The White Knight

My favourite piece of memorabilia is a 1964 Sunderland 'Saints' complete with year bar. I also have a winged wheel Peter Craven badge which I love. I don't think it is that old though.?

First Meeting 1964 at Sunderland (Saints). So not far behind you CHR.

Shocking news regarding Nigel Pearson. He will be very much missed by the Speedway Community as a whole. My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends. R.I.P. + Nigel.

Very sad news. I can remember Alistair riding for Berwick at Sunderland. R.I.P. + Alistair.

Have Sayfutdinov or Laguta indicated that they are going to change their citizenship? Very good post OveFundin. I agree 100%. If he wanted a photograph with this guy - that says it all for me. If there is a ban on poor disabled athletes in the Winter Olympics, and in most other Sports - Sayfutdinov and Laguta MUST be banned. Speedway is an Interrnational Sport and MUST join the sporting community in it's decisions, anything else would be unconsionable.

You forgot Sunderland. Thank you your Holiness. Let's hope so. Fingers crossed.

Simple answer to the question posed in this topic title is - YES!!!

I see the bullying and nastiness continues on the BSF. Certainly some folk should be ashamed of themselves. Picking on an elderly gentleman - how clever, how brave.

Apparently the F.A. have stated that they will not play against Russia in any competition for the foreseeable future. Good for them.

Perhaps John didn't know about the relationship. As usual, all the usual suspects jump in with both feet.

The Boldon Stadium is still there, in great condition, but only for dogs. Sad really. A reasonable distance from housing - it could be ideal. Closed twice, once (1964) by in order to strengthen the Wolverhampton/Newcastle Teams. Second time by rank bad management of the early part of the 1974 Season. Towards the end of that season Mrs. Liz Taylor (Berwick Promoter) attempted to take over. By then it was too late - the crowds had dwindled and did not return in numbers. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Taylor for trying. Always easier to lose supporters than gain them.

You never mentioned Sunderland HT.

Sorry, but I can't agree with you. I think that in time it will be much better than the old one. It will just take time for us all to get used to it, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Yers - my team - Sunderland 'Gladiators' (in 1974). Sunderland 'Stars' prior to that. I never did like the name 'Gladiators'.

Personally, I enjoy reading about all of these old Riders. Whilst the Posts of some may be of no interest to anyone but a few, surely there is room for everyone who has the knowledge to share it. As I said, some people will not be interested but, others certainly are. Without the posts of John Hyam, iris from a German perspective, these support Riders would fade into history unremembered. That would be a shame. I, for one, enjoy reading about them.

SUNDERLAND DOG TRACK. I won't hold my breath though.................................

Hope that everything goes well Brian. We don't want to lose any more Tracks.

I think the simple answer is probably - COST!!!

R.I.P. + Big Al.

R.I.P. + Colin Pratt. A Speedway legend. My condolences go to his family and friends.

Most of this reminds me of what Speedway used to be like, I wouldn't change a thing. Nowadays though, no real smell of Castrol 'R' any more. 4 Valve Engines that are too powerful for the Tracks they are expected to race on, in the chase for extra speed. Speedway then was slower in those days, but crucially, but a damned sight more exciting. Speed does not mean better or more exciting, it means more dangerous for the riders. I have been a big fan of Speedway for over fifty years (1964). Those days are gone now, and will sadly never return. Speedway is not what it was, and that is a tragedy.

Sadly, I doubt it. Rental there would be very steep, I suspect. That is if they would allow it in the first place. My hopes for that died years ago. I would though. like to say, that I hope a way can be found to rescue Newcastle Speedway. I am keeping my fingers crossed that a Promoter will step forward. Good luck to all Newcastle Supporters at this desperate time. I have been through this twice so I know exactly how you feel. Even after fifty years I still feel the loss of 'my Team'. Very best wishes to all Supporters of Newcastle 'Diamonds'. My thoughts and hopes are with you.

My late wife and I shared a taxi with 'Taffy' and Peter Kelly many years ago returning from a Crewe Reunion to the Hotel where we were staying. I never laughed so much in all my life. What a character he was. We were both privileged to be in the company of such a friendly and entertaining couple of people. Fond memories indeed. My condolences to all 'Taffy's Family and friends. I, for one, will never forget him. R.I.P. + 'Taffy'.

In no particular order. Belle Vue (Hyde Road) Belle Vue (New Stadium) Sunderland Coventry Redcar

Never were truer words spoken Sidney.