steve roberts

That's kind of you thank you very much...I'll check first to see if one is available.

...think he was Martin and David's father?

Great...that was it!

...did he present a football based quiz on BBC (can't recall the name) or was that someone else? If I recall you moved a ball around a board with each right answer?

One book I've not read...must look it out!

Yes that is correct. Would have proved an interesting read I'm sure.

I've read many of the (auto)biographies of speedway riders that are currently in circulation. All are fascinating although promoter John Berry's is the best in my view (both books). The one rider I saw very differently after reading his biography was Kelly Moran...personally I changed my mind about him (although I admired him as a rider) as I found his "off-track" exploits tiresome and irresponsible on occasions. Those that I have read include Michael Lee (no holding back), Malcolm Simmons, Eric Boocock, John Louis, Dave and Chris Morton, Sam Ermolenko, Hans Nielsen, promoters Ian Thomas, Johnnie Hoskins, Len Silver & Reg Fearman, Dave Jessup, Bert Harkins, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Tommy Jansson, Bob Kilby, Simon Wigg and Ove Fundin.

...that wouldn't have been a very long list!

...David Vine? There's a name...used to front many programmes on the BBC. "A Question of Sport", "Ski Sunday", "It's a Knockout", "Pot Black" etc etc.

Yes he appeared on "Superstars" on a couple (?) of occasions if I recall...Geoff Capes was in one of the episodes and caused a bit of a rumpus with a protest but can't remember about what now?

Despite all that has sadly transpired before and since the publication of his book there's no getting away from the fact that PC was a great rider during a time that England ruled the speedway world during the sport's last "Golden Era". He was a household name appearing regularly on National TV (the sadly missed "World of Sport" in particular) and I, for one, will never forget his contribution on track and the excitement he generated.

Is your book still available?

Subtle difference between a "hard rider" and "dirty rider"...Pedersen qualified as the second in my opinion.

Never a fan of his...saw enough of him in his half season at Cowley to confirm my opinion.

A clearer picture is developing in what is a very a sad state of affairs.

...a good read! You'll enjoy it!

It's my brother so no issue but you're right...I've lost DVD's in the past by lending them out!

...I'll have to re-read the chapter when I get my book back!

Without wishing to come across as pedantic and not wanting to trawl thru' pages on this particular thread but I'd be interested to know how this figure was arrived at? Was it quoted in his book? I'll check again when my brother has finished reading it. I'd be more than happy if someone could enlighten me in the meantime...

...blimey that takes me back!

I recall reading Eric Boocock's book that Stuart Bamforth insisted that he didn't want any "freeloaders' getting into meetings for nothing and vitually everybody paid to get in...the St.John Ambulance Brigade included. Taffy Owen who ran the track shop and paid a rent was also expected to pay. Members of the press including the likes of Richard Frost and Dick Bott who had given Belle Vue such good, and free, publicity had to pay to get in to do their job. Apparently he was basing his decision on a system that had been adopted in Aussie in that everyone (including the competitors) were expected to pay and then signed a book and were re-imbursed to discourage "freelodaers" however he forgot to tell anyone of his intentions and there was so much animosity flying about prior to the first meeting.

...again, where has this figure come from? Can't recall a specific reference in his book unless I missed it?

...not sure, or remember, if this was quoted in his book? I've since lent it to my brother. I'd be interested to know where that figure came from?

I have to admit I thought he was a class act...the "King" of "Glam Rock". I still occasionally listen to his music now. He may be disgraced but you can't take away the impact he had on the music scene during the early/middle seventies.

...I've just checked Speedway Researcher and Canterbury were early season visitors on the 12th April winning 34-43. That's looking familiar especially when I looked down the team sheets!