Long time supporter Jean has passed away today

NEWS Sunday 12th January 2025, 1:32pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Many speedway supporters will be sad to hear the news that long-time Monarchs' supporter and friend of many, Jean Black, has passed away this Sunday morning.

Jean and her family have played a prominent role in the affairs of the Monarchs and the Monarchs Speedway Supporters' Club since their earliest days. Jean at the age of 15 in 1951 collected donations from the terracing which contributed to the purchase of what has in recent years been the Scottish Open Trophy, but initially was the trophy for Gallantry.

One of Jean's early away trips as a fan was for the 1951 World Final where she saw the Monarchs' Australian star Jack Young win the World title after a run-off. Newspaper cuttings, meeting tickets and diary entries from this great event are now in the Friends of Edinburgh Speedway archive, thanks to Jean.

She continued to travel extensively to Monarchs matches around the country and also to overseas events as long as she was able. She was extremely well known to fans everywhere and had many friends throughout the sport. To them we offer our sincere condolences.