Who’s the mystery man on the G45?

I wonder if someone could throw some light on the mystery Matchless G45 rider in the accompanying photo which came with the paperwork when I bought the machine.

Can anyone identify the period, the event, or better still the rider clutching his helmet and posing on the bike? Obviously he was very well known at the time, as some people in the background can be seen waving their programmes, presumably for his autograph.

The paddock looks as if it’s on two levels.

Simon Huber,
Artington, Guildford

Derek Minter, anyone? – Ed

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