BOBBATH

You will be glad to know another of our speedway centenarians is still with us- Reg Fearman and his wife Eileen had lunch with Huck Fynn and his wife Thelma just the other week- good on you all.

Didn't John ride in the old SAL.

And as we all now know- Arthur Payne will be 100 next year!!!! Isn't Huck Fynn 100?

Hi Roger. Did you know Tony after he emigrated to Canada or before? I recall him marrying Stan Bradbury's daughter. How old was Tony when he passed, I think they had moved out west- Edmonton maybe?? Glad to see him mentioned and glad he lives on in our memories.

Thanx Norbold when was Oxford and Norwich??

You got that right Chunky-off topic but in 1965 did Wimbledon run on a Monday night or am I dreaming- I am sure West Ham ran on Tuesday( along with Long Eaton) and Hackney on Friday. I was working in Basildon -used to watch 'em all- would get the train from Laindon to Barking and then get on the underground. The best viewing for me was at West Ham. In 1965 was Oxford on Thursday- not sure- but certainly Sheffield was on a Thursday. Wonderful days-at that time just across the road from Barking Station was a Wimpy's where I used to scarf food down. I always recall they had the ketchup in a round container that looked like a Tomato-are Wimpy's still around or have they been defeated by McDonalds, Burger King etc etc

I would also like to purchase Alan's book- how can I do it- I have purchased Norbold's books directly from him( great writing Norman) and also Philp Dallings' ( all of them and also great writing) the same way -direct. Would love to get Alan's book.

OK here goes- I contacted Reg Fearman. Arthur does not use e-mail, but Reg took the trouble to contact Pam Warren ( ex-spouse of Graham Warren) , and also Peter White the Australian journalist and member of the Australian Speedway community and they both confirm Arthur is 99.. So it looks like he WAS indeed born in 1923. I will update his birthdate the next time we update the oldest World Finalist list. It's great speedway people are so helpful, particularly as some are getting up there in age. I was glad to see so many forumlanders wanted to ensure this was corrected

Leave it with me.

Chris Morton was not a good gater, but if he styled himself on Soren Sjosten-wasn't Soren a really good gater.- so is that true

Was Peter a bit of a prickly character?

After reading all this I am sticking to 1924- if BL65 says that , well that's good enough for me. So there!!!

I never knew that- I can understand why your mate Johnnie was torn up. RIP Gary

I give up-garcon bring me another martini!!!!

Jeez that's awful young, was he in an accident or was it a medical issue?

What do forumlanders think we ought to do re Arthur's birthdate should there be two dates and an asterisk next to his name in the list. I am a stickler for historical accuracy but maybe we should enter both. Maybe we should wait and see if he gets a letter from the Queen in 23 or 24????????? But maybe the Queen won't last that long!!!!!!!!!!!!

How old was Gary Ford when he passed away??

You've convinced me- Arthur remains #1 but by a wider margin over Dick Bradley. Thanks all for taking the time and trouble on the research. So Arthur will be 100 next year.

I'm pretty sure its August 1924- his old mate Reg Fearman agrees with 1924 and he is still in touch with Arthur. Any clarification from anybody else.

Actually I thought that Peter Morrish had passed away- hope I am wrong.

Armchair stylists -look no further than Geoff Penniket-anyone see Geoff ride- he partnered Gote Nordin at Poole in 1967 I think, plus rode at Newport from 1964-66. Famously managed to cut the top of one finger off while working on his bike. Where are all these characters today??

Just another note on Eric, his wife Bonnie-lovely lady-predeceased him by a few years. She famously kept detailed statistics on all his rides in all his meetings. Reg Fearman who knew Eric very well and kept in touch with him all these years mentioned that Eric specified he wanted no obituary, no fuss , no muss on his death. A cautious and conservative Yorkshireman his wishes were respected. I had a lot of respect for Eric R.I.P.

Sad to report that following the death of Eric Boothroyd, Ray Cresp died two days later. Many will remember Ray, I recall him riding for Long Eaton-after he left West Ham I think. R.I.P. Ray.

I think that when Reg moved to Wimbledon in 1965- one of my mates who was a West Ham fan felt really betrayed- I think the Speedway Gods made him move to try and balance teams in the great 1965 shake up. Always a nice bloke.

With the sad death of Ray Cresp, Gote Nordin moves up to #16, with Bob Andrews as first reserve and now Reg Luckhurst at 2nd reserve-this is getting a bit too close to home. I saw Reg in his only World Final- 1965 I think.