Ron Butler

Parsloe, I completely agree with your comments. I had great respect for the ability of Carter as a speedway rider. This was totally destroyed by his terrible conduct and action regarding his family. Whatever the provocation no individual should deliberately take another persons life. I can see no reason for the production of this book other than the acquisition of personal monetary profit by the author, publishers and producers - together with anyone else involved in resurrecting these tragic events and putting them into the public domain thus engendering much public titillation. Absolutely nobody derives any credit from this publication. Ron.

As a 14 year-old kid of average height I thought Jack Parker THE legend of Belle Vue was quite tall though I don't know his actual height. Possibly the fact that he was very slim added to the impression.

Would any rider want a mention in that scandal sheet unless it was in the sports section. Possibly Split Waterman and Bruce Semmens did many years ago.

You may not think so. Personally, I regard most of his antics as showmanship - speedway has had its share of that over the past sixty years to my personal knowledge. Nikki Pedersen is no different to his predecessors, I assure you.

This is known, Fast, as the progressive regression system of government. I intensely dislike the GP system. One of the problems with the rulers of 'our sport' is that will insist on apeing the more prominent sports ; hence the not only the GP system from Formula 1 motor racing but, also, the naming of speedway leagues after those of association football i.e. Premier League [Premiership] and Conference League. Conference League, in either sport, I fail to understand. A conference is, surely, a gathering of people to confer [talk] but not necessarily achieve much. Under the present system of control in speedway perhaps the BSPA should be replaced by the British Speedway Promoters Conference! I jest? Ron.

Dave I've checked my copy of Homes of British Speedway but there's nothing listed for Stirling. Could it have been promoted under any other locality name? Ron.

Sorry, can't help at the moment as all my books are packed ready for relocation. Should there be no response I'll try to remember to check when I've sorted out a new ISP but that will be in about 4/5 weeks. Ron.

He did a stint at Belle Vue a few years ago. The general consensus of opinion was he nearer a fagend than a legend.

Greetings Mark, Thanks for the clips. Always good to see how the other half races! Ron.

Probably built by George Wimpey as was everything else in that era. Incidentally, there was not an individual named George Wimpey. One explanation of the company name is that it meant We Import More Paddies Every Year, George was added for the obvious reason. Later the company was acquired by the Prudential Assurance Company whose chairman officially stated that Wimpey meant We Issue More Policies Every Year. Apparently you pays you premium and you takes your choice! Ron.

I can't help with your request, TMW, but thanks for the link!

Yes, Craig, I heard that 1976 was a good year for Moxeys - or was it moggies? Can't remember. It's sad that of all the things I've lost over the years I miss my mind the most. As for the Millward character........! Ron.

I've never heard of Ricky but I do know of a man who was possibly one of his antecedents. His name is John Wellington-Wells, a dealer in magic and spells. Mr Wellington-Wells was a close associate of W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Couldn't resist that, Matty. Hope you get some serious answers. Ron.

Why, Moxey, are you trying to drive The Great Millward even further away from Kinky Lane than he is now?

I'm reminded of the saying attributed to Disraeli [amongst others] i.e. 'There are three kinds of lies; lies, damned lies and statistics.'

Jason Crump and Kenneth Bjerrre riding in Aces colours throughout the upcoming season. Ron.

Hi Parsloes, I can't give you any specific help regarding the film except to tell you the name 'Langdon' should be Langton. Here are some links relating to most of the riders you've named. I've taken them from Google [quite a lot of past years speedway links there] The Tom Farndon story is in two parts so I've put both links in. The last link is to a monologue written by a well-known Belle Vue personality of yesteryear. It's been my pleasure and privilege to watch Colin Waton, Jack Parker, Eric Langton, Ron Johnson and [i think] Frank Varey in action. I think I must be getting old, they seem like legends of a bygone era to me! Anyway, enjoy the links. Sorry I can't help with the film. http://www.motorsport-fanatic.co.uk/speedway-parker.htm http://www.motorsport-fanatic.co.uk/speedway-langton.htm http://www.motorcycle-uk.com/vsm/tomfarndon.htm http://www.motorcycle-uk.com/vsm/tomfarndon2.htm http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Bluey.html http://www.motorcycle-uk.com/vsm/vicduggan.html http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/varey.html http://www.motorcycle-uk.com/vsm/youngbert.html Joy to you, Ron

Kristy Munroe [surf Life Saving] nominated for a sports award! Seems rather strange to me. I'm considering contacting the BBC to nominate Alan Tarby [Coxswain of the Padstow Lifeboat] as Sports Personality of the Year.

Now that comment is a real coming from you. You who said on the Forum Names thread that you know all there is to know about everything. Surely we lesser mortals don't really have to 'hope so'. Surely you can tell us immediately. Why should we live in hope and uncertainty when, by your own admission, you already know, The Know. Won't you share with us, your friends, all you know about this Mr Know-it-All! Ron

Have you heard the one about the long-haired millionaire scrap metal merchant from Halifax................... Well this thread, so far, sounds like the beginning of a joke so I thought I'd kick-start it. Over to you folks..... Ron

......or to agree? I feel this is what you prefer, Green.

Who, Subedei?

Hi Adele, I agree that whatever he may think and say himself, he's not ready. I feel he has to achieve more in the reality sense before he can progress any further. Now, calm down, KitKat, you know me better than to think I mean Simon. I'm talking about Sube. Stay well - stay you, Ron.

Not him. That fine old English gentleman Tommy Price.

Sorry I can't recommend an hotel, but I can advise you to reconsider your username. I think you mean Brylcream [the hair cream] You can change it by emailing Sir Lunchalot, a moderater. You can do this by bringing up his profile from the Members list link at the top of the page On his profile page you will find a link that will bring up a blank email form. Your posts will not be affected other than the new name replacing the old. Joy to you, Ron.