BOBBATH

Is Dave still with us- I remember him in the famous photo of the 1965 promoters meeting- I think Reg Fearman is the only one on that photo who is still alive unless Dave is. Dave wasn't a promoter but I think he was the secretary of the Promoters Association perhaps. Hey John don't delete your threads- I was about to answer your thread on Jim Heard till it disappeared. I for one am interested in your threads on 1950's riders. Cheers.

I enjoy John's posts- I am particularly interested in his memories of 1950's riders. Let's face it John was born in 1932- 90 this year- I'm not sure I'll be up to posting anything at 90. I'll probably be six feet under and lapping ants then!! Actually we now have Medically Assisted Death in Canada now- I mentioned that to my wife and she's booked me in for next Tuesday!!!

Yeh, I was about to respond to the Jimmy Heard posting but wasn't quick enough to do so before it disappeared

Does anyone recall Les riding in the old NL before the amalgamation into the BL in 1965. I think Les suffered some serious injuries in his earlier career.

The speedway bar that Iris posted a photo of, is it located at the site of the old Plough Lane stadium?

I forgot about Les, but as usual you're right Norbold. I remember Les as one of the three heat leaders for Hackney in 1964 with Colin Pratt and Roy Trigg. I know that Les has passed away but did he continue to ride after 1964 into the British League days.

Thinking of the old one-off World Finals-when it was held at Wembley the home track riders had a definite advantage- I am thinking here of Fred Williams -World Champ in 1950 and 1953. Would Fred have become World Champ on an away track-certainly not if a one off World Final had been held at Belle Vue one of Fred's least favourite tracks. So then I thought who could have been a World Champ if held as a one-off at another track. Came up with two- Nigel Boocock if it had been held at Coventry, Graham Warren if held at Birmingham. Also maybe Tommy Miller at Glasgow White City-any other thoughts on this??

Most interesting post, Iris.

What happened to prompt this post Steve-did he just die?

Ok so who has actually seen Dan Forsberg ride-he was before my time. I think I have seen only10 of the 16 (subject to further review!!!!)

. Norbold were you talking just about the top 16 or did you see Aage Hansen (first reserve)ride als)You maybe qualify for the second prize. I'm not sure if I ever saw Peo Soderman or P.T. Svensson will have to check my program collection!

Hi Andout-if you win the prize I will offer you a free trip to Welland, Paris or Dundas!!!

Great posts Chunky-scary list I would be on that list of people born in their forties.

Are you talking about UNSTYLISH riders in the last few posts after my comment on Clive Featherby (R.I.P.) 'cos I can think of a few more- wot about you Norbold/Chunky et al. you must have seen some of the most unstylish ever!!

Ok I am gonna take a shot at updating the list : here goes 1.Arthur Payne 30/08/24 2.Dick Bradley 28/11/24 3.Chum Taylor 04/04/27 4.Eric Boothroyd 26/04/27 5.Ray Cresp 25/08/28 6.Billy Bales 06/06/29 7.Ian Williams 04/08/31 8.Per Tage Svensson 16/10/31 9.Peo Soderman 29/10/32 10. Ove Fundin 23/05/33 11.Jim Lightfoot 11/11/33 12.Dan Forsberg 25/03/34 13.Josef Hofmeister 17/06/34 14.Brian Crutcher 23/08/34 15.Mike Broadbank 25/09/34 16.Barry Briggs 30/12/34 First Reserve Aage Hansen 13/04/35 Second Reserve Gote Nordin 02/07/35 Don't think any forumlander can have seen all 18 ride-except maybe John Hyam.? There is a competition for who has seen the most ride-first prize one trip to a derelict stadium of your choice; second prize two visits to a derelict stadium of your choice!!!!

Great to hear Aage Hnsen is still with us-he was a Finalist in 1957-scored 4 points I think.

What about Jim Airey as a stylist-my nomination for the most UNSTYLISH has to be Clive Featherby

Ta for clearing that up Chunky.

Do you mean Brian Collins the former Wembley rider?

No need for an apology mate -thanx for your efforts. I know for a fact all these guys are alive- but not sure about Aage Hansan- scary to think Jim Airey is only 5 years older than me(6 years older than Norbold). Sorry Norman!!!!!!!!

Thanks a million Chunky, is Doug Davies still with us though? What's scary is that some of these guys you list aren't much older than I am !!!!!!

Thanks Roger, any finalists still alive born in 1935,36 or 37?

So Briggo has also made the top 16- anybody have nominations for the two reserves-maybe some folks born in 1935?? I can't think of anyone-wot about Bjorn Knutsson??

So now two have gone Olle and Derrick

Unfortunately Derrick Close has now passed away so Mike Broadbank now is #16 while Barry is first reserve anybody have any idea who should become second reserve. Arthur Payne is still with us just turned 97, ditto Dick Bradley.