Bryn

Spot on Rob, he did!

Like the Tadpole (alias Paul), yourself Tony Mac and everyone who remembers those days gone by, I'm so sad to hear of Colin's current plight - even if he DID ride for the Bombers! Hopefully he'll make a good recovery in time and I'm sure he's being well looked after where he his. I, of course, lived on the "posh" side of the Thames, as we were instructed to refer to it as, in Kent and was thus a devotee of the Highwaymen when the sport came to London Road thus becoming THE top Kent side over and above that 'other lot from down the road!" But, as Paul indicated, Romford / Crayford clashes were something special - they couldn't be anything else with Footy on one side and Childsy on the other! A story I heard (and thus cannot vouch for its authenticity but it 'sounds' right!) is that at one clash of the teams at Brooklands, Footy was already in the pits when Tony C arrived carry kit bags or whatever in both hands. The latter, so I'm told, did no more than walk up to Brian, drop both bags on the floor and say to him, "We going to have the punch up now Footy, save doing it later?" But it wasn't what you might call thuggery was it in those days? In fact, looking back, it was all part of "the show" put on back in those days I suspect nine times out of ten! Anyway Colin will, I'm sure, be pleased to hear from those who remember him and say him ride - I certainly do and did - and my thoughts are with him. Bryn

From the expression "tried to bite me" I take it that it failed? Hope the Zoo vet sorts its eyesight problem then!

Hawkeye / Birdbrain I'm happy to report that, having being corresponding of late with said Hackney legend he is still alive and well and, just as importantly, growing old disgracefully as you might expect!

Ye gods! I hope that not all Ippo fans are as sadistic as you Mr Snackette!

Glad you enjoyed it and am sure BFD would have done an excellent job teaching you all the Aussie lingo ! Er.... one quick question.... did you perchance bring back any duty free Bundy?

Nor here in ruddy Pommieland! A heartfelt plea to anyone thinking of recording the show - please don't let the fact that there might be a piccy of BFD in the show put you off! That's the trouble when you get old BFD (as I'm finding!), you forget where you put things!

Been told Jason Bunyan first, Andrew Bargh 2nd but have yet to receive full details Bryn

Understand Jason Bunyan and Andrew Bargh finished first and second in the NZ North Island Champs over the weekend but am having trouble tracking down any details. Anyone got them? Or any ideas as to where else I might look!!!! Bryn

Nostalgia at it's very best Tadpole my old (and yes we both are that now!) mate! So many memories from the 'Awks days and, of course, from the Kestrels era that followed. As for Tony Hurren alias Hawkeye and subsequently Birdbrain, well his columns were, as you imply, truly masterful. Such a shame when he decided that the time was right to cease writing but he's proved an inspiration for others as witnessed by several club programmes since and indeed 'Son of Birdbrain' at Waterden Road. I'm still in touch with him. Those Saturday afternoon practice sessions with "Ethy" in charge - always to first to race over to any youngster that crashed and, having made sure they weren't injured, proceed to tell 'em using language that's not repeatable here to keep away from the fence next time, the Vic Harding Lounge, dear old Snowy who I understand is not in the best of health at the moment unfortunately, Big Fred, Thommo (imagine a modern day rider scoring a five ride zero and STILL remaining the fans hero!), the wonderful 1988 season - jeez that's twenty ruddy years ago now - ah well times move on - jeez just look at the age of our respective daughters! Happy memories indeed. Bryn

Latest update was earlier this morning via Steve Magro (who has spoken to the Redmonds in WA it appears) on the Aussie Yahoo list as follows: "Further update: Trevor has three damaged vertebrae but it has not been confirmed if these are broken or fractured. He is still in the emergency unit and remains quite groggy. Scans and more tests to follow. Steve" Bryn

That doesn't quite equate to your rarlier comment: Does it?

Thing is Parsnips old fruit there was no alternative with the stadium about to be demolished and replaced with the Sainsburys which dominates the old site now. There's a much smaller greyhound stadium more or less where the pits car park used to be but, sadly, it's not big enough to encompass the return of speedway. So blame Sainsburys / Ladbrokes - personally I have never used either of their services since!

And never shopped at Sainsbury's since???

Claiming the Mushy Peas 'n Mint sauce cartons eating record on a Crayford trip - 21 in total! Air was rather pungent on coach on the home journey!

You'll NEVER squeeze into 'em BFD!

With my gammy foot trackman, WWTBP would have won the race even if I had have been there! Bryn (11 days now before the surgeon has his fun!)

That indeed is a fair comment but I really can't see the situation changing UNLESS the GP series is extended to include Australia. But, if (and it's still a big if!) that were to happen with Australia included as a venue in a much-expanded GP series, that in itself could lead to more non-participants in our own Elite League.

Wineries? Breweries? Tut! Tut! WWTBP - you supposed to be mechanicing!!!!

Courtesy of Ron Malm - brief details from Saturday night's meeting at Gosford: "Chris Holder won the meeting at Gosford tonight from Jason Doyle and Jay Herne. Kozza was the fourth in the final, but was excluded from the rerun after punting Jay into the fence on lap 1 turn 3." Bryn

Could it be that the likes of Jason, Leigh, Adam, Shane et al chose themselves not to contest the Aussie champs this year for very valid reasons indeed such as a.) wishing to rest after a very hard European season b.) at the same time spending time with their families (who don't get to see THAT much of them in our season!), relations and friends back in their native land c.) in Rory S's case not going at home at all as he had just bought property in the UK etc etc etc? It might be a shame from our point of view sitting here at home but think of them eh ? I'm sure all thought long and hard before deciding not to enter for perfectly good reasons. And that is hardly anybody's fault. Speedway riders are, believe it or not, human!

Thus cutting down too on special Bundy time at Chez Ron too eh Lunchy?

Five rounds, five wins - simply magnificent from Noddy! Axss I said, from the first time I saw him in action Down Under before he came over here, I could see he was going to be something special! Oh how I wish I was out in Oz right now - would be sinking a few Bundies in the Holder camp for sure! Good showings from some of the other young 'uns too - roll on next year - I WILL be there!

All I'm getting now is music!

Didn't measure it - too far to walk!