A Framsden couple who were brought together by a shared love of speedway have celebrated 60 years together. 

It was love at first sight for Alan and Rita Skippings when they met as teenagers on the terraces at Foxhall Stadium. 

They married two years later, on March 30, 1963. Alan was 21 and Rita 16. 

“Going to Speedway was something we always did as a family,” explained their son, Tom Skippings. “Mum and Dad are still season ticket holders and they go every week.” 

Celebrations for this diamond couple continued into the following week, when they attended the Ipswich Witches season opener against Leicester on Thursday, April 6.  

They arrived, ready to watch the Witches riders preparing for their Knockout cup against the Lions – only to realise they were in for a surprise. 

“The club was absolutely fantastic,” said Tom. He had contacted Ipswich Witches beforehand and was hoping that his parents’ anniversary may get a mention in the match’s program, or perhaps an announcement would be made by Kevin Long, the race night presenter. 

In fact, Alan and Rita were invited down to the race pits, where they met Jason Doyle. Mr Doyle is a world champion racer, who returned to British Speedway with the Witches in 2022. 

He spent some time chatting with Alan and Rita, and even posed for a photograph – with Rita delighted to stand between Mr Doyle and her husband. 

“Jason Doyle is my mum’s favourite rider, so it was very special,” said Tom.  

“They gave my parents some flowers, and then took them to the trackside so they could watch races from the centre green.” 

Alan and Rita Skippings have lived in Framsden for many years. They are parents to Tom and Stuart, 56, and grandparents to Ruby, Oliver, Adam and Jack.