norbold

I'm afraid the Speedway Museum doesn't deal with questions of this nature.

:lol:

Absolutely 100%! The Crystal Palace promoters were Fred Mockford and Cecil Smith, but they didn't go to Australia. I think you are thinking of Lionel Wills whose reports from Australia was one of the key factors in Jack Hill-Bailey looking to promote speedway in this country, which he did at High Beech on 19 February 1928 without any help or input from Mr Hoskins. Lionel Wills later linked up with Mockford and Smith at Crystal Palace along with Ron Johnson (one of Hoskins' boys).

The Pre-War Years is a good book, Rob, but not actually when it comes to the first meeting at High Beech as Robert also makes several mistakes!

From this week's Speedway Star, A-Z by Brian Burford: "H - Hoskins, Johnnie The father of speedway racing...He brought speedway to Britain by staging the first meeting at the King's Oak Arena, High Beech on February 19, 1928." No, he didn't, Brian. The first meeting at King's Oak had nothing whatsoever to do with Johnnie Hoskins. When will this myth ever be put to rest??????????????????

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....