The former secretary of Cradley Heath Speedway Supporters’ Club has died at the age of 84.

Irene Pritchard was born in Cradley Heath in 1924 and later moved with her family to Habberley Road, Blackheath, where she lived all her life.

Irene, who never married, was employed as a clerk at Accles & Pollock, Oldbury, before taking early retirement to care for her elderly mother.

After joining St John Ambulance at an early age, Irene was engaged in voluntary nursing during the 1950s.

She also belonged to the WRVS for over 25 years and stood on the committee of the local Ring and Ride.

However it is perhaps for her hard work as secretary for Cradley Heath Speedway Supporters’ Club, where she served for around 20 years from the 1960s to the 1980s, that Irene will be most remembered.

Stan Wilkes, who went on to work with Irene as club chairman, remembers how he got his first ticket to a Wembley speedway event from her in 1948.

Stan, now aged 77, said: “I was having such a good time I missed the coach home and spent the night in the local police station before Irene could arrange to get me back the next day.

“She was helpful like that and very good at organising things, like trips to speedway events around the country and dances at Regis Hall and The Plaza in Old Hill.”

Irene’s cousin Susan Pascal said: “She loved being involved in things and was very public spirited.

“We had widows of past speedway riders come from as far as Leicester for her funeral.”

A funeral service for Irene, who died on July 9, was held at Blackheath Central Methodist Church where she was a dedicated worshipper during the latter years of her life.