This exhibition began with an idea from museum volunteer Shane Gale, and a discussion with Tim Broom and Melva Williams. Melva gave me the story and photos of her Saville brothers. We have gathered other names and the story has grown from there.

It follows the journey from the sand hills, to beach racing and creating Briant Park track and the descendants who are still involved with motorbikes.

Herbert Jack, known as Jack, and Trixie Saville lived at Christmas Hills in the late 1940 s early 1950s. They had 7 children, Don, GeoN, Esther, Jack, Melva, Anne and Herb.

The boys were into motorbikes, mostly Triumphs. They created a bike track near their home, which soon became competitive with family and friends. Don and GeoN competed; Melva took photos with a Box Brownie camera.

During the 10 years between 1959 and 1969, beach racing became very popular. The Sharman brothers and Westbrook brothers were also competing successfully by this time.

Racing on Brickmakers Beach became well known around Tasmania, attracting more local competitors and from farther afield as well.

Approximately 1979 the Saville Brothers, families, in laws and friends built and ran the motorcross track at Briant Park. An Australian Championship weekend was held at Briant Park in 1987. This track became well known Australia wide for its excellence, and continued for a number of years.

Eventually closing with the retirement of the committee members. During this time the Tas Enduro Club held race days at various venues here and along the coast.

In the late 1990s, the Briant Park track was cleaned up and reopened with a new committee and another generation of avid bike riders.

During this time State and Australian Championships were held at Briant Park. Today the track is still popular, a State Championship was held last year, 2023.

Racing was also held at Flowery Flats; as well as a six-hour time trial, won by GeoN Saville, the trophy was donated by Ward and Winslade. In later years there was also hill climbs held on the Wallis property at Fahey’s Lane.

Some of the next generation of Saville family (including in laws) and their children, are still riding motorbikes today, definitely seems to be in the genes.

While researching this exhibition, it has been very interesting to note how many and varied, the lads of Circular Head, who were interested in competitive motor bike riding.

This story is dedicated to Melva Williams. By Elayne Blake Museum Volunteer.