KIWIPIRATE

Not been for many a year, but even with a visit to the Carlsberg factory I do remeber that Copenhagen/Kobnhaven is a wonderful place. Great food and the public transport is excellent. Have a great time one and all - wish I could be there!!

I had a huge homemade programme board, with all the BL team colours handpainted in Humbrol enamel, and the Pirates team signatures on a white panel in the centre. I asked Charlie for his signature on the Glasgow programme, which he duly gave and then spent about 5 minutes meticulously examining my board. He never said a word, but when he handed it back he gave me a big smile - it must have made an impression as I remember it very clearly...

As a matter of interest, they ran a brief summary of the Polish GP on NZ's TV3 6 O''Clock News, mentioning the above, of course! So, speedway does sometimes make prime time TV!!

In days past, many riders were known to sport a distinctive neckerchief – perhaps an affectation, or to stop an influx of shale down the inside of leathers that weren’t quite made to measure… Ronnie Moore, of course Barry Briggs – the classic red and white polka dot model ISTR Ivan Mauger – a black/white check thing, during his Newcastle days anyway Bert Harkins – a tartan job, of course Colin Gooddy – another red & white man Sverre Harrfeldt Christer Lofqvist Scott Autrey – for that dreamy cowboy look…. Any others, past or present?

My memory bank is getting overdrawn now, but ISTR that Nigel Boocock was one of the first to use Weslake engines?

Well, I seemed to have started something here ... amazing how these threads can sometimes take on a life of their own, though I didn't really expect handlebars to be such an intense subject Now, let me think of something else....

I would be very surprised if Ivan hadn't done his homework on this... I look forward to a weekend with KP jr. in New Plymouth in November. Let's hope Wato puts in an appearance....

It seems that nowadays most riders' handlebars are pretty much the same size and shape. In the 50s and 60s, there seemed to be much more of a variety of handlebar size and shape - ISTR that Nigel Boocock had a quite modest pair (more like the modern ones), but that Tony Lewis sported a prodigous pair of cow horns. Some were very curved, others a lot more angular. Is this all my imagination? Am I just sad? :roll:

Well, I suppose I will be flamed to hell , but I never ever really considered the Wembley towers to be "famous". I understand the tops of the towers are to be stored in the Dome - at least until that is pulled down as well...

Sad news indeed - used to enjoy the matches at Poole against West Ham. RIP Ken