norbold

I don't think it ever really operated successfully, even then. In 1948 Birmingham won the second division and were promoted. They were followed in 1949 by Bristol. In 1950 Norwich topped the second division but were denied promotion because the London clubs voted against saying that the visits of Birmingham and Bristol had been financial disasters. In 1951 Norwich won again and this time were promoted. They had a disastrous year in the first division finishing bottom. In none of those four years was any team relegated.

I've just discovered that I once met Jimmy Squibb! In the 1960s and 70s I used to keep a more or less daily diary. These diaries have been up in my loft for at least 20 years. Today, whilst putting yet more things away up there, I discovered my box of diaries and thought I'd have a quick look. And there on Wednesday May 5th 1965 is the following entry: "In the White Hart [a pub near Hackney Stadium - I had been to a play rehearsal. I was a bit of a thespian in those days!] having a drink with John [my friend] when in trooped Norman Hunter, Alan Cowland, Colin Gooddy, Pete Lansdale and Jimmy Squibb. We chatted a bit and I asked Norman who won [Hackney had been racing that night]. He said 'I don't know.' Alan Cowland said 'Hackney won and Gerry Jackson got the lot.'" I had forgotten all about this meeting! But it's nice to know I did once meet and talk to Jim.

Apart from Reg Fearman's stunt as mentioned by Parkstone Pirate above, I think most of speedway was embarrassed by Tyburn Gallows change of name. He was banned by the Control Board from using the name Tyburn Gallows so he changed his name by deed-pole so they couldn't stop him. As far as I know most promoters therefore did not use the type of advertising you talk about. Very unimaginative! At one time the body colour he wore for individual meetings and second halves was the CND symbol. The Control Board stopped him wearing that too.

I think this should come under the Forum FAQ section. Tyburn Gallows, real name Raymond Humphries, was reputed to be an assistant hangman. At least he said he was and I think, by consensus, we've decided there is no reason to doubt him. He died on the day of his mother's funeral, but I can't remember the year. There's lots more that could be said about this extraordinary character!

So sorry to hear this, sandman. Sincere condolences to Steve and his family.

Bob Dugard is down Eastbourne way, Split Waterman is in Spain, Eric Williams and Tommy Sweetman are in New Zealand, Jimmy Gooch is somewhere is deepest Essex as is Stan Stevens.

Both statements are quite true, Clive. He was the last to cross the line and almost unbeatable. However, to have finished last in the last race shows he was beatable some times...unless he deliberately came last with an eye to history? It was only a scratch race after all, no team points depended on it.

Sorry, TwoMinute Warning. I don't know how I missed that. Many apologies.

That's correct, but do we know how many of Vic Duggan's second and third places were behind his own teammate?

Shame about your vote at the moment, Grachan! The current consensus seems quite clear.

Can't remember the year off hand. Tony Clarke first rode for West Ham in August 1965.

So sorry to hear this. Jimmy was a great servant of the sport. We were joking on the "Rode for" thread a little while ago about how Jimmy seemed to have ridden for every team in the country! I remember him particularly at New Cross. He was unbeatable round the frying pan in 1963. A sad loss and my condolences to all his family and freinds.

1. Jason Crump 2. Tony Rickardsson 3. Tomasz Gollob 4. Greg Hancock

Yes, Wilbur Lmoreaux, Arthur Atkinson and Aub Lawson are there, but I don't think he means those...

Thanks for sending the signatures, wollongong. Not easy are they!? I'll see what I can do though.

I've just about recovered. It's taken 41 years, but I'm almost there.... Of course I did have a bad relapse in 1972 when West Ham closed as well. That didn't help.

You know how to hurt someone, Grachan! It was 1963.

Was CHK there as well I wonder?

Let's just say it's on the back burner at the moment. Classic Speedway Meetings is next.

I would think that any team that DOESN'T want to sign him want its head testing. A young rider who is likely to be around the top for years to come. Personally I hope Ipswich hang on to him.

To be fair though Norbold, they were both recognised team members at Eastbourne and Canterbury weren't they? Not at the time, no. I saw their first ever race in the second half at West Ham. Jessup was 15; Thomas was 16. Although Thomas won, I thought Jessup looked to be the better prospect. And so it proved...or did it?

Can you e-mail it to me too please, wollongong? Thanks.

I knew I'd heard of him somewhere...

Well, I can help you out with some, but I expect you know those as well as me! As for the others...Perhaps Bryn might know?

Almost all...Don't forget Grzegorz WALASEK.