norbold

Norman Parker (I have to say him as I was named after him), Stan Stevens, Reg Luckhurst, Jimmy Gooch, Malcolm Simmons, Split Waterman, Norman Hunter, Roy Trigg, Dave Jessup and Bert Harkins (in case he's reading this!).

Frank Arthur, Vic Huxley, 'Cyclone' Billy Lamont, Lionel Van Praag, Ron Johnson, Bert Spencer, Bluey Wilkinson, Max Grosskreutz, Vic Duggan, Aub Lawson......well that's got me up to the War!

Tweet from Nicholls: "Ha it’s not me, I’ve not been not contacted."

I was. I went to college in Norwich and although Norwich speedway had, of course, closed by then, I managed to persuade some of my friends who had never been to speedway to come and watch him and cheer him on as a Norwich legend. I didn't hold out much hope that he would win as he was past his best by then, but when he did, I had some very happy friends!

The first Scandinavian I saw was Ove Fundin in my very first meeting, New Cross v. Norwich in 1960. He scored an 18 point maximum and ever since I have considered him to be not only the greatest Scandinavian of all time, but also the greatest rider full stop of all time. It's strange to think really that almost 60 years later we have become good friends and that his on-track ruthlessness and cuthroat attitude is equalled by his off-track gentleness and gentlemanly behaviour

I was never a great fan of Banger, though I wouldn't argue with the fact that it wouldn't have been a great surprise had he won the World Championship, he was certainly in the mix. Second in 1967 and third in 1971 is proof of that. On the other hand, I was always a great admirer of Gote Nordin and certainly think he had what it took to be World Champion. He was, of course, around in the era of the Big Five, but I believe he was their equal and, indeed, just before the handicapping nonsense came to an end, it was proposed he should join Fundin, Briggs and Knutson on 20 yards. Toby, yes, didn't see an awful lot of him, but,as you say, I think he could have been a great but for injury.

I lived in Loughton for 12 years and was at that meeting too.

Much as I was a fan of Christer at West Ham week in and week out, I don't think he was quite in the World Champ category, Sidney. Sverre, yes, Christer, no.

Me too. Christer was second only to Sverre for heart-stopping excitement.

I suppose my memories of Preben Rosenkilde and Bent Norregard at West Ham are a bit coloured by comparison with the great Sverre Harrfeldt at his imperial best sweeping round the boards, beating all-comers at Custom House. I think for sheer spectacle and excitement he was the best rider I've ever seen. Quite apart from the dash and exhilaration he showed, he could mix it with the best - riders of the calibre of Briggo and Fundin, as his second place in the 1966 World Championship showed. I'm afraid the memory of Rosenkilde and Norregard pale in comparison.

1937: New Cross 117 West Ham 97 1938: Wimbledon 109 New Cross 104 1939: Wimbledon 134 New Cross 82 1948: Wembley 115 New Cross 98 All these New Cross results are in a jolly good book called "Out of the Frying Pan". I can highly recommend it, Gustix. I believe it received a good review in the South London Press when it came out.

Ron Johnson won the London Riders' Championship in 1945 and 1946.

In the final round of Pointless today, one of the questions was name anyone who came in the first three in BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in the 1960s. Barry Briggs was a pointless answer. An easy £4250, but, sadly, the contestants didn't say him.

That looks familiar. I wonder who wrote that...

In 1947, nine meetings were held on a track in ELSTREE. The first meeting, held on 10 August, included Freddie Williams, Bill Kitchen, Cyril Brine and Tiger Hart.

A meeting was held on 9 April 1932 at Oulton Broad (Lowestoft Road), Eleven meetings were held at Doles Meadow, Bradwell. A meeting was held on 13 August 1932 at Crown Meadow, Lowestoft, One meeting at Downham Market on 14 July 1932 and two at Fakenham.

What more information do you want?

What's Barry Briggs doing this year? Or Ove Fundin?

Many happy returns, Len.

It certainly looks like an excellent book. I must get a copy.

I think there is no doubt that Ipswich will top the league. Danny King will at last fulfill all his potential and become England's best. Jake Allen will turn out to be reserve of the year. They will sign up Rohan Tungate, who will go through the season unbeaten at home and very nearly so away and will be an automatic pick for the 2020 Grand Prix series as, remember, he still has a 100% record in Grand Prix. Scott Nicholls will also return and find a new lease of life, back to his mid 2000s best as he matures with age like Greg Hancock. With a top four like that it doesn't matter who else they sign up. So, no doubt, it's Ipswich all the way......

How about Chris Louis making a comeback himself? He can't be much older than Hancock...... Actually, just looked it up. He's less than a year older.

I'm an Ipswich fan and he's popular with me!

I reminded him of that night!

Talking of Split Waterman, I was talking to Ove Fundin about him at the Norwich WSRA lunch a couple of weeks ago. He said he visited him in Spain a little while ago and he was in good health and reasonably active still.