norbold

I know what you mean, BOBBATH. I saw Reg when he was just 24 and a young up-and-coming reserve for New Cross! P.S. Strangely enough he rode in the same 1964 West Ham team as Ray Cresp. P.P.S. Reg "liked" a Facebook post of mine today!

Sad news, BOBBATH. I saw him when he rode for West Ham in 1964, when Dave Lanning described him as "the droll leathery-faced slick-gating Aussie" practically every time he mentioned him in his programme notes! He was a valuable member of the team and was, indeed, a fast gater. Although he only had one year at West Ham he was a top rider for about 10 years or so with Ipswich, Poole and, as you say, Long Eaton amongst other teams. I believe he made one world final, in 1961 in Malmo.

Shame Leon Trotsky never took up speedway…

I had a chat to "Anchor" at the recent West Ham day at the Speedway Museum. He seemed very well and in good health. He told me that the reason he wanted to leave West Ham was because he was the No.3 there (behind Sverre and Hurri-Ken), whereas he could be no.1 at most other tracks. He said he put in a transfer request but didn't hear anything. Then someone said to him, "It's a shame you withdrew your transfer request because Wolverhampton were hoping to sign you." He said he hadn't withdrawn his request. Apparently, Dave Lanning had notified the SCB that Hunter had withdrawn his request because he didn't want to lose him. Hunter, of course, soon put that right! From his comments about Lanning, it seemed that 55 years later he still hadn't forgiven him and certainly isn't his number one fan!

Cripes! When was the last time that happened?

Yes, 26 July.

It was a season of two halves for the Hammers. Unbeatable after the middle of August, a bit vulnerable before. Incidentally, I saw Dick Bradley a few times. Once for Southampton against a "Provincial League Select" at New Cross in 1961. That was the only time I ever saw Southampton.

No chance, BOBBATH. No-one could have beaten the all-conquering Hammers that year!

He should have called the AA to do it.

There didn't seem to be any reason in particular other than no-one could believe Troy Batchelor scored 13 points!

No, sorry, give up.

Never mind all that....what was he carrying?

"The History of British League Speedway 1946-64" is by Peter Morrish.

I've seen at least three different explanations for his nickname...

He did ride for New Cross in 1947.

Next Wednesday (29 June) at 6:10 p.m. on Talking Pictures Channel: Look at Life Riding it Rough. 1961. "A look at the sport of speedway racing…"

Carrying their bikes on trailers behind them. Those were the days!

Yes, you're right, sorry.

New Cross: Lambs, Tamers, Rangers

It used to amuse my friends and me that every time he wrote about Peter Moore or Ray Cresp, he always used the same introduction, "Droll leathery faced slick-gating Aussie...."

And Stan "the man" Stevens.

Peter Craven was seeded direct to the 1956 World Final; Barry Briggs was seeded direct to the 1958 and 1959 World Finals; Ronnie Moore was seeded direct to the 1960 World Final.

One of the things that drives me a bit crazy (not totally!) is when Kelvin and whoever he is with at the Grand Prix can't work out who has qualified for the semis and either still give riders a chance of qualifying when they have none or questioning whether someone can still qualify when they can't be overtaken.

That seems to be what r and r said.

As a former employee of The British Museum I am not allowed to give valuations...