Crouch

I am also very sorry to hear of Cyril's passing. He was not only a great Speedway character, but an excellent Journalist, who spent a lifetime helping promote the sport he loved. I was very privileged that Cyril took the trouble to write in one of the Opposite Lock Magazines, a lengthy article about the 'Saints' Junior sides that we ran at Poole in 1999 and 2000. He was another from that 'old school', who respected every Rider who had the courage to sling his leg over a Bike. God Bless, # Name Removed #.

I think you meant 'National Emblem' which was the Saints theme. Blaze Away was Wimbledon. Crouch.

I do John - my Father Bert was in the same Team as them. I think the first Team of the Season started with George Bason, Jim Rennie, Bert, Vic Collins (Capt), Jimmy Squibb, Bob Oakley, Peter Robinson and Alf Boyce. The Saints also included in the '47 / '48 sides, amongst others, Tom Oakley, Cecil Bailey and Alf Bottoms. I trust you are well. Regards, # Name Removed #.

Absolutely no apology necessary Brian. It's been going on since 195? something, and I am just delighted that the names are not forgotten and that my Dad is still remembered with such fondness. Thanks Andy, the one thing we all have in common is our great respect and admiration for the Riders. Keep up the good work with the 80th Anniversary do. Crouch.

Former Southampton Rider, Stuart Wallace has been awarded £65,000 damages by Southampton City Council. Read the Southern Echo article here. Speedway was NEVER this dangerous. Crouch.

Good list of names there Brian, and I remember them all very well. Tim has told you that my Father was Bert # Name Removed #, who rode for Saints and Oxford, and then Managed the Saints up until their closure in 1963. Well it was Bert # Name Removed # and NOT Brian Crutcher, who became Team Manager in 1956, taking over from Mike Erskine. Because the two of them, for so many years, were confused by people, thay called each other Cousin. Brian, for example, would be confused for Bert, and would then get asked, 'Oh, so is that your Cousin then?' No, the name is CRUTCHER not # Name Removed #, and the same thing is still happening today. I still call Brian Crutcher Cousin when I see him - force of habit, I suppose, I heard my Dad calling him that for 40 years. I have said it so many times, but it is a delight to have some of these older Riders still mentioned on the Forum. Some of them, still, to this day, have no idea that they are still many peoples Hero's of a bygone era. A lot of you will know that Split Waterman is a great mate of mine, and up until recently (10 years or so ago), he didn't think anyone would even remember him. Alby Golden was the same, and was amazed when he would occasionally turn up at a reunion or a Speedway Meeting, that he was still remembered by so many people. I have had the privilege of Team Managing Chris Holder for the last 2 years, and we have got James Holder, his Brother, riding for us in 2008, so I have got a Barry and Wayne Briggs situation back again after 45 years or so. Amazing really. These things are cyclical it seems, and I suppose the same applies to other Sports. Whether other Sports reveer their former Stars as we do, I don't know, but may the memory of the Brian Hanham stay with all those who watched him ride, and let's hope that generations of Speedway Supporters will continue to regard former Riders with the respect and admiration that we do today. They are unique Sportsmen, who engage in what must still be considered the most dangerous and difficult of all the Motorcycle disciplines. # Name Removed #.

I received a call, late afternoon from Tim with this news, and was devastated. Following so soon after the passing of Maurie Mattingly, it seems the old Southampton Team are almost gone. Brian was a 'One Team Man', and was so proud of it. He rode only for the Saints, and always said he never wanted to ride anywhere else. As a Kid, and I am talking maybe 6 or 8 Years old, I remember Brian at our old house in Bitterne with other Riders, who were all the equivelent of Premier League Footballers in thier day. Sadly, I was in Germany on the date of the Southern VSRA Lunch last year (2007), which was the week after Pete Redfern died, and at that Lunch, were Maurie Mattingly and Brian Hanham, both, so sadly, no longer with us. I was so lucky to have been invited to Brian's 70th Birthday Party at a Hotel in Ringwood, some 5 (?) years ago, and of those Saints Riders who were present, Maurie, Brian, along with Alby Golden and Brian Crutcher, only Brian Crutcher is still with us today. I remember(as will Andy Scorey) the Jazz Band playing 'When the Saints come Marching in', and the ex Riders singing and dancing in a line to the music. I know a lot of people who would reiterate the sentiment that anyone who slings thier leg over a Bike is a hero. Brian Hanham was a hero to all us old Saints Fans, a true Gentleman, a great Team Player, and one of the boys. You will leave a big hole in the Speedway family Brian, and we will all be paying a special tribute to you at the Connaught this year. With great respect and many very fond memories. A great Family friend for 50 years. God Bless. # Name Removed #.

Good old Bunyunian - 4th time Winner - I think. Barghy is raring to go when he gets back too, I am reliably informed by the Great Pav. All is looking well for the Isler Wight Team I reckon. Crouch.

I saw Tim Bungay at Poole at the very end of last Season, and in fact it was Norman Strachan who brought him up to the Grandstand to meet a few people. Tim didn't remember me (why should he ), but I remember painting a few of his old VW Pick Up Trucks when he was running Wilson and Bungay back in the late 60's and was still riding. I think, like a lot of former Riders, he was surprised that people still hold him in such high esteem. There's a modesty amongst so many Riders, that makes you wonder how they managed to muster up the aggression to have a go in the first place. Crouch.

Crikey Bryn, I'd forgotten about those, the Stall was at the Pits end of the Grandstand I think. Holly was Skipper, and I took my young Brother in Law there a few times when he was a Kid - he's 40 now. Oh well, Teeth in the Steradent and off to Bed - well it is nearly half past eight. Night Night - Crouch.

There's no stopping the boy at the moment is there. He'll be as famous as Kevin B****y Wilson in a minute..... ....and earning more money than Kerry Packer with a bit of luck. Best of luck to you Chris. And well done - again. Crouch.

No, I won't be doing that - sorry. Would you have made the same posting if Batchelor had won it? Don't think so. Crouch.

I have to wonder if you would be saying the same thing if he had ridden for Kings Lynn for the last 2 years? Would the same comments be made if Kings Lynn had gone Elite for 2008, and they had signed Chris instead of Poole? Don't steal the boys thunder - he was absolutely outstanding. # Name Removed #.

What an outstanding performance by Chris over the 5 Rounds. Very well done to all the competitors and thanks for the updates and all the info here and on the Live Updates site. Crouch.

I still keep in regular touch with Split, and in spite of a few heart attacks and various other minor ailments, the old Warhorse is still in pretty good shape. He signed and dated the Harringay Race Jacket for Tim in November 2007 when I visited him in Spain. That is exactly 60 years after his debut Season at Wembley As you say Bryn - time marches on. Crouch.

There is no doubt that Chris is a very special talent. I am sure he will do Poole a great service this Season. Crouch.

Absolutely - many thanks to all involved in keeping us freezing Poms in the know. Well done Chris. Crouch.

Absolutely - sincere thanks. Well done Chris, and well done the Cory Boy. Sorry to read about Taylor Poole's crash. A great pity on what sounds like an otherwise super night. Thanks again for all the info everyone. Crouch.

Many thanks AUSSIEGAL. Really appreciate the info. Crouch.

And you might have got the occasional 'thundering thing' if he got really cross. As you quite rightly say, he will be missed at Poole, in his Blazer and Tie. I'm sure every one that knew him will have nothing but lovely memories of Maury.

I also received this very sad news yesterday I understand Maury passed away on Thursday in Southampton Hospital. He was indeed an excellent Rider and an outstanding Engineer. He was a true 'Gentleman' in every possible sense of the word, and a lifelong family friend who I shall miss very much. Deepest Sympathies to Rosita, Tony and Marie. God Bless Maury, # Name Removed #.

I think Jimmy Squibb rode for 35 years pretty much consecutively. A long time to stay competitve in any Sport.

Jimmy Squibb, sadly, did pass away in 2004. I think he was living in the West Country at the time. He was part of the Southampton sides in the late 40's? - early 50's? Certainly I have a number of photos of Saints sides going back to my Fathers Racing and Managing days with Jimmy in them. Jimmy is still remember fondly byt the Speedway fraternity in Southampton. # Name Removed #.

Crikey Parsnips That will put the mockers on Chris (Track Record) Holders night if he does. Anyway, the idea always was to make it competitive, so let's hope he makes the Final and gets on with the Track. H Man - you are quite right about our Stoj - a nicer guy you couldn't wish to meet. Crouch.

And at Reading last night - as did 'Stoj'. Looks like we will have a fair old meeting this evening. Let's hope our fans enjoy watching Filip as much as everyone else seems to have done. Please turn up in numbers you Islanders supporters and fill those Buckets up for Chris Johnson. Many thanks, Crouch.