The White Knight

I see the bullying and nastiness continues on the BSF. Certainly some folk should be ashamed of themselves. Picking on an elderly gentleman - how clever, how brave.

Apparently the F.A. have stated that they will not play against Russia in any competition for the foreseeable future. Good for them.

Perhaps John didn't know about the relationship. As usual, all the usual suspects jump in with both feet.

The Boldon Stadium is still there, in great condition, but only for dogs. Sad really. A reasonable distance from housing - it could be ideal. Closed twice, once (1964) by in order to strengthen the Wolverhampton/Newcastle Teams. Second time by rank bad management of the early part of the 1974 Season. Towards the end of that season Mrs. Liz Taylor (Berwick Promoter) attempted to take over. By then it was too late - the crowds had dwindled and did not return in numbers. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Taylor for trying. Always easier to lose supporters than gain them.

You never mentioned Sunderland HT.

Sorry, but I can't agree with you. I think that in time it will be much better than the old one. It will just take time for us all to get used to it, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Yers - my team - Sunderland 'Gladiators' (in 1974). Sunderland 'Stars' prior to that. I never did like the name 'Gladiators'.

Personally, I enjoy reading about all of these old Riders. Whilst the Posts of some may be of no interest to anyone but a few, surely there is room for everyone who has the knowledge to share it. As I said, some people will not be interested but, others certainly are. Without the posts of John Hyam, iris from a German perspective, these support Riders would fade into history unremembered. That would be a shame. I, for one, enjoy reading about them.

SUNDERLAND DOG TRACK. I won't hold my breath though.................................

Hope that everything goes well Brian. We don't want to lose any more Tracks.

I think the simple answer is probably - COST!!!

R.I.P. + Big Al.

R.I.P. + Colin Pratt. A Speedway legend. My condolences go to his family and friends.

Most of this reminds me of what Speedway used to be like, I wouldn't change a thing. Nowadays though, no real smell of Castrol 'R' any more. 4 Valve Engines that are too powerful for the Tracks they are expected to race on, in the chase for extra speed. Speedway then was slower in those days, but crucially, but a damned sight more exciting. Speed does not mean better or more exciting, it means more dangerous for the riders. I have been a big fan of Speedway for over fifty years (1964). Those days are gone now, and will sadly never return. Speedway is not what it was, and that is a tragedy.

Sadly, I doubt it. Rental there would be very steep, I suspect. That is if they would allow it in the first place. My hopes for that died years ago. I would though. like to say, that I hope a way can be found to rescue Newcastle Speedway. I am keeping my fingers crossed that a Promoter will step forward. Good luck to all Newcastle Supporters at this desperate time. I have been through this twice so I know exactly how you feel. Even after fifty years I still feel the loss of 'my Team'. Very best wishes to all Supporters of Newcastle 'Diamonds'. My thoughts and hopes are with you.

My late wife and I shared a taxi with 'Taffy' and Peter Kelly many years ago returning from a Crewe Reunion to the Hotel where we were staying. I never laughed so much in all my life. What a character he was. We were both privileged to be in the company of such a friendly and entertaining couple of people. Fond memories indeed. My condolences to all 'Taffy's Family and friends. I, for one, will never forget him. R.I.P. + 'Taffy'.

In no particular order. Belle Vue (Hyde Road) Belle Vue (New Stadium) Sunderland Coventry Redcar

Never were truer words spoken Sidney.

My favourite riders, not the best in the world but here goes: Jim Airey Gordon Guasco Jack Millen Graeme Smith and finally, the one and only 'Briggo'. You did ask. You may notice a little Sunderland bias here.

I am very disappointed by the obituary on the BSPA Website. They should have done a proper job on the obituary, not just the few words published. They have let down their Sport by their understated reaction to someone who, so obviously, loved his Speedway, and did as much as he could for it in his lifetime. Sadly, he is due far more respect than this.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of a truly great friend of Speedway. I will miss his erudite postings on this Forum, they were always well worth reading. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time. I never met Phil but he had my total respect. R.I.P. + Phil.

For a Speedway Club with such a short history, may I humbly submit the following: 1964 Sunderland 'Saints' - Ken Sharples (Father), Paul Sharples (Son). 1973 Sunderland 'Stars' - George Barclay (Father), Terry Barclay (Son). Our 1964 Team had 9 Home Meetings only, as we were closed down after that. Our 1971 to 1974 Team managed four years before the same thing happened to us. So in that short space of time, we tracked two Fathers and Sons in the same team. Must be some sort of record? Does anybody know of any others in so short a time?

Unfortunately, the title of the magazine says it all. The only people who will read this are 'old fogies' like me. I doubt if 'The Oldie' magazine has many young readers. Nice to get a mention though - all publicity is good publicity. An interesting piece though, for those unaware of Speedway's great history.

Some hope. They are too busy playing games on their Computers or messing about with their mobile 'phones.

Nice, and very interesting Post Sidney. I agree with you. My biggest Speedway disappointment - Briggo missing out on the 1972 World Championship after being T-boned by Persson. Sad, I know, but I still feel bad about that even though it was so many years ago.