A rare set of four 78rpm records Wembley chronicling landmark events at Wembley Stadium and the Empire Pool between 1923 and 1944, reminiscences by Si
£200 - £250
A rare set of four 78rpm records Wembley chronicling landmark events at Wembley Stadium and the Empire Pool between 1923 and 1944, reminiscences by Sir Arthur Elvin and Raymond Glendenning, recorded and published in 1944 by Raymond Glendenning, the records produced at Star Sound Studios, this set originally owned by Major McGrath a Director of Wembley Stadium, approximate running time 30 minutes overall, compilation of history of stadium with interviews, descriptions and commentaries, detailed below: Side 1 April 23rd 1924 State opening of British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. Description of declaration of opening by King George V. Singing of massed choirs 'Land of hope and glory' List of displays held at stadium, torch light tattoos. 1925 rugby union match -Army v RAF. May 19th 1925 description of planes in formation dropping small incendiary bombs over stadium and fire fighters extinguishing the fires. Side 2 15 years later - wartime. Closing ceremony 1925. First function April 28th 1923, first cup final - Bolton v West Ham. Crowds invaded pitch, interview with PC George Scorey who rode the white horse which pushed the crowds back. Side 3 Interview with Ted Vizard (left winger) about game. 1924 Arthur Elvin commentary as to how he founded present company and became MD - how he raised finances. Memories of zeppelin over ground and 1932 Newcastle v Arsenal match with the disputed goal. Side 4 Commentary by Tommy Woodrooffe about disputed goal. Crowd singing Abide with me. Memories from Fred Jackson who was responsible for box office for 21 years. Anecdotes of cup final ticket applications, issuing duplicates because dog chewed or charred remains plus one fellow each year included 5 cigarettes as a sort of bribe. Side 5 Speedway racing, description of race. 1936 Lionel Van Praag first world champion. Greyhound racing - 1940 story of broadcaster - technical difficulties then description of race won by Julia Classic. Side 6 Captain Brice 1927 director and judge. Detailed description of greyhound St. Leger October 3 1931 won by Mick the Miller. Rugby league cup final commentary of 1933 Warrington v Huddersfield match. Harold David - Press secretary recalling occasions. Side 7 Harold David anecdotes.1930 Brentwood v Southend. Ambitious lads tried to excavate tunnel near turnstiles, discovered following day. Empire Pool - foundation stone laid by Earl of Derby, opened 1934 -construction details. Boxing - 2 World title fights, commentary John Henry Lewis v Len Harvey Side 8 Events at Empire Pool. Boxing, tennis, table tennis, ice hockey. Cycling - commentary on race with American team. War time pool closed but stadium still played a part. Post war improvements. Greatest year 1937 Festival of Youth attended by Princess Elizabeth. Music of Brigade of Guards. Finally singing of crowds at Cup Finals.