steve roberts

Used to enjoy the old second halves...we at Cowley used to enjoy the exploits of grass track riders giving it a go during the early seventies (Julian Wigg, Ken Matthews, Chris and Alan Drewett - amongst many)

Yes I remember stories dad used to recall that when visiting Cowley Stadium back during the late forties (stadium was built in 1939) he had to walk thru' countryside and over a smalll bridge over the old Princes Risborough - Oxford railway line. Only development near the stadium was the Cowley works. Blackbird Leys arrived in the late fifties.

I remember filling in a questionaire once at Cowley however one time Oxford Promoter, Steve Purchase, would often make himself available on the terraces mingling with fans gauging their views.

Been discussed and debated elsewhere.

Totally different scenario to what's being discussed as you well know. As you brought up the subject of the Cycling World Championships I was in Harrogate only yesterday and the area known as "The Stray" resembles the Somme Battlefield and was fenced off and the surrounding pavements badly effected. A local I spoke too said that it's envisaged that it may take two years to put it right at Tax Payers expense.

I was brought up on Blackbird Leys (and proud of it) and was a regular at the speedway at Cowley for many of those years. I well remember a resident who moved into Sandy Lane knowing full well that speedway and greyhounds took place there and continually moaned about the facility. Would write to the local paper and generally make a nuisance of themselves. I recall the late Bernard Crapper commenting on same but eventually they moved out or died (I can't recall which) much to the relief of all and sundry. The same applied to the old Manor Ground in Headington whereby locals would complain about the football...and I would imagine that scenrio is repeated all around the country with locals being more pro-active in displaying their disapproval despite knowing the situation.

...and, again, I'd be interested to know what these self-interested people do as regards entertainment and what ticks their box?

...and as I've mentioned so many times in the past Oxford's connection with both Eastbourne and Peterbrough drew tremendous dividends and it continued when the "Rebels' moved to Wood Lane.

Apparently there is news in the Oxford Mail (I'm unable to post links!) and it looks positive...compulsory purchase but still a long way to go.

I thoroughly enjoyed following the sport at Cowley for over 30 years and although I gave up visiting other tracks towards the back end of that I continually supported 'The Cheetahs' at Oxford. Great times and a chance to meet up with friends and chew the fat. The final nail, so to speak, was when I re-located. Whether I would have continued to have visited a local track is open to conjecture (the nearest to me is Sheffield) however I wouldn't have missed it for the world for all the joy and tears the sport produced during my formative years. Great memories!

Great artwork!

I seem to recall that Tom Owen won a sack of potatoes during a meeting at the same venue?

Absolutely!

I have both these publications. I have an address of: Mr R.Ferry 13 West Drive, Cleadon, Sunderland SR6 7SJ Tel: 0191 5365064 Whether that's his present contact details I don't know. Good luck as I found them interesting re-counting stories of the sadly missed Jack.

Incidently one of my first heroes when he rode for "The Rebels" during my first year attending speedway in his immaculate black leathers.

Remember when the Scots (McKinlay, McMillan and Hunter) riding as Great Britain (British "Lions") together with English lads which was perfectly fine. Not sure when the last Scot, or indeed Welshman, last rode for Great Britain. Perhaps someone could enlighten me? It's a subject that Peter Collins was passionate about when interviewed a few years back.

Always preferred England.

Just some photos...no script to speak of.

Good luck with the article about Anders...one of the giants when I first went to speedway and a constant thorn when in oppostion to 'The Rebels'!

Received my copy and have to admit it does look to me rather 'hotchpotch' in the way that it's been put together and doesn't flow very well...just my opinion but at least it's for a good cause.

Tormod & Helge Langli.

Harry & Alan MacLean.

Simon & Julian Wigg.

Jim & Bill McMillan.

Eddie Reeves - "Cheetahs" legend!