Bryn

I'm not going to get into any 'backwards and forwards' postings with yourself over this JH, my feeling is that it would have helped if you'd quoted the full sentence referred to in your posting above.

The impression you are frequently giving to myself and maybe others JH, be it right or wrong, is that you appear to attempt to take any suitable opportunity that you can to denigrate the BSF and those who post thereon. As I said that may not be your intention but it's the way it appears to myself and, maybe, others. Let's face it nobody's perfect and never has been!

Are you?

No perhaps about it TWK. Thanks Rob & Norbold, - I thought it was '88 as it followed on from first meeting on the tape which was Hackney's win at Long Eaton that year. Back to Coventry and Ove was indeed there and winning the "Fabulous Fifties" section whilst the 123 in the 'Swinging Sixties' were: 1. PC 2. Anders Michanek 3. Terry Betts. I'm going to enjoy transferring my 320+ videos (have done a whole 15 so far!) to DVD and have already transferred tapes featuring action from several much missed former circuits including Hackney, Long Eaton, Canterbury, Newport, Wimbledon, St Austell, Exeter, Milton Keynes and footage of myself featuring a fair bit on the Crashes and Cock Ups tape of '95 although I can confirm I didn't crash once! And that tape also included a current promoter and others having a whole lot of fun with a supply of bubblebath!

Blowed if, despite being there with thousands of others, I can remember the year The Golden Age of Speedway meeting was staged at Coventry and would really appreciate learning it as am currently watching the video that has no commentary other than Dave Lanning's over the PA. Amongst others (!) racing that day were: Terry Betts, Ray Wilson, Norman Hunter, JL, Ken McKinlay, Sandor Levai, Anders Michanek, PC, Briggo, Ivan, Freddie Williams and, of course, Bert!

Strewth Mimmo as my Aussie mates would say, Main Man hasn't given any details of likely dates for rained off meetings anywhere!

Going off-tangent for a moment, I personally have always respected the honesty and absolute integrity of speedway magazines. To give you a prime example, whilst sorting my hoarded stock I came across a normally weekly publication from years back (The Speedway Star cost 70p and the Speedway Mail International 60p!) in which on this particular occasion the editorial content began thus: "Another gap in our appearance last week I'm afraid - that was simply down to me as I fell akip on the settee again and didn't wake up in time to type the XXXXXXXXX! A poor excuse I know but it'll have to do!" Hopefully that'll put a smile on people's faces!

Posted plenty on Facebook including congratulating your lot - through gritted teeth of course!

Why did my Celtic ancestors not do more to repel you Romans, Saxons, Vikings etc., and leave you to get on with things when you invaded? Let's face it you've made a right mess of things!

A further development! Vegemite pulled from Sainsbury’s as debate over Australian visa restrictions in Britain continues www.adelaidenow.com.au

Wot no Rosco?

Sad, sad news indeed and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. He'll be much missed by myself and everyone who knew him and it was a honour and pleasure to have known him. RIP Eddie

I wonder if Veggie Jnr has been trying to negotiate some sponsorship with the manufacturers of the Aussie delicacy Vegemite whilst he's been Down Under?

Although it's a 'no go' for the return of the sport to the Isle of Wight this year, who knows what the future will bring. Any news will be carried on the club's official website at www.iowislanders.co which contains some fine photos in the archive section of many notable riders who've ridden for the club.

Indeed it was sir - he was a really great bloke and it was an honour to have known and worked with him. Much missed still. I was reading those two gems in the Kestrel News - Vol. 7 No. 20 to be precise which was composed on my first computer, the very early volumes being typed up on a portable typewriter as I recall!

Think you'll find it was 1990.

No R&R it's not him either I'm afraid. Perhaps it'll be third time lucky as far as your guesses go? If no correct answer before Monday morning I'll reveal which Michael was being referred to.

Alas TWK & r&r both your guesses are incorrect.

Needed a break just now from having a sort out so made myself a coffee, sat down and found these two gems in an old magazine: USELESS BIT OF INFORMATION (1) We've discovered ONE of the secrets of 15 years old Ben Howe's rise to success - he uses TEENAGE MUTANT TURTLE HERO SHOWER GEL! and USELESS BIT OF INFORMATION (2) Michael's girlfriend Rita came rushing into the office before last week's meeting yelling, "anyone got any elastic bands?" I figured he needed the objects to secure his plug lead or for another mechanical use but NO! Turns out they were required to tie his flowing locks of hair into a ponytail at the back because he was feeling hot! As an aside anyone want to guess which Michael was being referred to and what club he rode for?

Like Bear_Bottom I've got something like 250 (maybe more!) VHS Speedway videos that I'd like converted to DVDs. With my arthritically-deformed mitts I have now accepted that I couldn't do so myself so anyone out there can convert them for me (and themselves of course!)? I'm based in the London Borough Bexley near Dartford, don't drive so they would have to be collected. PM me if you CAN help please.

What prompts you to think it might not last long term then Ian, other than another possible failure at a future date to get permission to start meetings at say 7.30pm rather than the current 6.30pm start?

Team by team, what are everyones views on the number of British riders included in their 2014 Premier League side's declared 1 to 7? Should there be a change in 2015 - YES/NO and the reasons why. Would be interested in reading YOUR views.

Strewth Phil!!! I've heard Clarky, Scunny and Dave F called a lot of things over the years BUT.....!!

Is 256 metres "tiny" chr? On that basis both Buxton (240 metres) and Plymouth (even smaller at 207 metres!) must be classed as "minute" then! Mildenhall's not much bigger than Lakeside - a mere four metres in fact at 260 metres, Rye House 262 metres and Wolverhampton just 264 metres! And delving back in time Crayford's circuit, when the Highwaymen were formed in 1968 by Mike Parker & Bill Bridgett was just 265 yards in length which some flash website I managed to find is according to them 242.316 metres! As I said though all individuals have their own likes , dislikes, foibles and preferences and so they should!

My own personal thoughts are that if sheer speed is the B-all and End-all then drag racing and/or Grand Prix motorcycle racing and/or Superbikes etc should be for those who crave it? Average race speeds have nothing to do with my 48 years (so far! ) enjoyment following speedway, like you starting at Custom House and taking me to all the current British tracks except Devon, Northside & Redcar, various tracks across Europe & Aussie plus loads of UK venues that sadly no longer exist. I can honestly say that I'm really not bothered whether a race is won in 58.97 (hand held stop watches are good aren't they! ) or 72.53 seconds! What I do appreciate is close, competitive racing especially in team matches with riders looking to try and 'team ride' with their partner when they can and fully appreciating the different skills they (and their mechanics) require to both set up their bikes pre-meeting, race on any circuit whether it be 230 metres of 400 metres in length - whatever those measurements might be in yards! - and make any alterations to the bikes and/or riding technique that's necessary as the meeting evolves. Others will disagree with me I know but so be it, that's their prerogative.