Knowle

Thank you Norbold, unfortunately whilst mentioned on it the link no longer works. Can you give me any help in establishing how I can get in touch with this Jim Blanchard or send me a PM. Thanks Richard

Thanks BOBBATH for your trouble. Unfortunately the version sung on youtube bears no resemblance to the "British" lyrics beyond the first line! The reason for my request is that I have been in contact with Dave Dutton who is the son of Bill Dutton who was a well known speedway team manager from the 1950s associated with Exeter,Cardiff,Swindon and Weymouth prior to his death in 1958 and who has a book out describing his pre University life from birth in Bristol in 1940. He was a massive fan of Bristol in the early1950s and records in his book the lyrics of the tune but gets stuck on line 5 and is keen to complete it. If anyone can help here is a prompt; "Marching along together Singing all along the line What do we care for weather We'll be there in rain or shine Blankety blank blank blank blank Ready to do or die We'll march along with a cheery song To brighten every mile We've packed our troubles in our kitbags And that is why we smile So, marching along together Happy just to be side by side!" Some years ago I heard this song reproduced on one of the sites dedicated to the history of old tracks possibly New Cross but can't find it now. I recall that George Allen the Bristol promoter appealed in a programme editorial for any fan to come with a spare "78" with it on as the track copy was broken and he had had to borrow one from either Ronnie Green's or Fred Mockford's "closely guarded" stock at Wimbledon or New Cross. How times have changed!

Can anyone supply the lyrics of this song that the rakers etc. marched out to at Bristol and possibly Wimbledon in the 1950s?

Do you mean E (Eric) Howe who rode at Bristol and Exeter in the early 1960s?

Chris Boss who rode for Bristol from 1949 to 1955 passed away on 30th May aged 85.He was a one-club rider whose best season was 1952 when he was second highest Bristol points scorer behind Dick Bradley. He also rode in a few meetings in 1959 when Bristol operated under an open licence.

Not Emil Kramer surely. I thought that he was killed in a road accident.

He was riding for St Austell at Sheffield and I think that this was his one and only meeting for them possibly his one and only ride.

Just a thought but there was a series of Aces of Yesteryear in which Arthur was likely to appear in the opposing team in the 50s. Also I seem to remember that he rode in a Golden Greats at Coventry about 1990 which must have been filmed.Great rider-saw him at Bristol a few times.

Is this russian code for something to do with John Erskine?

Joe was born in 1907 and rode for Burnley, Preston and Belle Vue pre-war and Harringay and Bradford post-war. He was killed in a crash at Bradford on July 1st 1950 the same night as Jock Shead was killed at Norwich whilst riding for Halifax who were under the same management as Bradford.Joe was known as the "India -rubber Man" and "Iron -Man" for his numerous crashes.

If I remember correctly the motto that went with the cartoon was " What no --------- ? " and someone had said about Liverpool before it opened "What no Speedway?!". I think the man sticking over the wall was called a chad. It had no connection with Kilroy. Hope this helps however a Liverpudlian might have more info.

Thats what becomes of riding for the Isle of Wight!

Was the 4th Earl of Morton related to Chris Morton ?

At Bristol in the 1950s it was "Marching along together" which was on a 78rpm record which got broken and the Management had to appeal in the programme for anyone to donate theirs! In the meantime they had to borrow one from Ronnie Green's "closely guarded" stock at Wimbledon. Happy days but sad to think that I can remember this so readily but have difficulty in remembering important details from last season.

If she had been a speedway fan she would have said "foive-one"!

I think that was Peter Collins but he had certainly retired by then but was perhaps chosen because as an ex world champion he might have been one rider that the panel might have heard of!

Sorry BOBBATH but cannot help on Jon as I only saw him at Newport a few years ago and I have since transferred my allegance to Somerset who are on my side of the dreaded Severn Toll Bridge!

I saw the programme in the 1950s and the rider taking part then was Reg Lambourne.

I confirm that Mike Erskine passed away some years ago. Heard it from his son Jon.

Bingley Cree certainly rode grass track pre war so may have tried Speedway at that time. He certainly rode for Poole in 1948. Just google his name for more info. He is about 96 now.

I think Jack Winstanly died this year.

Jerk Smith. I saw him riding for Bradford about 1952.

Spoke to Jon Erskine about 4 years ago at Newport, am certain he is still around.

This payslip was found recently by his daughter in his possessions after his death so he had kept it for over 60 years. It is rather poignant that he had kept a souvenir of the one occasion he had been given a chance which never came his way again.