David Croucher

Don't start that one again! Which of the five or six different explanations I've heard do you think is the correct one? To be honest Norman (which I always am ) I think it has changed so much over the years that even Split is not sure anymore. Perhaps we should try Phil 'Crash' Bishop - that one's a bit more self explanatory. Cheers, Crouch.

Thank you Cyclone - I didn't think I'd gone completely off my trolley. Have we mentioned Split - Squire Frank Waterman yet, and how he got his nickname? Crouch

That's the boy Peatbog - one of the nicest blokes I've had the pleasure to meet.

Maybe it was an open Meeting or one of those Pride of the South things - or of course - it might have been V Exeter

Couldn't find anyone by the name of Dink Philpotts in the 1947 Saints team, though there is someone by the name of Bert # Name Removed #, which, of course, is memorable for all the right reasons. Thanks for that Norman . He's been gone 9 years now, and I still think about The Old Man pretty much every day. Nice to know other people still remember him with such fondness and respect. Cheers, D C

I am sure the answer is yes as long as the Team is either now defunct or the Promotion do not mind. He is here in Southampton Team Man, and he does make quite a lot of them. For a few years he was making IOW, Reading, Somerset etc. I have phoned him this morning and left a message. Will let you have his number when I have the say so from him. Crouch.

I am sure I have a Southampton Programme from about 1947 with a Saints side that included amongst others Alf Bottoms, Roy Craighead, Bob Oakley and Dink Philpotts. I also recollect the name Bingley Creig (surname spelling may be inaccurate) being in a programme or photo I have somewhere. Sort of Phil Bishop era I think. I am wondering if it might be a photo of a 1932 ish Saints Team that beat Lea Bridge and included Frank Goulden. But then again Norman, I can't remember what I was doing last Tuesday, so I might be wrong, but I did think they were such cracking names. Crouch.

I have got a guy in Southampton who would make you a replica. Ring me if you want his number - they usually cost £40 to £50. # Name Removed #. 07989 447894

Nobody has mentioned Dink Philpotts or Bingley Creig yet Crouch

Now reduced to £400 anyone interested ?

I am advertising (with Forum permission) the sale of the following Personal Registration Number L 500 JAP It was purchased by me as part of a pair direct from DVLA. I originally owned S500JAP and L500JAP. There were of course both long and short stroke engines. The number is on retention, and ready to be put on a vehicle. I will accept the first £500 that is offered and guide the purchaser through the paperwork. I can be contacted on 02380 338188 or 07989 447894 or you can Email me on gymtrader@lineone.net Hope this number finds a good home with someone who will smile every time he gets in his car. # Name Removed #.

I think it's called HEALTH AND SAFETY ! The amount of things that we are NOT allowed to do these days is amazing. Anything much more than just a Raffle requires a Method Statement, seperate Insurance - it goes on and on. We used to get Cheetah Racing, Donkey Derbys, Fireworks, Stunt Bikes, Flour Bag Fights between the Teams., all sorts of prankish fun at Southampton and that was over 40 years ago now. Crouch.

Hello Tori, I made the original posting about your Grandfather's passing under 'Old Jap'. It had occured to me that so many people who have contributed such massive amounts to the sport, get forgotten once they are no longer in the limelight. It happened when we lost Bert and I felt that your Grandfather's contribution to Speedway, being somewhat overshadowed locally by his contribution to the world of Cricket, may have not been properly recognised, and for that reason, I felt it should be brought to the media's attention in Speedway circles. I do hope the family didn't mind. I wrote to the Speedway Star and Nigel Pearson and informed them of Charles' passing, as a result of which, a rather nice article appeared in the Star. I have a copy which I should be pleased to pass on to your Grandmother whenever possible. I also have some photographs which I am sure she would like to see. Amongst them, I have a photo of Bert and Rose, with Charles and Iris at the Royal Command Perormance which I think was in 1965. I did see your mother in Ashurst a couple of years ago, but have no contact points for her. If you would like to let her have my office number, I would be delighted to go to The Wickets and see Mrs Knott. I was at Charles' funeral but did not go back to the Hilton afterwards, so never actually got to convey my sympathies to the family, which I did want to do, given the close friendship that existed for so many years between my parents and Charles and Iris. I will look forward to someone getting in touch should they so wish. My very warmest regards to all the family. # Name Removed #. Sports Replay (Southampton) Limited 49-53 Queensway Southampton SO14 3BL Tel: 023 8022 6625 Fax: 023 8022 6629

I know this is from way back when - but, how about Jimmy Squibb Mike Broadbanks Ivan, Briggo and Ove !! I suppose they are all tough really. You don't get to be a Speedway Rider unless you are. D C

You may find these links helpful Mark http://www.geocities.com/robnade2001/index.html http://www.wimbledonspeedway.co.uk/1950's_part_two.htm http://www.wimbledonspeedway.co.uk/1960's.htm http://bobandrewsspeedway.tripod.com/boban...swim61april.htm # Name Removed #

I heard a story many years back that the Russians used these bars to make it easier to transport their bikes. Anyone know? Crouch.

I think it was in around 1949 and was done for a combination of reasons that included handling and gearing. Interesting to note that no change has been made since then. The rules relating to the construction and equipment on a Speedway Bike are many and quite complex in places, but it is interesting to note that rules are made up to cover the obvious and some of the not so obvious things have either no ruling or are open to contention. For example, there is no ruling about what size wheels you can use, but the approved tyres will only fit one size, so that takes care of that. Interesting annomolies are that Hydraulic Clutches are illegal, but a starter motor fitted to an engine would not be. Why anyone would find it necessary to make such rules can only be because at some stage they felt they needed to, in that riders were using bikes with Hydraulic Clutches and Starter Motors ??? There is also a clear rule that says that brakes are not permitted. I suspect that there are rules still in force today that were laid down in the 30's and 40's. Hope you find these facts interesting. # Name Removed #.

Don't think we haven't considered the idea Ladies and Gentlemen. The first problem we have is the use of Premier and Elite League Riders on a Conference League Track. It's nice to think, that in the event that this meeting is resurected, so many people seem to consider Wimbledon as the obvious venue. Once we have staged the GB v Sweden U21 in July, the Board will be considering what else to do with any vacant dates left this Season, and we will give it some thought and consult the governing bodies. Regards, # Name Removed #.

Having known Ove since the old Southampton days, I was thrilled to be asked to be Team Manager for Briggo's World Select side at Poole a couple of years ago. Briggo, being the showman he is, wanted all the riders to do a parade lap without Crash Helmets, just like the old days. A message came down to the pits from the Referee via Press Officer, Gordon Day - "Tell your boys they can parade without helmets, but no Broadsides or Practice Starts. The ref said he will fine them". Tell my BOYS !!! I then had to go round and tell this Pit full of former World Champions and legends what they had to do. Feeling extremely embarrassed, I proceeded to dish out the instructions. When I got to Ove, who was chatting to Reg Fearman, I said "Ove, I'm really sorry but I've got to let everyone know that the Ref will only allow a Parade without helmets if everyone agrees to no Broadsiding and no Practice Starts". Ove smiled at me, as only he does and said "That's OK. You can tell the Referee I already had enough practice". I have been delighted to tell that story at a number of functions since, and I think it demonstrates the charming and humourous side of a great and accomplished gentleman that is uniquely Ove Fundin. # Name Removed #.

I have just received a phone call from Avril Waterman to let me know that Split is in intensive care in Velez Malaga Hospital near his home on the Costa del Sol. He has suffered a series of heart attacks, and is stable but serious. I will try and keep everyone informed through the pages of this forum and should anybody wish to send him a get well card, please send it, addressed to Split, to my office address c/o Sports Replay, 49-53 Queensway, Southampton. SO14 3BL. I will make sure that they get forwarded as soon as they arrive. # Name Removed #.

I think it must be me that's going BATTY 'JJ' D C

Whoooops !!!!! My sincere apologies Ladies and Gentlemen. It's not a surprise nobody got the answer - she's not in Corrie - she's in Eastenders. I shall go down the shed and beat myself up with an old inner tube. Sorry Guys !!!!! D C

Re: I remember the time when he had his first ride on the grass at Corhampton, I thought he looked a frightened young man who wanted to impress his father Bert - we had a mutual friend who was your mechanic that day, Reg Rawlins, the late Ernie Rawlins brother. Thanks 'peatbog'. I don't remember my first meeting funnily enough. I remember the Bike, who built it, Reg being there etc. but not the meeting. The bike was built by Harry Bone, who, with his partner John Barr, were SCGTRA Sidecar Champions that year. It was a 250 BSA in, I think, a Mike Erskine frame. The following year I had Richard May's 500 JAP (Bought for £70) - frightened the pants off me. I finished up in the Ambulance at Ringwood Mount the first time I rode it. Going back to Reg briefly. I worked in the Workshops under Reg's guidance for many years, and later, about 1975 I think, was one of a gang of 4 of us, who used to take our old Bultacos and Montessa's etc up to the woods at Romsey and sream them round on a Sunday morning. The other 3, sadly, are all gone now - they were Reg Rawlins, Kevin Holden and my Cousin Tony Couch. Re Split - I remember being told it was something to do with him doing a P J Proby in his Leathers. Do we know which Coronation St part Split's Great Niece plays ???? There's one for quiz nights. David.

Well said Jim, I am sure you echo the sentiments of a great number of diehard Speedway Fans. We were privileged to have Roy Trigg and Reg Trott at Plough Lane last night - another 2 heroes of yesteryear, who, I think, were in awe of the fact that still, after all this time, there was a queue of people waiting to shake their hands and get their autographs. The result by the way - DONS 46 - OXFORD 44 David.

I hope I have not caused people to worry over Ove's health, but at the least the situation is now clear. My concern was sparked by the comment previously posted on the Yahoo forum. I am delighted that he is recovering, and thanks for that info Jim. David.