Sorry, been doing my bit on BBC Radio Norfolk.
So I can now say: Crusty Pye and Tyburn Gallows....
Not forgetting: Slider Shuttleworth, Maximilian Octavius Grosskreutz, Crasher Coxhead, Hurricane Hampson, and Crazy Hutchins of course
Don't think Sprouts Elder ever rode FOR West Ham. He was their entry in the 1929 Star Riders' Championship but star riders weren't allowed to ride in the league. After that he went off to Southampton.
Given recent literary developments, I guess I ought to have a go at an all time Norwich team...
1. Ove Fundin
2. Aub Lawson
3. Bob Leverenz
4. Bert Spencer
5. Billy Bales
6. Olle Nygren (he gets around a bit!)
7. Max Grosskreutz
Yes. Might consider Olle Nygren instead of Gerry Hussey, but otherwise...
What about Belle Vue:
1. Ivan Mauger
2. Ove Fundin
3. Peter Craven
4. Jack Parker
5. Peter Collins
6. Eric Langton
7. Jason Crump
Beat that!
If all what you say is true SCB - and I have no reason to doubt it - it would seem to me to be very short-sighted on Sky's part. The more people that watch small highlights opn BBC the more people are going to get interested and want to watch the full matches on Sky.
I'd be surprised if a Tom Farndon memorial Meeting was held at Plough Lane, though I suppose it is possible during the years New Cross were not running in the 50s.
I did think about both Sverre and Olle for my Wimbledon team, but I thought Sverre probably still had his best days ahead of him and Olle's were behind him. But I'm open to persuasion opn both.
Wimbledon all time?
Vic Huxley
Wilbur Lamoreaux
Norman Parker
Ronnie Moore
Barry Briggs
Ron How
Tommy Jansson
New Cross:
Tom Farndon
Ron Johnson
Jack Milne
George Newton
Cyril Roger
Barry Briggs
Eric Williams
Ernie Roccio was killed at West Ham during a race. He had been filled in and discarded his eye shield. He was then struck in the eye by a piece of flying shale. Losing control, he careered towards the fence and struck it hard. This was in 1952.
Don't know about the Polish side.
Yes, I was supporting Hurri-Ken that night as well, what with me being a West Ham supporter at the time and all.
Most of my comments in the programme related to races Ken was in. Heat 5 says, "Well done Ken. He's in the lead." (He won Heat 5). Heat 12: "Ken is great" (another win). Heat 14 just says "Glucklich!". Ken came last in this heat. He also came last in his last heat. I made no comment this time!
I should point out, Sir Lunchy, that heat 4 was the only race I wrote "fantastic race" by the side. One out of twenty! Heats one and eight had the comment "won by miles". Perhaps, it's because we do remember the great races well and forget the rest.
The Polish bloke was Andrzej Pogorselski.
I was at the 1969 final too. I've just looked up my programme to see who the Polish rider was. I notice I have written by the side of the race, "Fantastic race. Ken led for 3 laps".
I believe Wembley took over the Edinburgh licence and several of the riders - including the ones you mentioned - transferred. Although, you are quite right to say, Ian, that Ian Hoskins then had nothing to do with the Wembley promotion which was run by Bernard Cottrell and Trevor Redmond.
In the latest issue of the Vintage Speedway Magazine, Eric Linden has asked the same question. He says, "I'm wondering about Phil Bishop, Oliver Hart and Joe Abbott". I'll have to follow those up now!
Right......i've got about 15 years before I can attempt that record ...... if I try I'll invite you along Norman.... then perhaps you could immortalise me in a book. LOL.....
It's a date. I'll be there. Just let me know when and where...
The original question from dukes was:
If we're talking about the oldest ever just to get on a bike and ride I don't think Geoff Pymar's 88 will be beaten.
As for the shandy, Shazzy, what will Mrs Norbold say if she sees you trying to get me drunk!