Gemini

You're not so keen on Matt Ford and Nigel Wagstaff then? .. Sure have, but it's not such a shock because I always was ugly. Now I'm not only ugly, but fat as well, with teeth and hair rapidly dropping out.

Yes, just think in twenty years time we might be saying the same things about Jordan. I think the whole point about the comments was because Bruce was always so stunningly handsome and it's a bit of a shock to see the ravages of time and the change in his golden locks, whereas Bobby Schwartz for example doesn't look very much different. No disrespect to Bruce as he was a cracking rider and one of my all time heros. (Thanks for the email Frigbo.)

By me? If so please enlighten me as I don't like to upset anyone. You can send me an email if you like.

Lighten up Frigbo and put the old shovel away. It's only a few comments about the effect the passing of time has on the human face/figure. I'm sure Bruce's vibrant personality would have won me over if I'd been there and I wouldn't have noticed he'd become a minger. Anyway, perhaps it was just a bad photo. I will reserve judgement until I see this week's Speedway Star. By the way, I for one, have never criticized other posters comments on the ability of riders. I reserve the right to say they've had a rubbish night if they have and I'm not bothered if other people do either.

You might get a lot of hits, but you possibly wouldn't be successful. Some people book for the next GP weekend when leaving the hotel after the previous one. Don't bother with The Town House on Cathedral Road.

I know I must have seen lots of good meetings at Long Eaton, but unfortunately the two which have stuck in my mind are the 75-0 score against Middlesborough, when they walked out and Long Eaton riders just rode round for endless 5-0's. Also the lovely Summer evening when Ove Fundin and his wife were guests. The track was over-watered and the meeting had to be called off, after we had been waiting around for ages whilst the track-staff tried to sort it out. I wasn't very happy driving back to Leicester.

Oh. my god! Did you have to do that?!

It's the hard life he has lead since giving up Speedway that's taken it's toll on his good looks. I agree though as I was quite disappointed when I saw him on TV a few years ago. I know we unfortunately all have to grow older and can't keep our youthful good looks, but Bruce seems to have changed more than most. I guess I will just have to keep looking at those Superstar photos in my scrapbook when he was young and handsome. Thanks for the details by the way.

And Leicester. Think he had the nickname Streaky for obvious reasons.

Thanks Scunny Stag. It wasn't Simon then because both the other young men had dark hair. Ian is managing director of the Robert Thompson business and he is obviously skilled at carpentry as he was carving a little Mouse himself. Seems a much safer job than riding a 500cc Speedway bike.

Did anyone happen to watch Flog it this afternoon? As part of the programme they went to the cottage/workroom of Robert Thompson who was born in 1876 and made the famous furniture with Mouse carvings. His great-grandson, Ian Thompson-Cartwright was interviewed. I am presuming this is the Ian Cartwright, ex Halifax rider? I knew he was connected in some way to The Mouseman but didn't realise he was his great-grandson. Just wondering if Simon is involved in the business in any way? There were a couple of other young men in the workroom, but I don't really know what Simon looks like, which doesn't help!

I couldn't believe he was still riding in his own country last season and doing pretty well too.

You'd move out a bit if you had Crumpy on the inside.

Nice cake grachan. Really enjoyed it, but perhaps a Sponge one next time as I'm not too keen on Fruit Cake. Many thanks for the slice. I think you might be a bit biased here. What about down the back straight just before when Carter was giving Penhall the same treatment? When the incident happened Crump was on Penhall's inside and I think Kenny should have backed off as there wasn't enough room round the outside. By the way, I am completely neutral on this because I used to like both Penhall and Carter.

Shame as you get older your eyesight fails a bit. Welcome to the forum Djp. As a fellow Leicester Hunters fan I can remember the good old days at Blackbird Road very well. I first started going with my Dad when I was 8 years old in 1949 so as you can see quite a long time ago. These days my Speedway watching is mainly at Coventry, with occasional trips to Peterborough and Oxford throughout the season as well. Also holidays seem to get planned within an hour's drive of a few tracks - just coincidental of course. Do you get to any meetings?

Oh go on. Was it because there was already a Ron Johnston - the New Zealand one? Suppose I am complete wrong and they didn't even ride at the same time.

Yeah, please keep them coming. My hard drive is not full yet.

Not that far back. He's only a very young man in his 40's. He has obviously read about them in books.

Being as you are doing the translations rico can you have a go at this little gem as well? "i no ur not but i am goin to c if between my parents i can get um to pay for it or at least sum of it then i can pay sum of urs for u darlin. wud b a gud weekend tho"

Bah! I didn't think anyone would be able to get that one. I'll have you know I passed my motorbike test first time, but I won't tell you what on because I know you'll take the mickey.

Oh gawd - here we go again! Having compared inside leg measurements, I am prepared to be proved wrong as I just assumed it was Cooky by the style, but must admit I'm not sure. Any ideas who then? I had a disagreement with my husband last night regarding another photo of him when he said it looked too big to be Colin, but by comparing his gloves, leathers & boots was able to prove the two photos were taken at the same meeting.

Yeah! I was wondering when someone would have a go at them.

I hope this little plan involves two single bedrooms.

Falcace is right - No 5 is Colin Cook. The fact he has appeared more than once is just coincidence. Nothing to do with him being a great favourite of mine. No. 6 was a photo of Colin at Exeter and I bet that was a sight to behold. Would have loved to have seen him belting round the County Ground. I remember Bob Garrad in red leathers as well so perhaps that's why they look alike. I think he rode for Leicester at one time.

And you would be correct. Is he still riding?