norbold

Couldn't agree more, scarletrider. As this is really the only part of the BSF I am interested in these days I think it's time to say goodbye to the whole lot.

The two riders are Arthur Atkinson and Tiger Stevenson Yes, I did. It was indeed a great stadium.

:sad: Thanks for that, Tim. So sad. Good to see my old mate, Stan Stevens, in his younger days though.

You're right, Ian.It was Dick West.

Thanks, BOBBATH, I was trying to think of his name. You don't happen to know how tall he was do you?

My favourite was always Range Rider. I also liked Kit Carson because he kept tunneling everywhere and they used to show little maps with dotted lines where he was tunneling. I can't remember why he was always tunneling though... I always thought Roy Rogers was a bit of a softie. I mean to say he was always singing and being soppy with Dale Evans.

Janice Nicholls, wasn't it? Don't know what happened to her though.

Yes. A great team.

Ah yes, Ted Moult. The first guest in Countdown's Dictionary Corner....

You youngsters!

Thanks for that Knowle. It appears that rmc completely missed that point.

What point did I miss?

Well, I can remember What's My Line? very well. It was essential Sunday night viewing. It ran from 1951 to 1963 and was hosted by Eamonn Andrews. The leading panellists were Gilbert Harding, David Nixon, Lady Isobel Barnett and Barbara Kelly. There were a number of comparatively unsuccessful revivals in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Having said all that, I don't remember a speedway rider on it, which is not to say there wasn't. The most famous occupation featured was, of course, the saggar maker's bottom knocker.

Phil Clarke was born on 30 June 1922. Arthur Payne 30 August 1924. Split Waterman 27 July 1923 So that's: 1. Cyril Roger 2. Phil Clarke 3. Split Waterman 4. Arthur Payne Thanks to Matt and Hugh for the information. Everyone should own a copy of "The Complete A-Z of Post-War British League Riders"

Chum Taylor - 4 April 1927 Eric Boothroyd - 26 April 1927 That sorts that one out!

Yes, a good time was had by all, thank you, star ghost. But we did miss you.

I met Ove again last week. Fortunately he spoke English, which was easy to understand.

Ours more than most! I mean this is hardly the first example in the history of the BSF that a topic has gone off subject. is it mick?

Right...some initial findings: 1946: Averages - Eric Langton Champion - Tommy Price* (7th in averages) 1947: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Jack Parker* (10th in averages) 1948: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Vic Duggan* 1949: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Tommy Price (7th in averages) 1950: Averages - Graham Warren Champion - Freddie Williams (13th in averages) 1951: Averages - Aub Lawson Champion - Jack Young (2nd Division rider) 1952: Averages - Ronnie Moore Champion - Jack Young (2nd in averages) 1953: Averages - Jack Young Champion - Freddie Williams (4th in averages) 1954: Averages - Ronnie Moore Champion - Ronnie Moore 1955: Averages - Jack Young Champion - Peter Craven (5th in averages) 1956: Averages - Barry Briggs Champion - Ove Fundin (3rd in averages) 1957: Averages - Peter Craven Champion - Barry Briggs (5th in averages) * - Not the World Championship of course, but its nearest equivalent, the British Riders Championship and the Riders' Championships So, in only two years between 1946 and 1957 did the rider at the top of the averages win the World Championship (or equivalent)

Just from memory, Ove Fundin certainly did it in 1960. Excuse me while I go off and consult the record books for the rest....

Definitely Briggo. Barry: 11.05 Charlie Monk: 10.72

1967: Barry Briggs 1976: John Louis Incidentally... 1936: Jack Parker 1937: Jack Milne 1938: Jack Milne Of those only Milne, in 1937, was World Champion the same year

Exactly what I thought, Rob.

Which post was that then?

Well, of course, this is the real problem. How many riders stand a realistic chance of becoming world champion next year? Probably four at the most - Crump, Pedersen, Gollob and the Russian with the long name. Then you have Hancock and Jonsson with just the very slimmest of outside chances. After that, there's no-one. In some ways it really doesn't matter who you put in after that, so you may as well go for some youngsters who have the chance of progressing to give them experience rather than the old hands who will never ever win a World Championship. I'm not saying Eddie is the right choice, but rather him than Scotty or Richardson for that reason.