norbold

Yes, you are right. It was briefly known as the Metropolitan League, but changed its name after about 3 or 4 weeks to the Southern Area League. Anyway, I have now mostly sorted out the 1950s statistics, but I am just left with a few matches I need to know the scorers in. So, if anyone can help... 25 July 1954 Brafield 50 Eastbourne 33. 15 August 1954 Eastbourne 41 Ringwood 37 15 May 1955 Eastbourne 33 Rye House 54 28 August 1955 Rye House 23 Eastbourne 61 4 September 1955 Eastbourne 49 Brafield 33 18 September 1955 Eastbourne 36 Brafield 48 6 August 1957 Rye House 66 Eastbourne 17 If anyone has the Eastbourne riders scores for those matches including number of rides and bonus points, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you....

I'm glad now that I gave it a miss last year as well. It wouldn't have been the same without you two there. Looking forward to meeting up again.

I'll be there!

Walthamstow operated in 1934 and then from 1949 - 1951. The stadium is still open for greyhound racing. P.S. The best I can do for a photo is the modern one on this page: Here P.P.S. I have a number of photographs of the riders who rode for Walthamstow 1949-51 or you could look at a good book called Speedway in London, which contains a brief history of the track.

Thank you for the info, PP. I have just discovered that Eastbourne only rode three League matches in 1964, the one against Newpool was raced for double points, which is why the table shows Eastbourne as having raced four matches. Well, that's the averages for 1964 sorted out. Thank you.

Thanks speedyguy. I know who rode for them and the results of all the matches. I just don't know who scored what in which match! The Southern Area League ran from 1954 to 57 and again in 1959 and the Metropolitan League in 1964.

The full price is £14.99.....but there may be the odd discount available

Yes, Me!

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....