norbold

Just to let you all know that the latest book off the norbold production line, Wembley The Pre-War Years, is being published today. It is being officially launched at High Beech on 19 February but will be available before then from bookshops (including on-line bookshops) or direct from Tempus before then.

Thanks for doing that, PP. The ladder's up already!

It seems a bit of a cheek asking you to check the 1964 Speedway Stars, PP, as I do have them all myself in the loft! I would appreciate it but only if it's no bother to you. And could you stop reminding me about New Cross...it's bringing tears to my eyes. My first meeting was on 11 May 1960, New Cross v. Norwich as it happens....

If you mean the Astorias' Annuals and the Five Star Annuals, yes there were, but only the 1957 Five Star Annual has Southern Area League averages, which is why I have the 1956 averages but still need the rest.

The last Stenner's Annual was in 1954.

Thanks PP. Yes, I would be grateful if you could.

Yes, thanks, I have Peter Morrish's book, but it just gives the scores. It doesn't even say how many matches they rode in it so you could work it out yourself! I've also got all the 1964 Speedway Stars. I guess it's a trip up to the loft for that one then!

Thanks sb You mean you can't remember the result of every race you ever saw???

I expect this is a bit of a long shot, but does anyone have the Eastbourne riders' averages from their Southern Area League and Metropolitan League days in the 50s and 60s? The only year I have is 1956, so I am missing 1954, 55, 57, 59 and 64. Thank you!

He must have sneaked an extra one in while no-one was looking!

He scored three full and one paid maximum in 1992. Now for the rest....

Well I do.....but then I don't feel I am qualified to speak on behalf of "normal people"...

That's no way to talk about Liontamer!

High Beech is 19 February this year.

Wal Phillips rode in the first-ever Test match for England against Australia on 30 June 1930 and scored four points. I'll see what information I can dig out for you.

Sorry, Gem, I was at Brighton yesterday... Howard Cole was Kid Bodie. I believe he used the pseudonym when he first started because he didn't want his mother to know he was a speedway rider. I know nothing about George Cole. I have never heard of him so I didn't know if this was Howard Cole or someone entirely different. Sorry.

Good thinking, Bert. Take your time....

Any chance of explaining the explanation, Bert...

Gold smuggling, gun running...nothing too trivial for our Split.

Thanks Hazzman, you're a star!

I don't suppose there's any chance......?

Yes. It remained the track record until West Ham closed in 1972.

7 April 1969. Hammers first home match of the 1969 season v. Leicester. Ray Wilson recorded 70.2, beating the old track record held jointly by Norman Hunter and Sverre Harrfeldt of 70.8

Sorry, the name still doesn't ring a bell, but then if he rode mainly in France on grasstrack and longtrack, I don't suppose it would. You could always ask Alf Hagon if he remembers him...

er...sorry...never heard of Bill Savage. I'll see what I can find out though, unless anyone else knows.