norbold

Some of the early Rayleigh programmes had an aerial view of the stadium on the front. I have some. If you let me have your e-mail address I can scan one in and send it to you.

Well, Ron Johnson was born in Scotland but emigrated to Australia when very young and became an Australian, riding for Australia in the Test matches. It is also the case, of course, that he never rode in a World Final anyway. One of those who is always mentioned in "the greatest rider never to ride in a World Final" discussion. So whatever way you look at it, Ken McKinlay was the first Scot to ride in a World Final.

Yes he was. He qualified as reserve in 1955 but did not ride. The next Scot to qualify for the World Final was Jim McMillan in 1972.

Oh right, I see. I'll see what I can find out. I don't recognise the name off hand (except the F1 driver of course!)

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the programme had his name but he wasn't down to ride. How do you know he was a rider?

I wasn't a Dons fan, but used to go regularly. From my time of going to Plough Lane my top 10 would be: 1. Ronnie Moore 2. Sverre Harrfeldt 3. Gote Nordin 4. Tommy Jansson 5. Olle Nygren 6. Ron How 7. Bob Andrews

In spite of the star names we had at West Ham like Sverre Harrfeldt, Olle Nygren, Ken McKinlay, Bjorn Knutsson, Norman Hunter, Christer Lofqvist and so on, my favourite rider was always Stan Stevens. He was never what you would call a star but he was a wholehearted trier who never gave up though there were occasions too when Stan really excelled himself and became a match winner. He had a great understanding with Ken McKinlay in the days when team riding meant something and quite often they would score a 5-1 against the odds. When I later met him in real life (as it were) I also realised what a modest man he was too. Before he rode for West Ham he was a top man in the Provincial League with Rayleigh and New Cross (amongst others) but when I spoke to him about this period of his career, he just said that there was a big gulf between the old National League and the Provincial League and so he didn't consider himself to be a top rider. For me, Stan's the man.

Yes, the names are right. The missing one is Denis Gray. See page 81 of Speedway in London. An excellent book. Ahem

Yes. It was Trev and Bernard Cottrell who revived the Lions in 1970 and became joint promoters.

Yes, and he also promoted at Shelbourne Park in Ireland. Got around a bit did Trev!

Yes, sadly Trevor is no longer with us. He was an excellent rider. Rode for Wembley and Bristol amongst others as well as the teams you mention. He was the first Provincial League Riders' champion in 1960. I saw his attempt to retain the title at Harringay in 1961. With one ride each, both Trevor and Reg Reeves were unbeaten on 12 points. In a race I shall never forget, Trevor shot off in to the lead and led by "miles". Then, on the 4th bend of the 4th lap, his chain came off, leaving Reg Reeves a very lucky winner of the championship. As a New Zealander himself, he was partly responsible for introducing Ronnie Moore and Barry Briggs to this country and to Wimbledon as well as another kiwi, Geoff Mardon, who once finsihed third in the World Championship. Trevor also organised tours of South Africa and helped popularise the sport there. A great character and a great rider.

Ever wish you'd never started something, VV?

Norman Parker was the sort of rider parents ought to name their children after...

Don't forget Vic Huxley as well. Or was he just before your time?

Sorry to hear you've fallen out with Scott, sandman.

Could have been the greatest...Photo here

Nice pictures Jim. Scott was a good rider and crowd pleaser. I think sandman might still be in touch with him.

Yes, Stefan Kwoczala rode for Leicester in 1960. He was their second top scorer behind Ken McKinlay, scoring 228+20 in 26 matches. I'm sure Gem can give you more details. He was replaced in 1961 by one of the best Poles of all, Pawel Waloszek.

Yeh definitely you know

I always liked Peter Arnold and Ted Sear, but I have to say Terry Ripo as he is a friend of mine!

You poor old soul. I'm dreading reaching your age...

That's what we like to hear

It will be available from any good bookshop (as they say) or from the publishers (Tempus) or from the authors. Its release date depends on when we get it finished! Hopefully not too long now and then add another 5 or 6 months on.

Don't be so cheeky! I did see the win though. It was a magnificent meeting - a classic in fact. Although it is nearly 40 years ago I can still remember it clearly, much more clearly in fact than meetings I saw last year...mind you that can be the dementia setting in...

One win; one loss!