Bryn

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!

You beat me to posting the news Triple Bs and I'm sure Pat is extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to such a fantastic amount of money being raised - including Wendy! I'm only saddened by the fact that I couldn't be there in person at the meeting this year because of a prior commitment although I was certainly there in spirit. none of us who new David will ever forget him, nor that fateful night on which he, so tragically, lost his life.

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!

Same for me MM, alas because of another commitment I couldn't be there either much as I wanted to. I will never forget David and his cheery smile, nor indeed the incident in which he sadly lost his life doing what he wanted to do, that is race speedway. As you've said MM, Pat's ongoing enthusiasm for the sport and the work he puts into organising this meeting each year is truly remarkable and a fitting tribute to David himself.

NOT totally confirmed but believe Davey Watt may now be steppng in to ride for the Aussies.

Believe line up (injuries permitting etc) will look something like this (not in order): Ben Barker, Jonathan Bethell, Mark Jones, Danny Betson, Tom Brown, Benji Compton, Barry Burchatt, Ritchie Dennis, Paul Burnett, Karlis Ezergailis, Jamie Westacott, Darren Mallett, Nathan Irwin, James Purchase, Karl Mason, Mark Thompson.

Just arrived home here in Kent and before grabbing some shuteye I think a great big thankyou should go out to all the riders, helpers and fans who contributed to last night's meeting thus making it such a memorable night for Matt, his lovely wife Claire and all the Read family plus friends. I can vouch for the fact that Boycie phoned Matt at the crack of dawn yesterday to explain that he was stymied as far taking part last night - Matt, in turn, phoned me and we explored various options regarding obtaining possible replacements. Anyway I trust everyone enjoyed it, I certainly had fun and it was a fitting way to pay tribute to Matt.

As the Four Tops once said, I'll be there!!! I see! You're hoping to win Readie's Magnificent Chopper in the Grand Draw are you???! You and goodness knows how many others!!!

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!

"....a long way..." Tut Tut Shazzy! That's NO excuse whatsoever! I know someone who'll be going who lives near Folkestone and I, a fellow dweller in Kent, will be travelling with him too so see you there? Just buy plenty of draw tickets SG - then you might win first prize which, I'm told, is a magnificent Chopper!

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!

Now now Shazzy! What would you do with such a magnificent chopper? But someone's going to win it and those that saw it on view at Arena will testify as to it's magnificence! Really looking forward to Matt's big meeting next month - I'm sure it's going to be an absolutely brilliant night.

Good to see Matt and mum Jackie at Arena Essex last night selling souvenirs in aid of the Farewell fund. There's also a Grand Draw being run inn conjunction with his meeting with the first prize being a magnificent looking chopper! Mini-chopper motorbike that is! Loads of other prizes too so make sure you get your ticket - just £1 each.

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