Railway End

Talking about smells Bob. Do you remember the smell that came from the Old Kem factory on Corper Road? not to far from Somerton.

Why is it we don’t seem to have the good old punch up’s like we did years ago? I do remember seeing some real good punch up’s in the 60s. Who was the best rider in your team for a punch up? I’ll put forward Jon Erskine of the Newport Wasps now there was a rider that would have a go at anyone when in the mood. Visiting riders, teammates, Referees or promoters. Jon was a real entertainer and could get the fans right behind him. Wright or wrong.

Tim Bungay broke both legs’ riding for Newport at Exeter in 1966 He did ride again but I don’t think he fulfilled his early promise.

yes Bob you are right I was over that side of the stadium. some info here about Wayne. http://www.foes.info/pic30.htm Hope it works.

Hi Bob, yes I was sitting over by the start that night right opposite to where Wayne crashed

Yes Bob he was riding for an overseas team the night of his accident. Thanks for the info frigbo I thought he missed the 1965 season but there again it was 44 years ago this year Lol. So has anyone any up to date info on how Wayne is.

frigbo, How many meetings did Wayne ride in 1965 for Edinburgh? I thought he missed the 1965 season.

Wayne had a very bad crash at Somerton Park in 1964. I remember reading in the Newport Speedway magazine called Waspland Whisperings it was an interview with his brother Barry and he said that the frame of his bike had broke that’s what caused his crash. It was the worst crash that I witnessed at Somerton. He was out for about 2years before he rode again.

Bob, Peter Harris was working for a tool hire firm in Cwmbran a few years ago and may still be there. He did go to a few reunions during the early 90s as for the other two, Fred rode a few meetings for Nelson in 68 then disappeared and Alan finish at the end of 66 I think.

A great servant to Newport Speedway (Somerton Park days) Started in 2nd half races with other Newport juniors of that time Fred Powell, Alan Jones and Peter Harris. First rode for the Wasps in 64 and his best season would have been in 66 when partner to the Great Gote Nordin. He left Somerton at the end of 71 being the last of the original group of riders to start speedway at Newport. He did attend a meeting at Newport in 1997 and was well received by the fans that day.

Hi Bob, Ian Terrar is still about working in London. He was a good friend of Cyril Frances. Happy New Year Bob.

Ok here’s another name of a Newport/ Poole rider Ted Laessing any info on how Ted is doing.

I was there the night Dick crashed he was hit from behind by Geoff Penniket outside the pits gate they were on a 5-1 at the time. Last I heard of Jon Erskine he had moved to somerset.

Father Jack here are the details Wasps V Sheffild Tigers Friday 28th June 1968 @ 7.30pm Wasps 49 1 Jimmy Gooch 4 2 Cyril Francis 9 3 Torbjorn Harrysson 8 4 Bob Huges 10 5Jon Erskine 10 6 Alby Golden 5 7 Terry Shearer 3 Tigers 29 1 Charlie Monk 12 2 John Dewss 2 3 Brian Maxted 2 4 Arnold Haley 2 5 Bengt Larsson 6 6 Bob Paulson 5 7 Billy Bales 0 England V Russia Friday 5th July 1968 @ 7.30pm England 68 1 J Gooch 2 2 M Ashby 17 3 E Boocock 15 4 J Erskine 6 5 T Betts 10 6 N Hunter 11 7 J Squibb 2 8 R Trigg 5 Russia 40 1 I Plechanov 11 2 B Tsekhanovitch 3 3 G Kurilenko 9 4 G Kadirov 2 5 B Samorodov 0 6 V Smirnov 13 7 Y Lomdotski 2 There was a sad end to the Russia meeting Eddie Glennon the Newport manager was killed on his way home in a car crash.very sad

cpbyles, Maybe Tony Lethbridge can help you he knows Tim Stone well.

Ray Page was the chap that took the photos at Newport back when Peter was riding for Newport. He sold all his Newport speedway photos taken at Somerton Park to Tim Stone back in 1997. So if you contact him he may be able to help. Good luck. Say Hi to Peter for me and any news about him?

Yes, I was there that night too, what I also remember about Gote was how he would team ride with Bob Hughes it allowed Bob to get a few maximums that year. How about Jackie Biggs now there was a rider that could gate. Great memories.

Very sad news. Alby was Mr Newport speedway for many years and was also known by non speedway people in Newport. The support he had the night he won the welsh open back in 1967 was unbelievable. Condolences to Joan and family.

Hello David, It's sad the news you posted about Alby. Is it possible for you to pass on my best wishes to Alby and his wife. I have met Alby a few times over the last 12 years the last being when Newport re-opened in 1997. from a fan of his from 64 to 69. Thanks Dave.

Hi Lady of the manor or should I say miss Bradley? and Hi to Old Saint. What a surprise to hear from Dick's daughter on here. My post is not so much about Southampton more about Newport. It was back in 1964 when Newport first opend and the 3 heat leaders Newport had came from Southampton. Peter Vandenburg,Dick Bradley and my favourite Alby Golden. I remember Dick wining the Witson Cup back in 64 with a 15 point max and I was also there the night in 65 when he broke his arm that finished his carear. Please tell Dick that he is also remebered by a lot of older Newport fans and wish him well.

dickie Do you think emma would be better getting a taxi back from cardiff? That's if they can get one at that time of night.

rach about 3 miles.

Cleppa Park is on the Cardiff side of Newport. You could catch a bus outside the Hotel to Cardiff during the day and a train back at night to newport then a taxi back to the hotel. Or a bus or taxi into newport then return ticket to cardiff. Emma have a great day.

Think I'll wait and join Vic White's fan club.