Bryn

I'll get details and post them. Meanwhile yours truly has now made his way down to Melbourne from Queensland - bit colder down here I've got to say - might even have to go out and by a sweater as I'm allergic to cold although it's going to be 36 degs tomorrow, and I'm already looking forward to the meeting which is less than a fortnight away now on Saturday 9th. Confirmed riders I'm told are Leigh Adams, Chris Holder, Cameron Woodward, Mark Jones, Travis McGowan, Kevin Doolan, Cory Gathercole, Karlis Ezergailis, Arlo Bugeja, Jason Doyle, Filip Sitera, Adam Vandirek , Ben Wilson, Andrew Aldridge and more to follow. Admission will be $15 for 15yrs & over, Under 15's - Free. Gates open at Noon; Practice 1pm, Racing starts 2pm at Broadford Speedway, State Motorcycle Complex, Straths Creek Road, Broadford. For those who don't know, Broadford is situated approx 72km North of Melbourne GPO, and approx 5 km East of the Broadford Township. Further info will no doubt be available at the SSRAV website at: www.ssrav.org.au Looking forward to seeing a great meeting and, hopefully a good crowd to pay tribute to the memory of the rider who so tragically lost his life over a year ago now with myself & Lunchy commentating. Bryn

World Champion Jason Crump is amongst the 10 finalists from a whole heap of nominations for the top award as "Queensland's Sport Star of the Year" at this Friday's 12th Annual Queensland Sports Awards ceremony to be held in Brisbane. Other finalists are: Leisel Jones (Swimming), Bronwyn Thompson (Athletics), Andrew Symonds (Cricket), Emma Snowshill (Triathlon), Kristy Munroe (Surf Life Saving), Duncan Free (Rowing), Darren Lockyer (Rugby League), Libby Lenton (Swimming) and Robby McEwan (Cycling). A full house of 800 plus will be at this, what I'm told, glittering affair at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Gavin & I heard the bad news this morning Ollie. A sad, sad day indeed. R.I.P. Dave Bryn

If there was, I wouldn't tell ya! Neil (Machin) can do his own scouting!

Yep it sure is hell at times but I'm being brave and coping as best I can! Off to Tamworth (no NOT the one in Staffs!) this Saturday for NSW Senior Title & latest round of NSW Junior Title.

Who ME?

It's alright for you lot back in the UK! Having collapsed into bed (too many Bundies?) at turned 3am this morning after being at the Gold Coast Speedway last night, it was up at the crack of dawn for a short trip from here to North Brisbane Speedway for this morning's (Sunday) Best Pairs meeting. This featured riders from yesterday's Queensland Under 16 Champs at the Gold Coast. The result of this morning's meeting was: 1st: Darcy Ward & Tyson Nelson - 25pts 2nd: Nick Morris & Harley Brigden - 21pts 3rd: Robert Gottardi & Jake Moore - 19pts 4th: Hayden Barr & Jonathan Lewis - 15pts 5th: Billy Grimes & Tyler Moon - 11pts 6th=: Matthew Day & Michael Detnon - 8pts 6th=: Joel Porter & Clinton Dennis - 8pts 6th=: Zaine Kennedy & Jack Maclean - 8pts Unfortunately Jack Maclean crashed in his last ride and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm. Was pretty warm there this morning - temps around 31c so tanned nicely!

Held at the Gold Coast Speedway yesterday (Saturday) afternoon - and boy was the weather great - around 28 degrees CELCIUS not Fahrenheit! Anyway result was: 1. Darcy Ward 2. Jake Moore 3. Nick Morris 4. Clinton Dennis

Shane Parker is definitely a non-starter in the series as he's staying in the UK and suffering the cold British winter!

Blow that SS - just get Steve to buy you a return flight to Melbourne as an early Xmas prezzie and be at the meeting yourself!

Actually those involved will recall that the original concept of the "Silver Machine" was borne out of Waggy's close friendship with the late Simon Wigg who believed that team colours both in terms of racing suits and bike covers was the way to go. Waggy joined Brian Griffin as co-promoter at King's Lynn, Brian as a top photographer, had close contacts with members of Hawkwind and - hey presto, the Silver Machine was born!

Some words of warning Bee52 from someone who has been "down under" for the last five British winters: 1. They'll be an awful lot of sunny days, with clear blue skies when the temperatures may well climb in to the high thirties / low forties celcius. 2. When in the Sydney area, if you go to either Bondi Beach or Manly Beach (much better incidentally!) you'll need sun glasses to avoid the effects not only of the sun, but from the dangers to your health of seeing too many lovely young ladies very scantlily dressed. 3. Given the first two points, you'll have to drink a fair amount to combat the possibility of getting dehydrated. When so doing, do try and avoid a strange brew known out there as "Bundy" as once you've tried it, you'll become addicted. 4. They speak a strange sort of language over there - for example IF you go to a speedway meeting over there, and say found that you were standing next to a young blond whilst watching and innocently said, "who you rooting for love?" you'd probably get a slap or find yourself in the Police cells overnight. I'd suggest doing a "Google" search for "Australian slang" before you go and by learning a few phrases from the multitude of sites covering such things. That will help you considerably as will the stock phrase, "gidday mate, wanna beer?" I could go on and give you more help but, alas, I've got to start getting ready to go to Eastbourne tonight (NO NOT to see those Twipditch Witches or to let John Louis to buy me a beer - I don't believe in miracles!) but to team manage the Oxford Gresham Academy in the SAJL match. PM me if you require any further advice / info - and, come to think of it, I might well run into you whilst you're out there as I'm seriously contemplating going again to, as I tell people I know out there (including some members of this forum) see if the place has improved!

My daughter was just five months old when she went to her first World Final that day with myself and her mother, my ex! We were part of the Crayford Supporters Club trip - five bus loads and, trust me, five red London Transport Double Decker Buses parked side by side were very easy to spot in the Car Park amidst the chaos after the meeting! We had a supporter at Crayford who was a bus driver and we shared profits between his Plumstead Garage Social Club and the CSSC - not bad as I think we only charged a pound (er that MAY have been a pound each way mind you!) Loved playing bus conductor on one of them Routemasters and had to laugh at some elderly lady pedestrian got really stroppy when I wouldn't let her get on when we stopped at traffic lights in Oxford Street en route to Wembley! Can't remember if I said, "Don't worry luv, there'll be another one along in a minute!" but I probably did! Ah.. um....er.....the Amsterdam Two dayer - happy memories! (was young then!)

Perhaps the Anglian "Angels" had the most appropriate nickname of all time as they included Matthew (Read), Mark (Thompson), Luke (Clifton) and John (Curtis) in their line up!

You may or may not know Kevin but I would point out that the NW promotion were precluded from using the "Cheetahs" nickname by the previous promoter in any event.

Don't think the London Lions have been mentioned yet - mind you it was a pretty forgettable time after the owners ruined the Old Hackney stadium!

Don't think so MM BUT have just received a text from Pat telling me that Ginsters are on sale at Somerfield at 54p each -- he's on his way to collect a van full right now!

Er....um.... what rule on what page is that Stevie mate?

Can't decide whether you're on one of your usual wind ups Stevie or if you need to go to Specsavers! Tis certainly one or t'other!

Believe Pip lives on the Isle of Sheppey and has been seen watching meetings / practice fairly freqently at Iwade - whoops, sorry Sittingbourne as it's now called. Bryn

Yes indeed Pat, good news. Bryn

Don't let 'em get to you Middlo mate!

You're a hard man Pat! Just because Chris was feeling peckish whilst you was working yesterday and nicked one of your pasties from the fridge!

Always enjoyed my visits to Kingsmead - especially when Crayford won, which wasn't often! Never did win the dozen eggs donated as a raffle prize by Mrs Moon though!

The soppy old sausage! Fancy ending up in hospital again. Mind you he's probably in the same situation as myself - brain keeps telling me I'm still only 21 but body says you're ruddy joking mate! Get well soon Stevie!