Swift Saint

Why? Did you fancy him in it? LOL Malcolm Vasey

Never being one to admit a mistake I wold draw your attention to Page 7 of the Pardoners Tale (Canterbury Tales - Geoffery Chaucer) where the use of the olde English spelling of details ie detrails is used relating to the the listing of body parts ie entrails producing the amazingly economic word detrails or list of such items. As far as my own name is concrned I have always been usure of the correct spelling but you have put me right. Thank You Malcolm Vasey

Please enlighten me about the spelling mistake? I hate you - Butler Malcolm Vasey

I am almost certain that the honour falls to Dean Felton. I am currently about to reach the point in preparation for my new book which will contain detrails of all appearances in the Third Tier since 1994 where the Table of this information with CMA's etc will be complete. Then I can speak with authority. Dean Garrod held the record once but he had dropped to fourth by the end of 2007 headed by Felton, Thompson and Burnett. David Mason was 7th and Matt Wright eighth! I expect my book which covers the whole of 2008 and many all time stats to be available in about 2-3 weeks. The highest point scorer at the end of 2007 was David Mason with a total of 2249 (including bonus). Malolm Vasey

I have just spoken to Graham Reeve who informs me that Adam Wrathall will replace Gary Irving at the Isle of Wight Semi Final. I also asked him about James Serjeant and the other 15 year olds and he advised me that they are not eligible at 15 for this event. Malcolm Vasey

I thought great credit was due to all particpants and to Buxton for having the track in decent shape despite the mist and fog and dampness. A great afternoon for me but I was puzzled at the lack of Team Managers and Promoters present to see these stars of the future. Tony Mole was there and one or two others like Steve Williams from Belle Vue and my notebook is full. Some great talent is on the way up. Malcolm Vasey

And myself also don't like mixing alcohol and cars Malcolm Vasey

Sittingbourne is just as far from North West based riders as Plymouth is for North East. I hope it is in the Midlands somewhere myself. Malcolm Vasey

Two Conference League Riders never completed a race due to crashes and being unable to take part any further and then never rode in an official match again. Dave Roberts started one race for Somerset at St Austell on 30/05/00 crashing into the machine of the fallen Mark Thompson in Heat 3. Roberts never rode again although I believe that he had ridden some time earlier in the National League. It was his one and only Conference League race. Michael Godfrey started one race for Scunthorpe in 2005 on making his debut for Scunthorpe on 07/08/05 at home to Sittingbourne. He tangled with Gary Phelps in Heat 13 (it would be that race) and has never made an appearance in the League since. Malcolm Vasey

I would like to add my condolences to the family of Brian Hanham. I too remember him racing for Southampton at Norwich his name was always on the team sheet. I think his one club approach is something that is now very much lacking in speedway and the sport is very much the poorer for it. Norwich had one club riders such as Phil Clarke but how many teams can say that today. I am glad that I was able to watch speedway at a time when most of the previous season's team would be there again year after year. Brian Hanham displayed loyalty that has been left in a bygone age. I'm glad that this has enabled him to stand out in my mind for qualities seldom seen (in any sport) these days. Malcolm Vasey

It is almost certain that this meeting will not be run this season. Too many rain-offs and pressure on dates I'm afraid. Malcolm Vasey

Given your journalistic background I am alarmed but unsurprised by the inaccuracies in much of what you post Speedyguy. Let me assure the world that Rob Hollingworth retired from the Conference League painlessly and voluntarily and was not "forced" out of the sport by anybody. That may be the case in respect of other riders who have not gained a place because of a high grading but Rob has no wish to race in the CL anymore. He does the odd STR meeting and that is all that he is interested in doing. Malcolm Vasey

Yes Star Ghost I was there. A long forgotten incident that you have reminded me of. Norwich Speedway was meant to move into Boundary Park I believe and that never happend and of course the City's two greyhound stadiums have long since disappeared into housing developments. Surely it is the disappearance of leisure facilities for profits that is the cause of many of Society's present day ills. How can anybody legitimately turn down speedway through an elongated planning process yet somehow allow football stadia to be developed? It has to be about money I suppose. Speedway has to get itself into the public eye again perhaps by full reports in the press appearing as adverts, paid for by the Clubs corporatelyand taking up whole pages would help including fixtures and tables. The reports wouild need to be in depth even the Speedway Star does not look at a match or meeting in any dpeth these days. By that I mean examining the racecard and highlighting the key races and the likely defining points but that is never seen in modern speedway previews. The generic "We should win this one" or "It's going to be close" from various Promoters is not enough. However, I doubt the days that you and I recall will ever come back and that is also something to do with the times as much as any shortcomings within the sport. I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff Pymar at Mildenhall a few years ago and talked to him at length one night at one of the Presentation Evenings perhaps ten years ago. He was a splendid gentleman who even at 80+ talked of having another ride on one of Dean Garrod's bikes. I met my boyhood hero, Ove Fundin, at a World Cup Final at Peterborough and I felt humble because seeing my BSPA badge and blazer the great man called me "Sir". The situation was quite paradoxical and he is another gentleman of our sport. I will never forget as a schoolboy taking my bike to Norwich Speedway at the Firs with 100's of others and parking in the gardens of the various dwellings along the Cromer Road the bikes never being locked (couldn't afford a lock anyway) and never interfered with by anyone to my knowledge. I believe they charged 3d or 6d to allow you to leave them there. Oh for a return to a society at that level. Malcolm Vasey

Yes I was aware of attempts in the early barren years but not recently as far as I am aware. Councils change, although there has been a general hardening of the attitude of planners against speedway. I would be interested to know from a professional planner, if there is one that reads this forum, how it is that Football Clubs with all the attenedant nuisance can build stadia and yet Speedway, which isn't even policed cannot get a plan through for love nor money. I wish that there was some corporate activity within the sport to overcome these prioblems. Sadly, there doen't seem to be. Malcolm Vasey

Hi Mr Star Ghost I too am interested in Geoff Pymar since he rode for Norwich, as has been said, in my earliest days of attending speedway. I recall him and Wal Morton well from those days when you and I must have stood on the same terraces looking rather different I expect to how we look today. I cannot understand why there has been no attempt to develop a real Norwich track such as at Hethel perhaps or even the Showground. It is the saddest thing to me about speedway that there is no track at Norwich or in the area. Even a revival at Great Yarmouth would help Malcolm Vasey

John Oliver's Dad has posted the above message on the Boston Message Board and I have placed it here for the information of his many friends in Great Britain who may not otherwise see this sad news. This is really dreadful and I am sure that everyone who knows John will want to join me in the hope that he is able to make a complete recovery. Malcolm Vasey