norbold

The first track was round the outside of the greyhound track. The second track was moved to the back of the stadium to where the go-kart track later was. The third and present track is back at the greyhound track but inside.

Absolutely, Derek. We do owe a big debt to Robert Bamford and John Jarvis for their Homes of British Speedway book. It was a big undertaking and is invaluable as a reference work...but there are some errors in it. The worst is their history of Rye House, which completely misses out the building of the third and present track. And yes they do mix up Lea Bridge Stadium with Clapton Greyhound Stadium at one point in their entry and there are also minor errors in a number of other entries. This is not meant as an out and out criticism of the book. As I have said it is such a valuable reference tool in most instances, but just because something is said in Homes doesn't mean it is automatically right, though I'm sure well over 95% is correct. As I know myself only too well, it is almost impossible to get everything right in a book!

Thanks arnie.

Does anyone have the date for the re-arranged Crewe v Rye House British League fixture in 1974 please? It was due to be run on 10 June but was postponed. Thank you.

Ivan Mauger rode in the Provincial League in 1963 and 1964. I believe he rode in 14 finals and won a fair few!

Broady rode throughout his career as Broadbanks. I asked him once why this was. He said that that was how it was printed in the first meeting he rode in at Rye House and he didn't bother to correct it and it just carried on from there. Just think, Malcom Simmonds might have been a World Championship runner up!

Nothing to do with apostrophes, iris!

They may be right about Crystal Palace but I wouldn't necessarily go along with that statement. There are a number of mistakes in the book.

You can read all about the 1915 Final at Old Trafford in an excellent book called Vivian Woodward Football's Gentleman. Woodward came from Clacton so you might be able to guess who the author is!

Jimmy Gooch is alive and well and living in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex.

Thank you for grabbing my attention, Nevs (have we ever met by the way?). I look forward eagerly to your pm.

I have a suggestion that might help resolve this problem....It was always my understanding that the old football stadium was converted into the speedway track and it is that site that is now the site of the athletics track not the original sports ground. The present stands occupy the same position as the two original wooden stands.

Peter Morrish's book, British Speedway Leagues, 1946 - 1964, has the riders' total scores for each season but not averages nor bonus points. The Provincial League only ran for five seasons, 1960 - 1964, so it wouldn't be too difficult to find out who scored the most points. Finding out the averages though would be more difficult. Incidentally just a quick look at who was the highest scorer each year shows: 1960 - Reg Reeves (Rayleigh) 190 1961 - Ivor Brown (Cradley Heath) 213 1962 - Ivor Brown (Cradley Heath) 260 1963 - Ivor Brown (Cradley Heath) 270 1964 - Charlie Monk (Glasgow) 256 My money would be on Ivor Brown being all time top scorer in the Provincial League!

I believe iris is right, though I have to say I am not 100% sure. And yes, I was born near to the old Lea Bridge track...but many years after it closed!!!

You said: "Try putting 'Ginger Lees' in Google and see what it comes up with!" Thanks TMW.

Blimey! She must have been a b***** good actress!

Bit more info Here Who's Cyclone Davis???

True. Sorry. Incidentally, he fell in that race.

You are right, because I said all that above!!!

Yes, it's nice to know he rode again after Hackney. I remember being at a meeting at Hackney in which he was due to ride. He didn't turn up and the announcer just said that he had failed to arrive, no reason was given. He never appeared again at Hackney. We thought he had got lost on his way to the track and spent the last 40 odd years still trying to find his way...

Nice idea but the Museum won't be ready by then. High Beech is being organised this year (and for the next five years) as a fund raiser for the Museum. Come and see me on the Museum stand and hand over large wads of dosh. Thank you.

I've just got back from a Speedway Museum Committee meeting and a visit to the Museum. The building is now finished apart from the doors. The interior fitting out will start in January. As well as a static exhibition showing the history of speedway from the 1920s to the present day, it is hoped to have interactive displays as well as providing the sounds and smell of speedway. Spring is still the target for opening.

Thanks Schumi. I found the thread, which was, naturally, entitled Andrew Silver. I should have read my old Backtrack magazines shouldn't I?

Thank you, Shazzy, you're a star I've hunted for info near and far Now you've given me a brilliant clue Once again, my thanks to you.