steve roberts

I attended most of the Test Matches against the Yanks at Swindon and, yes, I also never understood the attitude of the fans. When I asked one fan was told it's because the Yanks are more charismatic!

I was there Sid for Dennis's and Einar's 15 pont maximums. Never a fan of Finn Thomsen (neither was Billy Sanders!) who I saw in one of his first meetings at Monmore Green in 1974.

I don't recall that I have to admit...I was a regular at Wood Lane.

Trouble is the good folk of Swindon have been fobbed off with lies and inaccuracies for years now...a public relations disaster!

...with little help from one of the Yanks which puzzled Sam Ermolenko in his autobiography!

I imagine Dave Jessup is the answer to one of the quotes?

Yes Oxford's British League License was transfered to White City when Cowley looked to be developed when sold by "Bristol Stadium Ltd" (Clark Osborne...recognise the name?) until the SOS Committee saved the stadium and Oxford ran in the New National League. White City ran as a league team for three season before transferring to Eastboune (Bob Dugard's other interest) although remained a big meeting venue until it was finally demolished in 1984.

Yes Birmingham were at Reading that same day. I'm guessing it was Easter Monday (19th April)?

As I followed both teams I can't recall 'dual' meetings if I'm honest? Swindon had plenty of luck going winning at Wood Lane as I do remember the likes of Gordon Kennett and Dag Lovass both suffering with engine problems at critical moments?

Very sad news but it appears that the next edition will be the last. I, for one, will miss the two magazines...from dropping thru' the letterbox I wouldn't put them down until having absorbed all the contents. At least I have the entire collections to browse thru' at my leisure reminiscing the good times! May I take this opportunity in thanking Tony Mac, Susie and all the contributors over the years.

Remember Garry Middleton ("Rebel" skipper in 1972) would often have the beating of "Briggo" but appeared to have difficulties getting the better of "Crash".

Eric Boocock "Going Round in Circles" another recommended read.

...a good read and interesting background stories. Would recommend.

When Lockdown was eased and you could venture further afield I wished to visit the local Arboretum only to find that you had to book in advance...an Arboretum of all places where social distancing wasn't an issue. When I went on line to book reluctantly (who would want to book in advance not knowing what the weather might be like?) only to find that there was a £1-50 booking fee...Sod that I said and didn't pursue with the booking out of priciple.

You would have thought that there was provision for "Contactless" transactions?

My mother recently lost her purse which contained her Debit Card...thankfully she had some cash. The replacement card took over a week to materialise.

Martin was very under-rated but was up there with the best Britain could offer during those glorious years of the sixties and seventies speedway's last "Golden Era".

Always sad when a track closes down but what went on at Swindon was despicable with lies upon lies and false promises.

...reminds me at Coventry when we did the same after the League Cup Final Second Leg in 1985 (we were humbled!) when all we wanted to do was to get out of there as quickly as possible!

I visited some years ago and there wasn't much left but with a bit of imagination you could work out the shape of the track.

When I phoned thru' my order I was told by the end of October?

Yes it was during 1975 under the guise of "Bristol Stadiums Ltd (?)" when he "sold" the stadium to the council who were considering developing the site until the SOS Committee (which my uncle was a member) saved the site albeit the Divison One license was transferred to White City. Rather ironic now that the council wishes to retain the site as a leisure activity? Osbourne was never liked during his time at Cowley and no wonder. Remember Osbourne once taking on Gordon Kennett in a race round the circuit in some "hot" cars and I recall Gordon crashing his?

Yes the track did leave a lot to be desired on occasions during that period I recall. Shame because it was beautiful shape and when prepared properly the racing was superb.

I remember a race between Phil Crump and then "Brummie" Hans Nielsen...super race where they passed and re-passed each other I can't recall how many times. All very fair and each giving the other plenty of room however I can't remember who won?

What I've seen on DVD (only went to Bradford once) it struck me that although the track was very wide and heavily banked much of it offered no advantage after the first two bends from the start? I'm happy to be corrected by those with a better knowledge of attending meetings at Odsal.