norbold

Ronnie is still alive and living in Ilford. I don't know what he's up to these days.

Yes and quickly too. The match took place on 5 June 1933 and on the 20 June the Control Board ruled that starting gates had to be in place at all tracks within three weeks.

Ashley Pullen sadly died of cancer. See LINK

It's open now...but please have a wash before you go. It's a very small place and smells tend to linger.

I've just heard from Tempus that they have received my book from the printers today and they should be in the shops, including Amazon, next week.

Hmmmm. Back to the drawing board....

See TwoMinute Warning's post above.

Well, it's my belief that the first proper speedway meeting in this country with bikes with no brakes, a proper dirt track and broadsiding was the second meeting at High Beech held on 9 April 1928. I don't think Droyslden, Camberley or the first High Beech meeting had any of that. So 1928 it is then!

That's because I've never mentioned him!

Being a very modest chap, I really ought not say that I got 10 out 10!

I'm glad you asked that question...as it gives me yet another chance to mention a good book called "70 Years of Rye House Speedway" due to be published on 21 May. The regular 1976 line up was: Ted Hubbard 9.17 Kelvin Mullarkey 7.55 Hugh Saunders 7.47 Brian Foote 7.03 Karl Fiala 6.73 Bob Garrad 6.13 Bob Cooper 5.11 Ashley Pullen 4.92 1977: Kelvin Mullarkey 9.14 Ted Hubbard 9.03 Bob Garrad 8.07 Hugh Saunders 7.32 Karl Fiala 6.22 Ashley Pullen 6.11 Bob Cooper 4.79 Do you want any more years? P.S. Brian Foote was the number one in 1974 and 1975.

I always thought that was called "When Dr Belton went to the dogs." Thanks for putting me right, Parsloes.

I think it has been pretty well established that Peter Craven was off scratch that night.

I wouldn't bother if I were you quite frankly!

Thanks Ray, but, as you say, Johnnie Hoskins is not the most reliable source! I'll try and check this next time I'm at the Newspaper library.

Are you sure about that, Ray? Because there is evidence to suggest that Bluey was still in Australia in June 1929. As Dave says, documentary evidence would be very helpful and important.

Did someone say it was?

While that's true, it does show the state of British speedway that all we can hope for is that our riders are not disgraced!

Just added a few more from yesterday's press day.

I'm afraid so. Yes, that would be good. Perhaps we can arrange something some time.

Thanks Donsking! You might like to know that the book I am currently working on is a history of Crystal Palace/New Cross. Perhaps we should get together some time....sadly not in the Eggheads studio though!

See you there then, Derek. But I have my own car this time thank you, so I will not require a lift...

The Preview Dinner was held last night. Against all the odds the Museum was open and ready for viewing. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to George and Linda Barclay for the amount of work they have put in making our dream a reality. There are many others who have helped of course, but without these two and the generosity of Pete Sampson in allocating land and helping to build the actual structure it never would have happened. Any way Here are some photos of the Museum and the dinner.

Yes. This is taken from "Wembley Speedway the Pre-War Years", available from all good book shops, Amazon and the author! "Putt Mossman...put on an interval display. Mossman decided to perform, as his finale, a motor cycle striptease act. Standing on the saddle of his bike he removed his jacket, shirt and trousers. He appeared to be standing on his bike naked, although he was, in fact, wearing a skin coloured pair of briefs. The next day when he went to collect his money, the straight-laced Elvin told him he was banned from ever appearing at Wembley again." The Billie Smith story is also featured in the book.

Actually Sir Arthur wouldn't have though it ok and he once banned Putt Mossman from ever appearing again at the Empire Stadium because he thought he had exposed himself.