Last Exit to Cradley (apologies to Hubert Selby Jr).

[BOBBATH 467]

Cradley was always my favourite away track-hands down.. My first visit was on 24th October 1964 for the second leg of the PL K.O Cup Final. I enjoyed  the hospitality so much, I then tried to get there once every season.. After I emigrated, if I was back in UK I would try and see a meeting there. My last meeting was 20th May  1989 v. Coventry. I still have both programs. Looking at them there is only one name in both programs 25 years apart. Whose name is it? I am pretty sure some  forumlanders , particularly CH fans will immediately know it. For the first correct answer - I will buy the winner a beer, as long as you can come to Toronto to collect it!!!

[chunky 6,099]

Well, my first thought was Harry Bastable...

[BOBBATH 467]

Hi Chunks, good guess but sadly incorrect!!!

[HGould 2,213]

Colin Pratt would have been Team Manager and in 89 and likely riding in 64?

[BL65 657]

7 hours ago, BOBBATH said:

 only one name in both programs 25 years apart

Tom Johnson, who wrote a column in the meeting programmes. He was a journalist with the Express & Star newspaper, based in Wolverhampton. He acted as an umpire in the Provincial League in 1964 when ACU referees were not available due to the league being outlawed. In 1989 I sat next to Tom at the end of season Cradley Heath dinner, when we were both guests. Free meals are the best.

[BOBBATH 467]

I knew you would get it BL65, a tip of the cap to you-if you can get yourself to Toronto , a beer awaits you!!!

[BL65 657]

I look forward to it - cheers!

[norbold 7,116]

3 hours ago, BOBBATH said:

I knew you would get it BL65, a tip of the cap to you-if you can get yourself to Toronto , a beer awaits you!!!

Where was mine when I went to Toronto earlier this year?

[BOBBATH 467]

Firstly , I thought you were at Wasaga Beach not Toronto, secondly you said you didn't drink beer. If you make it back I will definitely buy you one!!+ Also your books ,are some of the best I've ever read-particularly the  "Prefabs " one.  Are you working on any new ones I could buy!!