norbold

I've just got back from a Speedway Museum Committee meeting and a visit to the Museum. The building is now finished apart from the doors. The interior fitting out will start in January. As well as a static exhibition showing the history of speedway from the 1920s to the present day, it is hoped to have interactive displays as well as providing the sounds and smell of speedway. Spring is still the target for opening.

Thanks Schumi. I found the thread, which was, naturally, entitled Andrew Silver. I should have read my old Backtrack magazines shouldn't I?

Thank you, Shazzy, you're a star I've hunted for info near and far Now you've given me a brilliant clue Once again, my thanks to you.

In July 1991, Martin Goodwin was suspended for the rest of the season for smashing the window of the referee's box at Hackney in May. Can anyone tell me what this incident was about please?

George Newton was born on 27 January 1913 in Aldershot. On his very first appearance for Crystal Palace as a 19 year old reserve he equalled Vic Huxley's track record at West Ham, but it was a bit of a one-off and he didn't progress as expected. He was sent down to Eastbourne to learn his craft before returning to New Cross in 1934. He was a useful second-string but by 1936 was a top class heat leader. He rode in the Star Riders' Championship Final in 1934 and in all three World Finals, 1936-38. He also reprsented England in Test matches against Australia. In 1938 he contracted tuberculosis and had a lung removed. It was thought that would be the end of his career, but, amazingly, in 1948 he made a comeback with New Cross. He was then struck down by an abdominal complaint and was out again for a while. He returned to the track in 1949 riding for second division Fleetwood. In 1950 he moved to Walthamstow and in 1951 to Liverpool. He began 1952 with Liverpool but moved to St Austell later in the year. At the end of 1952 he retired and in 1953 was appointed manager of St Austell. He is said to have been one of the most spectacular riders of all time and continued leg-trailing to the end. He was also one of the bravest coming back from his illness to once again become a force in speedway, albeit in the seond division. I'm not sure when/where he died but it wasn't on the track.

P.S. Oxford averages: 1949: 2.39 1950: 3.51 1951: 6.57 1952: 1.50 (He only rode in four matches this year due to injury)

Ernie Rawlins was born in 1922. He made his debut for Southampton on 23 September 1947. He rode a few times for Southampton in 1948 and then moved to Oxford. He returned to Southampton in 1953 and became captain. He was one of Southampton's leading scorers from then until his fatal accident on 18 September 1956. Southampton Averages: 1953: 8.0 1954: 5.4 1955: 8.8 1956: 10.4 These are actual match averages not C.M.A.s

Thank you. That's great. I really appreciate it.

The final score in the match held on 4 April 1982 was Rye House 47 Oxford 49, but Rye House lodged a protest which was upheld and the match was re-run. Can anyone tell me what the protest was about? Thank you.

Same Ron Johnson. He was in his 50s by then. I have lots of info on Crystal Palace, Donsking. Perhaps we could get together in the Eggheads studio...or alternatively, I can e-mail you info. Is there anything in particular you want to know or is it just general?

In 1984 Steve Schofield rode seven times for Wolverhampton, 24 rides, 13 points, 5 bonus points, total 18, Average 3.00

No. Nothing's arrived, moxey. P.S. I've sent you a pm with a bit of news...

You could try Tempus, moxey, they might be interested. I can give you details of who to contact etc. If you're interested send me a pm.

I've sent you a reply on the Speedway History Forum, Kev. Don't get too excited, but it's a start!

I don't think Coventry operated from 1934 to the outbreak of War did they?

Peter Oakes's "The Complete History of the British League" has all British League averages from 1965 to 1990. Since then there have been several annuals/yearbooks with specific years.

Well, hopefully the Museum will last for ever and money will always be needed...

Yes, Brenda Craven came down for a special (small) ceremony to officially mark the commencement of building. The logo for the Speedway Museum features Peter Craven.

The question is which city/town had the most venues in its history, not which club, so the answer must be London.

The name of the place is Paradise Wildlife Park. I'm sure they'd let you have a look, though at the moment all you will see is a building site!

Not yet. It will be about April or May next year.

There has been speedway at Eastbourne's Arlington track every year since 1929 with the exception of 1931, the War years, 1949 and 1965-68. Although not continuous since the War, I think they have the best record for most years open.

Not as far as I know at the moment. I'll see what I can do.

Romford was in Essex until 1964 when it was absorbed in to London; the same goes for West Ham and Lea Bridge. There was never any speedway at Clapton Stadium. I know that because I used to live next door!

Just to let everyone know that work on the building has now started. The foundations are down and the structure is now being erected. It looks like being a reality at last!