children arrive opposite Joe's Pull-In. Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead.

The same terrace. (PW)

Everyone crosses the road to where Bobby has found the clue left by Swanky. Two Waters Road in Hemel Hempstead with the bridge over the Grand Union Canal in the centre distance.

The road has been truncated by the construction of the newer A414 Two Waters Road dual carriageway. (PW)

After discovering several bikes hidden at the back of the Pull-In, Bobby asks a Customer if he has seen a van leave recently. This seems to be meadowland the in the vicinity of Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead with two of the gasholders belonging to Boxmoor Gas Works in the left distance.

Looking from Two Waters Road towards London Road. (PW)

Returning to the cabs, Mr. Clarke and the children set off along the road that the Customer had pointed out before Bobby stops them. To the right stands the sign for The Whip & Collar public house on Two Waters Road.

Taken from what is currently the entrance to the K2 Balti House. (PW)

Telling the Cabbie to call the police, Bobby tells Mr. Clarke that he saw Swanky's bike at the Pull-In and thinks that he knows where they have taken him. Facing The Whip & Collar on Two Waters Road in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

The building survives as a restaurant. (PW)

As Joe throws the stolen bicycles into the weir at the back of his yard, the Cabbie and children follow Harry (David Coote) down to the river. The sign reads Howard Farrow, who were a construction company.

As the police arrive at the Pull-In, the crooks return to their hideout with Swanky. Moxon Street in Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire, pinpointed with the help of Howard Berry who recognised the Birch Brothers bus passing along High Street in the background.

At least the background was clear for Dave if not everywhere else. (RL)

Hearing the bells of approaching police cars, Sam and Spike drive on past their hideout. Steve Randall found that “Mavis of Bushey” traded at 48 High Street in Bushey, Hertfordshire, next to the Red Lion. The building can also be seen in 'All Living Things'.

Now the entrance to the "lovely beer garden" of the Red Lion. (SR)

Sergeant Scott and his Men arrive on Ebenezer Row where Mr. Clarke, Bobby and the Children are waiting. Facing Moxon Street in Barnet.

A much smarter spot than Dave might have imagined. (RL)

The film's finale chase scene begins. Dave W, saving shoe leather, used a map to locate Abbey Street, London SE1 looking south along Maltby Street, the postbox whilst repositioned remained as does 132 Abbey Street, the property on the right hand side. (RL)

A wider view of the location to show that the pillar box is still in situ.

With much redevelopment having taken place in the area, but this is Wyndham Road, London SE5 at the crossroads with Elfin Road and facing 9 to 15 Elfin Road. (RL)

Can you believe that this is the same place?

A police car keeps up the pursuit.

The silence of a quiet street is broken by two Motorcycle Officers as they speed past. Abbey Street, circa 140 viewed from the junction with Maltby Street, London SE1. (RL)

A fairly well preserved location. (MP)

That's a rather formidable terrace. Richard Lovejoy believes this to be Warrior Road at the corner of Elfin Road in SE5.

The chase goes on through Councillor Street, London SE5 looking towards the junction with Ulric Street (left) and Contire Place (right). The pub is the Prince Albert at 34 Councillor Street, behind that is Comber Grove school and in the background 'Comber House'. (RL)

Mark Pearson replicates the scene as best as possible.

The crooks' van in Councillor Street is approaching the junction with Ulric Street to the left and Cantire Place to the right. (RL)

Different buildings, same location.

Abbey Street at the junction with The Grange in SE1 with still extant properties at the corner of Maltby Street to the top left.

The same junction now with Breton House taking the place of the prefabs.

The corner of Abbey Street and The Grange.

A closer view of the corner complete with street sign.

Sergeant Scott and his men gain on the crooks. Located by Mark Pearson this is looking south along Elfin Road from the corner of Westhall Road with the Baptist Church on Councillor Street beyond the Bottle Cleansing Works to the right and Harlynwood on Wyndham Road on the left.

Taken from the best possible angle due to redevelopment, this is Harlynwood now.

With their escape blocked by police, Sam and Spike turn from the main road. Looking north on Maltby Street with Stanworth Street to the left and Millstream Road on the right.

The street is a little more built up now.

After cornering, the two come face to face with another patrol car. Stanworth Street with The Grange crossing the distance.

Nothing from the screen capture remains.

The van is surrounded. Stanworth Street SE1.

The line of the street remains at this point.

With the crooks taken into custody, Swanky and Bobby are driven to the Speedway Final. Stanworth Street with Maltby Street and the railway viaduct carrying the line out of London Bridge to the right.

Behind the tree to the top right can be seen the viaduct.

The Speedway Final is already under way. To the right runs Wyndham Road in SE5.

Difficult to recreate, this is looking along Wyndham Road from in front of St. Michael and All Angels.

With their Police escort, Swanky and Bobby arrive at the track. Looking from Wyndham Road across waste ground towards Westhall Road and buildings on Elfin Road.

ARK All Saints Academy now takes the spot.

The riders prepare to race.

The view through the gap between St. Michael and All Saints church and 108 Wyndham Road.

The crowd grows quiet as the competitors names are announced. Facing Lady May House in SE5.

Policemen watch the race. The spire of St. John the Divine rises in the top right distance.

The best shot now is this view from Pitman Street.

Mr. Johnson arrives and asks Sergeant Scott how the Bullets are doing. Looking towards buildings on Westhall Street with Elfin Road crossing the background.

Facing the ARK All Saints Academy on Wyndham Road.

Spectators watch as the riders come under starters orders for the last leg of the contest. The Wyndham Arms stands at the corner of Wyndham Road and Redcar Street in the background.

The same corner of Wyndham Road and Redcar Street in SE5.