Tsunami

Certainly agree with you on that choice. The excitement that the Russians brought to the meeting was immense even though as you say they were well beaten. Poor Vitaly. I was sitting just up from the 4th bend and I think, like everyone, I was watching the other 3 riders go over the line when chunks of wood and debris flew into the air as he rammed the fence. He was in a bad way but I heard that he was loaded into an aircraft and flown out of Britain at 11.00 the following morning. No chance of leaving him to stay and claim Asylum. I heard a few years later that he did ride again. Can anyone confirm that.

Dietbowers, by his own posts, advised us that he handled 'letters' and emptied his sack everyday. Don't know if it was just a boast to make some of us inadequate.

You mean like you.

If he has, rabbit will have him at her mercy. (actually not going, got Physical Exercise(PE) that day.

I can confirm now that there will be a generous helping of Geordies at the Bjarne Testimonial meeting on Wednesday 18th March at Poole Speedway. Despite the massive distance, over 50 souls will be braving the heat of the southern coast to pay our respects to one of the most popular Diamond riders ever. The bus is booked, hotel rooms being prepared and the only thing not ordered yet is the fine weather that our Dorset cousins share a bit more of than we do. Looking forward to the trip, just don't have a rain/snowoff PLEASE. By my reckoning there are about 14 forummers in the party so it may be a chance for some to put a face to the name or for someone to ignore. See ya there.

Well it is the Diamonds that are in town and that's the size of our 'magazine'. Top programme in the sport. See ya then.

Many thanks. Must remember me pension book.

To Newcastle fans. Good response to the trip and we are in the process of booking the bus and the rooms which we are told is within walking distance to the stadium. Steve and I will be contacting everyone in the next couple of days with prices and for final numbers. We are looking at about £70 per adult for bus/hotel room and £40 per child at the moment. Be in touch.

Ta.

Anybody got any idea what the admission prices for the testimonial are. Adult, children and concessions.

.......and me yesterday.

A little update on Ashington for those who might be interested. With the closure of Newcastle at the end of the 1994 season, the hunt was on to find an alternative venue. I was in touch with Ashington FC and started discussions to bring speedway back at Portland Park. I knew the then Chairman of the football club and we were talking a deal. On the night that George English and myself went there, for me to measure out the track, a certain person who had been passing on the flyover stopped in to see what was going on as the floodlights were on. That certain person was the 'glycerol' who also writes on this forum. Unfortunately, although a deal could have been concluded I then got a phone call from the Dennis Murphy, the then leader of the council and now the MP for Ashington, to advise us that they would not let the football club sub-let the stadium and privately told me that they would not allow any development as they were considering demolishing the stadium and build a supermarket. The football club were subsequently evicted from Portland Park and the new supermarket built. Ironically, the main problem, if the project had got underway, was the fact that fans could have stayed outside the stadium on the said flyover and watched the speedway for nowt. Happy days. All ended up well eventually when we got back into Brough in 1997.

Interesting. BTW by the contours of the grass on the centre green of the half mile track, I would say there had been an earlier smaller track with the main grandstand in the middle of the home straight. Perhaps with developing the big track, the smaller track on the right was created to host the other small track activities.

Newcastle 3. Brian Craven is with a junior called Derek Grieves.

Certainly the interest is there, it really is just what size bus we need. Looking forward to remeeting my fave Poole fans, rabbit and BobC, and of course The Shovlar. Blasts with the past with the ex Diamonds that are in the lineups. Can't wait.

Travel down to Bjarne's Testimonial is now being organised through the Official Newcastle Speedway Supporters Club. In order to make the arrangements, a special email address has been created in order that fans can indicate their interest and how many places they require. The email address is travel@newcastlespeedway.net and the details of the proposed trip can be seen on the opening page of www.newcastlespeedway.net It's a 2 day affair and the crack should be good. Be there.

Thought that the 'Fog on the Tyne' might follow us down so settling for the bus. Plane was considered, only about £9 I think but logistics were a bit daft so the bus it is.

I seem to be the one appointed to do it. Getting prices at the mo. Will let you know. Are you interested.

There are many fans coming down to see a great lineup with riders with Diamond history. At the mo attempts are being made for a bus to come down on the Wednesday, stay over night and return home on the Thursday. Thanks for the offer, it is appreciated and you may have a take up on the offer yet. Ta.

I tend to agree with you Chris. No probs.

I feel the same as you John. Bjarne never let us down or Poole and is entitled to the testimonial under the rules whether people on here like it or not. Time for some to get on with it.

Sad to report that Gordon Byers of Newcastle died a couple of weeks ago aged 97 years. He was the winner of the very first race at Brough Park in 1929 and went on to have a rewarding career representing his country. Ironically, Gordon has attended all the anniversary meetings including the 50th, 60th, and the 70th(I picked him up) and his death means that he will not be joining us in 2009 for the 80th anniversary celebrations. Gordon RIP The full article is the main story on www.newcastlespeedway.net

He was in this country in 2002 as he often came to Newcastle meching with Davy Watt when he rode for us.

The real key is if you accept the percentage of the fee. That is the crux. A rider can move, or be moved, as many times as they like but unless he takes his cut he is deemed to have continuous service.

Just like to add my sentiments. Magnificent total been raised in memory of someone following his dream.