norbold

A bit of each in a way! Their first outing together was at Hackney on 10 April. Up against Tommy Sweetman and Wal Morton in heat one, neither of them finished - Reg had ef and Eddie fell. Two days later, back at New Cross, they were out again in heat one and this time they did indeed score a 5-1, with Reg team riding his son home. With regard to my previous posting about Eddie not being very good, I should add he was only 17 at the time.

I remember him riding for New Cross in 1963 as part of a father and son team with his dad, Reg. To be quite frank, he wasn't very good - finishing with an average of 2.05 - but he was very young and only just starting out then. I know he improved greatly in his later career.

Just heard from the man himself: Hello Norman, I am E mailing you as a response whether I rode for Rye House in 1986. The honest answer is I do not really remember. I do know, however that I spent 86 racing speedway in Southern California and do remember late in the same year having a couple of second half rides at both Hoddesden and Arena Essex. But official outings for either side is doubtful. Sorry I can not be more specific. I am only surprised that there is any interest in this particular subject. Best wishes to you, Christopher Chaplin.

Thank you for the plug, Shadders. When you say not according to my book, do you mean my book doesn't mention him appearing twice in 1986? Because if he only appeared twice it's quite likely I wouldn't have mentioned him. It doesn't mean he didn't ride twice for the Rockets in 1986. My criterion for inclusion in the end of year averages was 6 matches.

Yes, Jason Crump has stolen a march on his competitors, but there's disappointment for Scott Nicholls. Damn! He's got me at it now.

I turned on the Grand Prix a bit late last night and the first words I heard were, "Disappointment for Nicholls." And I thought, yes, that just about sums up: i) Tony Millard ii) Scott Nicholls iii) The state of British Speedway iv) The GP series So, well done, Tony, for summing it all up so succinctly in just three words.

Yes, you're right really. It's just such a shame that 21 years with one club should be spoiled by just two matches for Coventry!

Ronnie Moore (apart from two appearances for Coventry right at the end of his career, both of which arguably be said were guest appearances) rode only for Wimbledon from 1950 to 1971. Freddie Williams and Tommy Price were Wembley riders all their careers. Phil Clarke for Norwich only.

The Speedway Museum website is complete (in basic form) and will be operational this week.

How did you find out those winners, speedyguy?

Hmmm.... 1960: Ronnie Moore 1961: Jack Young (Actually Peter Craven won it in 1959) Jack Milne was the first winner in 1936.

Good idea, BOBBATH.

Disappointment for whoever is at the back...every race.

You could try looking Here

Just back... Apparently the story is this...There was a lack of confidence in the person designing the new web site so she was removed, which caused a delay while new designers were sought. They have now been found and we have been told that the new site will be up and running by the second or third week in May. Everyone expressed the view quite forcefully that this meeting has to be the last time we discuss the web site as most committee members were getting fed up having to explain why it still wasn't up. It has been agreed that this is now a matter of urgency and has to be prioritised by those responsible. Other news: 1. Barry Briggs, Ivan Mauger, Ronnie Moore and Freddie Williams have all agreed to become Vice Presidents of the Museum and to help promote it wherever they can. 2. Because of the success of this year's "Celebration of Speedway", it has been agreed to hold it at the Speedway Museum again next year. The date will be 21 February 2010. 3. There is a WSRA Lunch being held at the Speedway Museum on 9 May. Bluey Scott and Jimmy Tannock will be attending (amongst others). Tickets are £15 and available from either Vic White or the Museum. 4. We are hoping to extend the Museum as it is now getting a bit cramped for space. It is hoped to hold a raffle to help raise money for this, with tickets available at all tracks. 5. The Speedway Star will be publishing a voucher for reduced admission to Paradise Wildlife Park in the near future. (£8 instead of the normal £14). 6. Two panels from the Exeter safety fence are on their way to the Museum.

Just off to a Committee meeting. I'll find out what's happened...again!

Yes, I would agree with Nigel. A young Roger Frogley.

Thank you, speedyguy. I believe the only bookshop that now has any copies left is W H Smith, so people may be able to order it through their local branch (if it isn't already in there).

No idea. My dad paid!

Self publish!? After 21 books being published by bona fide publishers and another two currently under contract. It goes against the grain a bit, Jim! Also, I'm really not sure it would sell that well to cover costs. I'm thinking up other avenues at the moment.

I still have my 25,000 word history of Crystal Palace Speedway waiting to find a home....

Thanks Marty. I am hoping the Tom Farndon book will be out early next year. I'm hoping to launch it at either the "High Beech" anniversary (even if it's not at High Beech!) or the WSRA Dinner. Yes, it was while doing the research for the New Cross book that I really came to realise just what a great character Tom Farndon was, both as a person and as a rider. I had always been a great fan of course, but the more I read and discovered the more I just felt he deserved a book on his own. I hope to do him justice.

Wikipedia goes along with Crystal Palace having been in Kent: "Several localities claim to be the area to which [Crystal Palace] was relocated. The street address of the Crystal Palace was Sydenham S.E (SE26 after 1917), but the actual building and parklands were in Penge. At the time of relocation most of the buildings were in Croydon, as were a majority of the grounds. In 1899, the county boundary was moved, transferring the entire site to Penge Urban District in Kent. The site is now within the Crystal Palace Ward of the London Borough of Bromley."

The Speedway Gazette ceased publication in 1955.

I think your definition of a "London" track is a fair one, cityrebel, and one I would certainly go along with.