steve roberts

Do tell!

Of the "Rebels" starting line-up sadly gone are Garry Middleton (suicide), Svein Kassa (killed on track after leaving Oxford), Oyvind S.Berg, Ken McKinlay and Colin Gooddy who have all died. Only remaining two are Rick Timmo and Norman Strachan. Preben Rosenkilde was brought in as a replacement for Svein but didn't stay very long. Oxford then began to adopt a youth policy and gave rides to sister club's assets "Mad" Malcolm Ballard (an interview with him would prove interesting!) and Gordon Kennett. Simon's brother Julian Wigg had the occasional ride. Great days!

Trouble is I anticipated this when I started a simiar thread some five plus years ago when news was first leaked regarding the proposed development of the stadium. The whole situation has been poorly handled with constant contradictory information/press releases and the Swindon faithful sold down the river.

He was part of the Bristol Stadium Consortium who very nearly managed to close down Cowley Stadium during the seventies before the SOS Committee (of which my uncle was one) saved the stadium.

...with Clark Osborne involved nothing would surprise me!

Is the stadium now to be totally developed (as the plan was always to be in my opinion) or is there another agenda?

Any news regarding Swindon Stadium?

My first year attending speedway (1972) my team's starting line up sadly five are no longer with us.

Having acquired the model some time back thru' a very obliging contact (may have been compost?) I've actually got round to assembling it at last and placed it in a display case! Very pleased with it and takes pride of place on my desk top.

Thanks for that!

I'm intrigued because Gordon was a full time "Rebel" that year?

Sad news indeed. RIP

My first visit to Rye House was in 1975 (?) World Championship Qualifier...I think Phil Herne won?

I wish I had seen some action during the sixties!

The advent of the Grand Prix put paid to that particular scenario.

What a crying shame.

I recall there were problems at Cowley as riders entered the third bend. On occasions meetings were held up to allow the sun to settle.

Speedway's last "Golden Era" and I was mighty glad to have experienced it!

That was part of the joy...trying to guess the Team Manager's next tactical move whether it be R/R, T/C or indeed gate postion. It was all part of the fun!

Agree entirely...the same as in Premier League Football. Team that finishes top are declared champions. Imagine the furore generated if say, Liverpool, finished top but were beaten in a 'Play-Off" to decide who were Champions? Personally I never had problems with the T/S ruling...okay it would often prove galling but there was no better feeling when the oppostion put out their "Star Man" as a T/S and was beaten by a lesser light...got the terraces buzzing which is what it's all about in my opinion.

Yes I remember the 'Flying Lap"...sure it was before the main match?

I thought that was Chris Shears although it was a long time ago and my memory isn't what it was?

There was a photo of Arthur on track adjacent to 'Mini-Maestro' Paul Gachet (as he was known) taken at Arlington many years ago I remember.

Beat me to it! Paul Gachet was another.

Ian "Tiddler" Turner was another.