The White Knight

My favourite riders, not the best in the world but here goes: Jim Airey Gordon Guasco Jack Millen Graeme Smith and finally, the one and only 'Briggo'. You did ask. You may notice a little Sunderland bias here.

I am very disappointed by the obituary on the BSPA Website. They should have done a proper job on the obituary, not just the few words published. They have let down their Sport by their understated reaction to someone who, so obviously, loved his Speedway, and did as much as he could for it in his lifetime. Sadly, he is due far more respect than this.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of a truly great friend of Speedway. I will miss his erudite postings on this Forum, they were always well worth reading. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time. I never met Phil but he had my total respect. R.I.P. + Phil.

For a Speedway Club with such a short history, may I humbly submit the following: 1964 Sunderland 'Saints' - Ken Sharples (Father), Paul Sharples (Son). 1973 Sunderland 'Stars' - George Barclay (Father), Terry Barclay (Son). Our 1964 Team had 9 Home Meetings only, as we were closed down after that. Our 1971 to 1974 Team managed four years before the same thing happened to us. So in that short space of time, we tracked two Fathers and Sons in the same team. Must be some sort of record? Does anybody know of any others in so short a time?

Unfortunately, the title of the magazine says it all. The only people who will read this are 'old fogies' like me. I doubt if 'The Oldie' magazine has many young readers. Nice to get a mention though - all publicity is good publicity. An interesting piece though, for those unaware of Speedway's great history.

Some hope. They are too busy playing games on their Computers or messing about with their mobile 'phones.

Nice, and very interesting Post Sidney. I agree with you. My biggest Speedway disappointment - Briggo missing out on the 1972 World Championship after being T-boned by Persson. Sad, I know, but I still feel bad about that even though it was so many years ago.

I'm no fan of Pedersen but this does look like the Referee did have it in for him. Referees don't half have life easy these days. 'Visiting' the Referee was a common occurrence years ago. It used to entertain the crowd too. I can remember a number of Riders popping into the Referee's box to dispute a decision. It was fun, all the booing and cheering, depending on which team you supported was all part of the Sport and the entertainment. Ah well, "The past is another country, they do things differently there". (Quote: L. P. Hartley). Sadly...........................................................

This is very sad news. I would like to offer my condolences to you and the rest of your family, and also, to his many friends. R.I.P. Jack. +

Yes, that happened to me a couple of times when I was distracted by conversation. I soon learned, however.

Sad news. Get well soon 'Dicko'.

Hi Sid Peter Craven is one of my great Speedway heroes, and I, sadly, never got to see him race either. My interest in Speedway started back in 1964 (Sunderland 'Saints') - less than a year after Peter's fatal accident in 1963.

A worthwhile article for the 'Spectator' and worth the read. Maybe it will encourage a few folk who have never heard of Speedway to visit a Track out of curiosity and maybe get hooked as I did all those years ago. I, for one, certainly hope so. Thanks for the Link Philip.

Well, I wasn't confining my arguments only to Chunky. You are right norbold, when you state that Chunky was one of John's minor attackers. There are, however, a few others on here who are not nearly so mild in their criticism, or should I say bullying (for that is what it is). I will not name them because you all know who they are.

You too moxey63.

Certainly not moxey63. You are definitely not the problem. I too am pleased I came on today. Believe me, it is a rare occasion these days.

Totally agree. The Forum is dominated by a number of self-opinionated folk. They will crash down on anyone who disagrees with them. Especially, it seems, if you are elderly like John. It is his treatment that was instrumental in my cutting back drastically on my time on this Forum. I have other things to do now. So it is immaterial to me what anyone thinks. I too, communicate with John by e-mail - I would far rather listen to what he has to say than read some of the nastiness to him on here. Anyway - that is my final Post on the subject - unless I feel the need to defend myself.

You've never said a truer word moxey63 - and it is a disgrace. The way someone in their high eighties was treated on this Forum was totally wrong. I used to enjoy most of John's Posts. Anyhow, that is why I don't bother to Post much these days. It's nice to know I am not alone.

Can't say as I blame him as you are on his back whenever he Posts on here.

My health and night vision is fine. I preferred driving at night rather than during the daytime. My concentration levels are probably reduced by about 10% though, and to me anyway, that is a lot. Therefore - time to call it a day. This reply is prompted by ch958's comment. With all those 'folk' driving as they do these days, the last thing you need is someone with a reduced concentration on the roads.

Well, I am 7 days short of being 76 years of age. I gave up driving a couple of months ago now because I felt my concentration is not what it used to be. I did not want to hurt anyone else, or myself, for that matter, and decided the time had come for me to give up. So I did, and have no real regrets about my decision. It's an individual thing, some should pack it in early or some can go on to a hundred if all is well with them. I believe the time was right for me.

Phill, That seems a very good question to me.

He was indeed a super rider Steve. I wouldn't have been sure if it hadn't been for you though.. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your Posts.

I thought I glimpsed Geoff Curtis too. Steve. I wasn't certain until I read your Post.

I would like to congratulate Plymouth 'Gladiators' on the great signing of Bjarne Petersen. I hope the 'Gladiators do really well in the coming Season. I loved the City of Plymouth as a boy, I will follow their progress from afar, with interest. I met a few folks from Plymouth at Brough Park, Newcastle some years ago, we had great craic. Very best of luck to you all in the coming Season. You deserve it.