BOBBATH

You got that right Chunky-off topic but in 1965 did Wimbledon run on a Monday night or am I dreaming- I am sure West Ham ran on Tuesday( along with Long Eaton) and Hackney on Friday. I was working in Basildon -used to watch 'em all- would get the train from Laindon to Barking and then get on the underground. The best viewing for me was at West Ham. In 1965 was Oxford on Thursday- not sure- but certainly Sheffield was on a Thursday. Wonderful days-at that time just across the road from Barking Station was a Wimpy's where I used to scarf food down. I always recall they had the ketchup in a round container that looked like a Tomato-are Wimpy's still around or have they been defeated by McDonalds, Burger King etc etc

I would also like to purchase Alan's book- how can I do it- I have purchased Norbold's books directly from him( great writing Norman) and also Philp Dallings' ( all of them and also great writing) the same way -direct. Would love to get Alan's book.

OK here goes- I contacted Reg Fearman. Arthur does not use e-mail, but Reg took the trouble to contact Pam Warren ( ex-spouse of Graham Warren) , and also Peter White the Australian journalist and member of the Australian Speedway community and they both confirm Arthur is 99.. So it looks like he WAS indeed born in 1923. I will update his birthdate the next time we update the oldest World Finalist list. It's great speedway people are so helpful, particularly as some are getting up there in age. I was glad to see so many forumlanders wanted to ensure this was corrected

Leave it with me.

Chris Morton was not a good gater, but if he styled himself on Soren Sjosten-wasn't Soren a really good gater.- so is that true

Was Peter a bit of a prickly character?

After reading all this I am sticking to 1924- if BL65 says that , well that's good enough for me. So there!!!

I never knew that- I can understand why your mate Johnnie was torn up. RIP Gary

I give up-garcon bring me another martini!!!!

Jeez that's awful young, was he in an accident or was it a medical issue?

What do forumlanders think we ought to do re Arthur's birthdate should there be two dates and an asterisk next to his name in the list. I am a stickler for historical accuracy but maybe we should enter both. Maybe we should wait and see if he gets a letter from the Queen in 23 or 24????????? But maybe the Queen won't last that long!!!!!!!!!!!!

How old was Gary Ford when he passed away??

You've convinced me- Arthur remains #1 but by a wider margin over Dick Bradley. Thanks all for taking the time and trouble on the research. So Arthur will be 100 next year.

I'm pretty sure its August 1924- his old mate Reg Fearman agrees with 1924 and he is still in touch with Arthur. Any clarification from anybody else.

Actually I thought that Peter Morrish had passed away- hope I am wrong.

Armchair stylists -look no further than Geoff Penniket-anyone see Geoff ride- he partnered Gote Nordin at Poole in 1967 I think, plus rode at Newport from 1964-66. Famously managed to cut the top of one finger off while working on his bike. Where are all these characters today??

Just another note on Eric, his wife Bonnie-lovely lady-predeceased him by a few years. She famously kept detailed statistics on all his rides in all his meetings. Reg Fearman who knew Eric very well and kept in touch with him all these years mentioned that Eric specified he wanted no obituary, no fuss , no muss on his death. A cautious and conservative Yorkshireman his wishes were respected. I had a lot of respect for Eric R.I.P.

I think that when Reg moved to Wimbledon in 1965- one of my mates who was a West Ham fan felt really betrayed- I think the Speedway Gods made him move to try and balance teams in the great 1965 shake up. Always a nice bloke.

With the sad death of Ray Cresp, Gote Nordin moves up to #16, with Bob Andrews as first reserve and now Reg Luckhurst at 2nd reserve-this is getting a bit too close to home. I saw Reg in his only World Final- 1965 I think.

Sad to report that following the death of Eric Boothroyd, Ray Cresp died two days later. Many will remember Ray, I recall him riding for Long Eaton-after he left West Ham I think. R.I.P. Ray.

Jim Lightfoot's d.o.b is 11/11/33, I made a mistake in typing ! Hard to believe I know.

See the oldest world finalists list, another one leaves, take a look at the updated list. I'm getting depressed, I well recall Eric captaining the all conquering Halifax team of 1966- guess he was in his forties then. Tremendous rider for Middlesbrough Bears also, he is a great loss but now becomes part of speedway history. A tough guy on track but a down to earth guy off the track. I don't think we will we ever see his like again. RIP Eric.

Well, I was sorry to see that Eric Boothroyd has passed away. I think the current list is now: 1. Arthur Payne 30/8/24 2.Dick Bradley 28/11/24 3.Chum Taylor 4/4/27 4. Ray Cresp 25/8/28 5 .Billy Bales 6/6/29 6.Ian Williams 4/8/31 7.Per Tage Svensson 16/10/31 8.Peo Soderman 29/10/32 9.Ove Fundin 23/5/33 10.Jim Lightfoot 11/1//33 11.Dan Forsberg 25/3/34 12.Josef Hofmeister 17/6/34 13.Brian Crutcher 23/8/34 14.Mike Broadbank 25/9/34 15.Barry Briggs 30/12/34 16.Aage Hansen 13/4/35 First Reserve. Gote Nordin 2/7/35 Second Reserve. Bob Andrews 27/10/35 Any additions or deletionsw to this list are welcome.

Yeh, but is John still with us- we were glad to see him join us at Newport in 1967.

I often reflect on these old timey days ( ref. to "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"-did any forumlanders see this movie?). As many of you will recall , John rode for Oxford in the last year of the NL 1964 and early years of BL 1965>. He joined Newport in 1967, is John still with us and howz he doing- if so.??