[1] Bastable was a novice at the Alan Hunt 1949 winter training school when he was signed up by Cradley Heath Heathens.

[4] In 1957, Birmingham closed mid-season, following the track fatality of Harry's mentor and Brummies skipper Alan Hunt and the ensuing 'South African Affair.'

After much badgering he shocked no one when in 1960 he left the Hunters mid-season to return to ride for his first love, Cradley Heath Heathens as their skipper in the newly formed lower level Provincial League, where he finished his racing career.

[2][3] A highlight of that career was when Harry and Cradley partner Ivor Brown, became the top two points scorers in the 1961 Provincial League.

[2][3] He started a motor-cycle business "Speedaway Motors" in Blackheath, West Midlands, (later to be joined by his son Steve Bastable, who like his father before him rode as another Cradley number one.)