peatbog Posted June 29, 2004 Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 What a pleasant surprise to read about the Saints again, it's nice to know that there are other old fans of Bannister Road still around. My memories go back to the late 40's when we had Jimmy Squibb, Alf Kaines, George Bason, Pete Lansdale, Alf Bottoms, Tom & Bob Oakley, Cecil Bailey, then there was my favorite, Phil Bishop. I still love Speedway, until 2 years ago I was a regular at Poole but now it's just the TV and this forum, plus my memories. Happy days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted June 29, 2004 Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 I`m now living in Germany if the price still goes for postage here then i will send the money off. Pass on my condolences when you speak to Briggo.He was one of my heroes in my younger days.It doesn`t surprise me what you said about the Golden Greats meeting,he was simply a star and one of the best there was at promoting the sport to the outside world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Saint Posted June 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 peatbog, I remember Jimmy Squibb riding and that was in the Fifties I often heard my father talk about the other riders you mention. It seems that once the Saints and Banister Court got into your blood, you were hooked for ever. Do any of you remember the "war chant"? How about when Briggo joined and wore a black and white jersey. Someone decided he should have a red and white instead and knitted him one. Briggo's luck seemed to change for the worst when he started to wear the new jersey and, if I remember correctly, he publicly burnt it. Whenever I hear the "March of the Gladiators" memories of The Stadium come rushing back. We used to sit in the County Stand (could not afford the Grandstand) and I recall peeking under the seats to get a view of the County Cricket . David, I would be interested to hear what you have. Best wishes to all, Malcolm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickiemint Posted June 29, 2004 Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 Dave Please pass on my best wishes to Alby I still remember him blasting around the railway bend at Newport I can say he was one of my favourite riders. I would be interested in a badge and whatever programmes you may have, please let me know the cost. Thanks Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longlivefrankie Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 it was sad tor ead about alby being ill, and please pass my best wishes on, im sure all old wasps fans remember him with a great deal of affection.. i remember him as my first idol when i was 7 at newport, he always seemed pleased to be signing my autograph books photos etc, a real gentleman... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Croucher Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 Many thanks for the cards. I will try and get them to Joan this weekend. On another note, for those of you in the South, Southampton Show is on this weekend, and a display of Speedway Bikes and Race Jackets will be there. Worth a visit if you are not too far away. David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mart W Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 Very sad news indeed about Alby, my first speedway hero in 64 when Somerton Park opened, lets hope he makes a full and speedy recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tyrrell Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 Apart from 'The Stadium, Southampton' book by CR Bailey, there is another book which is called 'A Dangerous Life', the speedway life story of Chum Taylor, published in Australia in 1986. I managed to pick up a copy a few years ago at Poole, only because there is a picture on the front cover of Chum in an Oxford race jacket! But, by its very nature, there is much on his years at Southampton and some pictures as well. Ah, memories! My Uncle used to go on about Dick Bradley at Bristol (and Johnnie Hole) and I remember seeing Southampton several times at Oxford. Sadly I never got to either track, they both closed before I was old enough to start getting out and about. I did see DC's team in a second half at Poole one time which brought back some memories. What a boon it would be if a track opened in Southampton again! Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristol jim Posted July 4, 2004 Report Share Posted July 4, 2004 Hi LadyOM I remember your dad Dick Bradley when he rode for Bristol with Billy Hole Jack Unstead Eric Salmon Roger Wise but your dad was always my star & after bristol closed i used to watch him sometimes at southampton I also remember him being team manger at swindon Please give him my best wishes for all the happy memories of bristol bulldogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lady of the manor Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 Hi to you all again, I printed these pages off for Dad to read and he did so with great interest, he would like to pass on his thanks for all your best wishes. Old Saint, Dad talks fondly of Ernie Rawlins and his shock when they were told of the seriousness of his injuries, he is the proud owner of the Ernie Rawlins memorial trophy. Dad remembers being a coffin bearer at the funeral and was honoured to take over as captain of the Saints. Hello # Name Removed #, I have read many of your postings on the forum. What a coincidence this thread was started the same day as the VSRA lunch, I have a chat with Ian Williams at Blunsdon each week and he was telling me what a good time they had. I know Dad would enjoy these occasions, maybe I can persuade him? He was interested to hear of the riders you mentioned and obviously very sad to hear of Alby's illness. I enjoy reading all your comments and memories, it's nice to know Dad is remembered so well. Regards to you all Yvonne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Croucher Posted July 9, 2004 Report Share Posted July 9, 2004 (edited) Hello # Name Removed #, I have read many of your postings on the forum. What a coincidence this thread was started the same day as the VSRA lunch, I have a chat with Ian Williams at Blunsdon each week and he was telling me what a good time they had. I know Dad would enjoy these occasions, maybe I can persuade him?He was interested to hear of the riders you mentioned and obviously very sad to hear of Alby's illness. I enjoy reading all your comments and memories, it's nice to know Dad is remembered so well. Regards to you all Yvonne. It is lovely to have had a reply from you Yvonne, thank you very much. I still have the originals of all the Echo photos of Ernie Rawlins Funeral, with the whole Team in attendance. They finished up with me when Bert died, along with a couple of big boxes of other photos and all his old Trophies. The trophies are all on display in my lounge, but the photos only get an occasional airing as it takes an afternoon to go through them all. I must try and take them to the Luncheon next year, but it always seems to creep up on me and I never have time. Latest news on Alby is not good, in that there is no real change, he is seriously ill. The cards I received, I am taking over to his son, Brett, this afternoon, so thank you all for your thoughts and wishes. I shall pass them on. Have a good weekend all. David. PS: I saw Brett at about 3.00pm. He said his Dad was very weak and things were not looking good. I have asked him to let Alby know, when he visits him at tea time, that there are an awful lot of people asking after him and wishing him well. He said he would and he will give the cards to Joan who has been with Alby constantly. Edited July 9, 2004 by David Croucher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Saint Posted July 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2004 LotM: Please pass on my thanks and very best wishes to your father. David: I am saddened by your news. Let us all hope that Alby makes a full recovery. It is wonderful to share memories with you all and to know that the passage of time has not "gilded the lily" and that my fond memories of the Saints and the Stadium are accurate. Recently I was told that I am to be a grandfather for the first time. I shall, God willing, pass on my memories to a new generation. In this way the name of Southampton Speedway and the great, and brave, riders who made up the team over the years may live on. Regards to all Malcolm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian H Posted July 12, 2004 Report Share Posted July 12, 2004 You may be interested to know that another Saints stalwart, though not a rider is still active up here at Armadale - Dr Carlo Biagi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Croucher Posted July 15, 2004 Report Share Posted July 15, 2004 Dr Carlo Biagi Dear Ian H, If you know the Doc well enough or have contact with him, please let him know that there are still loads of Southampton connected Speedway Riders who still consider him the very best. The Fans loved his dedication, and the riders, who would prefer to drive half way across the country to get back to Dr Biaggi, rather than chance another hospital far from home, pay great testament to the massive respect, that years of devoted service and expertise earned him. Just tell him " It's Bert's nipper" ! He will know. D C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Saint Posted July 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2004 It is wonderful to know that Southampton Speedway lives on in so many ways and has given so much to speedway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Napoleon Posted July 22, 2004 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 Banister Court had a fine, comfortable stadium and a great racing track for a smallish circuit. So sad to hear of Alby Golden's death - RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian H Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Dr Carlo Biagi Dear Ian H, If you know the Doc well enough or have contact with him, please let him know that there are still loads of Southampton connected Speedway Riders who still consider him the very best. The Fans loved his dedication, and the riders, who would prefer to drive half way across the country to get back to Dr Biaggi, rather than chance another hospital far from home, pay great testament to the massive respect, that years of devoted service and expertise earned him. Just tell him " It's Bert's nipper" ! He will know. D C <{POST_SNAPBACK}> David I spoke to Carlo on Friday and gave him your message. (He knew you OK) He sends his best wishes to all his friends from his Saints days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pizza the hut Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 Go down to your local whsmiths or bookshop and their is a very informative book out on southampton speedway. All you'll need to know really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Saint Posted September 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I found an old, very old, autograph book of mine. Some of the names in there: Bill Holden Bert # Name Removed # Alby Golden Ernie Rawlins Dick Bradley Ron Sharp Johnny Hole Brian Hanham There is one I cannot make out, perhaps someone can help me - Ian ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Croucher Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 I found an old, very old, autograph book of mine. Some of the names in there:Bill Holden Bert # Name Removed # Alby Golden Ernie Rawlins Dick Bradley Ron Sharp Johnny Hole Brian Hanham There is one I cannot make out, perhaps someone can help me - Ian ? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The years are a bit of an anomoly Old Saint. They must have been collected from between 52/53 up until 57/58 I would have thought. If you can photocopy it, I will have a go at working it out. (Or send it to Norbold - the font of knowledge where all things Speedway are concerned.) David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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