yesterdaysman

Reading this post got me thinking how most of us see the race jacket as synonymous to the club (if that is the right word to use.) I mean if we hear or read Newcastle, Belle Vue, Cradley Heath, we tend to think of the old long standing logos. Now I admit that some of them were quite plain and simple which was probably down to what could be cut and stitched or painted in the early years. In the '60's/'70's technology made it possible for more intricate designs to be introduced, i.e. Oxford from yellow sash to Cheetahs head. But then these basic designed stayed almost unchanged for many seasons. So I wondered where the idea came from to change things so much and so often, some seem every season! I don't think it is the fans choice, as with Birmingham's return, fans made their feelings plain that they wanted the old red B on yellow background. This was also Tony Mole's choice, but then, he is one of speedway's biggest fan anyway! Also when the Cradley Heath supporters ran a junior side a few years back, they chose the old body colour design. Now, it could be said this is only the view of the old codgers who have been about for 40 or 50 years, but I don't think so as many much younger people I have heard express the same view. So could it be that the present day promoter has to bow to it's sponsors so much or is it that they are 'modern buisnessmen' with only a passing interest in speedway!! You only have to think 'Reading Bulldogs!!!' to know It's all been done before! ( climbs down, picks up soapbox and shuffles away!) Dantodan : Sorry for going off topic, but here's a thought. You say you have a photo of red & white bibs but poor quality, well some of these young chaps today can do marvels on a computer. However they might not visit this thread so maybe you could post an s.o.s. on general or somewhere. Just a thought, not trying to tell you your job. Good luck.

Another funny story:- (well I thought so anyway) Eddie was a great lad but I think it was true to say he was never really dedicated enough to become world champion! as this story shows. It was about '69 and Oxford were away at Poole, about an hour before the start, rain lashing down. Eddie and 'Joe' Gooddy decided it was off! So when the bar opens they're in for a pint before making the journey home. Now, Geoff Mudge, the Poole captain, is still keen to get the meeting on and is lobbying the ref to this ends. They find Eddie and the ref asks, will he join them in a walk round the track to inspect the condition and come to a decision. Eddie retorts, quite firmly, "I ain't going round there, It'll ruin me shoes (blue suede, he was quite a dresser!) I can see enough from here and as far as I'm concerned It's off"! Geoff and the Ref made the inspection and then made the obvious decision, meeting off.

So, does that mean you will believe me now when I say George Major never belonged to Belle Vue, Glasgow, Wolves or Weymouth? Sometimes the scribes of the day just got it wrong! I know this to be fact! but George is easily contactable.

Mike Keen rode a few meetings for St Austell in '63. Travelled with Glyn Chandler and George Major. does that count.

I remember a funny story about Dennis (Day). After a meeting, in the changing room, for some reason Len (Silver) had changed earlier than the rest and was dressing as Dennis was still in the shower. Picking up his kitbag, as Dennis came out donned in towel, Len without looking round, shouted at the top of his voice "I,ll see you in the bar Den" Dennis, now standing right behind him, leaned forward and shouted in his ear "Right Oh". Len nearly jumped out of his skin, much to the amusement of all. Funny how little things stick in ya memory ay!

BOBBATH : Are you suggesting that Cradley were a one man team !!

The Silver Sash came complete with its own little wooden carrying case and when a certain rider won it at Cradley he placed the box on his trailer while he loaded his bike and gear. Having completed the task and taking on some refreshment! he headed off home to Birmingham, forgetting the afore said box. I can't remember who contacted who, but it had made it back to the outskirts of Birmingham before bailing out and was handed in to Kingstanding Police station. When the rider went in to retrieve it a policeman was standing at the desk proudly wearing the Sash. Now, I bet that's one holder you wont find in the record books!! :lol:

Blimey tigerowl they never change their stance do they!! Force of habit d'ya reckon.

Not at all old chap, it's all just a bit of fun. Oh, by the way in your post re- Riders and hangers on in the front, were you refering to the seven man team!

Ernie lived in Oxford but don't think he ever rode for them, prefering the bigger Swindon track. He did try a spell in the Provincial League with Wolverhampton but by then had started his own building firm so retired to concentrate on that. In later years I believe he took the position of Building Inspector with Oxford City Council, but kept an interest in Speedway attending meeting at Cowley regularly. Sadly passed away now but I can't remember the exact year off hand.

Don't want to be picky but the original post was : Riders who went into the transport industry as operators or owner drivers! Not sure if the Shears family were ever riders! or if George Hunter and Armando Castagna were ever owner drivers, But someone may know differently!!

Just something I was thinking about! I mean who operated Companies or Owner Drivers, not ex riders who went Truck driving. There seemed to be a similar discipline I think. Here are a few to start: Jimmy Squibb (Southhampton) Bob Kilby (Swindon) Johnny Reason (Cov.) Ron Mason, Ray Wilson (Leics.) Oliver Hart, Ron Clarke, Jack Kitchen (Yorks.) Wayne Briggs (Edinburgh) Dave Parry (Coaches) (West Mids.) George Major (West mids.) Ashley Pullen (Oxford) Oh and Ove Fundin, somewhere in Sweden!!..... Any more? .......

Ferndown! (Not Matchams Park) In the New Forest. You turned in, just like a hole in the hedge, up a forestry track 'til you came to a clearing, and there it was! Don't know how we ever found it really, end of the '50's it was. I have some pics of it I'll try to get on, (when the kids come home,: and have time for "Fathers pontsing about in the past") :lol:

That's exactly the time I was there Bob! Ken still lived in Leicester at that time and had a workshop there. I haven't a clue if it was the same pub but thought perhaps someone local might throw some light on it.

Sorry Jim but I think unknown v Oxford is Rick France & Colin (Joe) Gooddy, and Leicester 2: Jack Geran.

Was that the one that was Ken Mac's local? Had a few late nights in there! Remember one rain off,: Didn't get home 'til four in the morning!

See my post above: Howdy Cornell South African, rode for Neath 1962.

The Essington "track" was at Manor Farm run by the Simkin family. The two sons used to ride an old Excelsior round there in the 50's and a few hopefulls in the area would turn up at week ends for a thrash round. One or two later made the grade and If you go to the "brummiespeedway site" look up Tribute to Derek Timms you will find story and pictures. Well worth a look.

Oxford 2 John Hook. (Also tractor driver) Oxford 3 could be Fred Timmo. Unknown 10 Howdy Cornell (S.A.) Unknown Official 2 Morris Jephcott & Alan Martin (C.H.) Unknown Promoter right, Dicky Worth (Ox) Unknowns & Wives. right, Dicky Worth (Ox Prom) mid. Ted Flanagan, (Manager) left, Bert Hutchins, (Cen grass & gardens)

Don't know about that! but there is a Charles Knott Gardens and I think I remember seeing some flats called Bannister Court. Bannister Road of course is still there.

Oddsfosengen posted in March this year :.. Tim used to live in Ower (New Forrest) but now spends his time sailing around the Caribbean in the warmer climate and returns to Britain in the summer months.

......And the one partly hidden could be "Piccolo" Pete Moore.

Yeah defo Bob Jones, ex rider, team mechanic, good engine tuner in later years. lost an eye but didn't seem to hold him back! great bloke, had a great collection of old bikes too. Think one chap in the bath is Dennis Gray.

Looking back through this thread it would seem that one or two posts have been removed saying not nice things about "our Reg". Do I detect some double standards here, for if you read some of Reg's stories you will see his version of events concerning both Bill Dore and Mike Parker, neither coming out in a very good light. Now, neither of these are here to defend themselves where as Middlo and Reg are if they so wish. I never had any dealings with Bill Dore but I did with the others and for my part I must say I suffered no harm from any. However, one thing I did learn many years ago was that most long term speedway promoters have one thing in common and that is self survival. This put me on my guard to know that when the chips were down it would be "goodbye Mr Nice guy". It is a sad fact that the genuine good guys that tried promoting never lasted more than a season or two. So it is not suprising to find that some may be regarded as, to use a present day promoters own description, "A slippery customer", where others would regard them as being astute businessmen. My point is we will all have a different view of things and that is what these forums should be all about. So please Mr Dantodan don't follow the official speedway line of "No one is allowed to say bad things about us". We are all big boys on here and should be able to sort things out for ourselves. Keep up your good work, great site, and I might get round to sending you some stuff when I have learned how to drive this thing!

NO; See Tsunami on defunct tracks (Reg Fearman page) thread.