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Peter Collins Book


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3 minutes ago, dontforgetthefueltapsbruv said:

I understand John Berry potentially had something in hand for a Billy Sanders publication that could've thrown a previously unseen light on the tragic events

Ultimately I believe he decided that his love and respect for Billy and his family was worth more than publishing what would've been an undoubtedly popular offering

 

Yes that is correct. Would have proved an interesting read I'm sure.

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3 hours ago, steve roberts said:

I've read many of the (auto)biographies of speedway riders that are currently in circulation. All are fascinating although promoter John Berry's is the best in my view (both books). The one rider I saw very differently after reading his biography was Kelly Moran...personally I changed my mind about him (although I admired him as a rider) as I found his "off-track" exploits tiresome and irresponsible on occasions. Those that I have read include Michael Lee (no holding back), Malcolm Simmons, Eric Boocock, John Louis, Dave and Chris Morton, Sam Ermolenko, Hans Nielsen, promoters Ian Thomas, Johnnie Hoskins, Len Silver & Reg Fearman,  Dave Jessup, Bert Harkins, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Tommy Jansson, Bob Kilby, Simon Wigg and Ove Fundin.


The best book I’ve read is, ‘Alan Carter: Light in the Darkness: The Truth About Mal, Kenny and Me’. One of those books you just can’t put down. Opens your eyes as to why Kenny had Alan had their demons. 

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6 hours ago, steve roberts said:

...David Vine? There's a name...used to front many programmes on the BBC. "A Question of Sport", "Ski Sunday", "It's a Knockout", "Pot Black" etc etc.

David Vine also presented 'The Sports Scene' on BBC2 on Saturdays at around 10.00 p.m. during June, July and early August in 1966.  The 35-minute programme reported on the day's sports stories and gave the evening's speedway results.   It replaced Match of the Day during the summer but was dropped when the new football season started.

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7 hours ago, steve roberts said:

Yes he appeared on "Superstars" on a couple (?) of occasions if I recall...Geoff Capes was in one of the episodes and caused a bit of a rumpus with a protest but can't remember about what now?

And Anders Michanek caused problems in the weightlifting. Because he is round-shouldered, he was physically unable to lift the bar the same as other competitors.

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30 minutes ago, BL65 said:

David Vine also presented 'The Sports Scene' on BBC2 on Saturdays at around 10.00 p.m. during June, July and early August in 1966.  The 35-minute programme reported on the day's sports stories and gave the evening's speedway results.   It replaced Match of the Day during the summer but was dropped when the new football season started.

Hmmm... Not a show I remember? Then again, I was only 3  or 4 at the time...

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5 hours ago, steve roberts said:

I've read many of the (auto)biographies of speedway riders that are currently in circulation. All are fascinating although promoter John Berry's is the best in my view (both books). The one rider I saw very differently after reading his biography was Kelly Moran...personally I changed my mind about him (although I admired him as a rider) as I found his "off-track" exploits tiresome and irresponsible on occasions. Those that I have read include Michael Lee (no holding back), Malcolm Simmons, Eric Boocock, John Louis, Dave and Chris Morton, Sam Ermolenko, Hans Nielsen, promoters Ian Thomas, Johnnie Hoskins, Len Silver & Reg Fearman,  Dave Jessup, Bert Harkins, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Tommy Jansson, Bob Kilby, Simon Wigg and Ove Fundin.

Strangely enough, while I am an avid reader of non-fiction, biographies/autobiographies are one of my least favourite subjects. I have a number of biographies about the composer Frederick Delius (I find him a fascinating individual), but other than that, I have read very few. As far as speedway goes, the only ones I have read are Briggo (the original), Kenny Carter, Tommy Jansson, and Chum Taylor.

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55 minutes ago, chunky said:

Strangely enough, while I am an avid reader of non-fiction, biographies/autobiographies are one of my least favourite subjects. I have a number of biographies about the composer Frederick Delius (I find him a fascinating individual), but other than that, I have read very few. As far as speedway goes, the only ones I have read are Briggo (the original), Kenny Carter, Tommy Jansson, and Chum Taylor.

I read the Chum Taylor book when it was first published and was a little disappointed that it didn't go into much depth regarding parts of his career, particularly in England.  It was written by Geoffrey Miller and maybe he misinterpreted some of the information related to him by Chum as there are some inaccuracies.  One that immediately springs to mind is the account of a meeting at Sheffield in 1966, when it claims Chum went through the card.  He was actually on the receiving end of a 5-1 against Bob Paulson and Billy Bales first time out and then lost to John Dews in his second race.  He did win his other three races in the match, as well as his second half heat and final.  It was two days later in the return fixture that his team partner Ivor Hughes received fatal injuries in a track crash.
The account in Chum's book about the dispute between the National and Provincial Leagues in 1964 is also vague and ill-informed.

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1 minute ago, BL65 said:

The account in Chum's book about the dispute between the National and Provincial Leagues in 1964 is also vague and ill-informed.

When it comes to things like that, very few accounts are true, preferring to let personal opinions get in the way of facts!

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5 hours ago, Hodgy said:


The best book I’ve read is, ‘Alan Carter: Light in the Darkness: The Truth About Mal, Kenny and Me’. One of those books you just can’t put down. Opens your eyes as to why Kenny had Alan had their demons. 

One book I've not read...must look it out!

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3 hours ago, BL65 said:

David Vine also presented 'The Sports Scene' on BBC2 on Saturdays at around 10.00 p.m. during June, July and early August in 1966.  The 35-minute programme reported on the day's sports stories and gave the evening's speedway results.   It replaced Match of the Day during the summer but was dropped when the new football season started.

...did he present a football based quiz on BBC (can't recall the name) or was that someone else? If I recall you moved a ball around a board with each right answer?

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1 hour ago, steve roberts said:

One book I've not read...must look it out!

It really is a good read. Although difficult to get hold of now due to being sold out. Which increases the price considerably. I don’t mind posting my copy to you then return when finished. 

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2 hours ago, Hodgy said:

It really is a good read. Although difficult to get hold of now due to being sold out. Which increases the price considerably. I don’t mind posting my copy to you then return when finished. 

That's kind of you thank you very much...I'll check first to see if one is available.

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13 hours ago, steve roberts said:

That's kind of you thank you very much...I'll check first to see if one is available.

 

13 hours ago, steve roberts said:

That's kind of you thank you very much...I'll check first to see if one is available.

There is a copy on eBay but not in great condition. Currently bidding at £20 with 3 days to go. Others available for £50. Or you can bid for a signed copy starting at £140. Amazon are out of stock. The last time I looked the used book was valued at +£100. The offer is there if you need it, it is a great read. You sound very much like a trusting guy. Also you’ve told us where you work :-)

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1 hour ago, Hodgy said:

 

There is a copy on eBay but not in great condition. Currently bidding at £20 with 3 days to go. Others available for £50. Or you can bid for a signed copy starting at £140. Amazon are out of stock. The last time I looked the used book was valued at +£100. The offer is there if you need it, it is a great read. You sound very much like a trusting guy. Also you’ve told us where you work :-)

I'll check out the ebay biding but may get back to you!

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