norbold

I think we can run to a few more than ten in the book. I don't really want to restrict it unless we really get too many, but I don't think that will happen somehow. I would be only too pleased if we did.

There wasn't, and still isn't, any underground in Hackney.

Just another thought about illustrations. The programme cover for the meeting would be good.

Brings a lump to the throat, Jim.....

Lloyd Goffe rode for Harringay in the late 40s. Apparently he used to put cotton wool on his backside inside his leathers because he sweated so much.

Sorry about that. I think you're right about Ronnie Moore but I'm afraid I don't know who the other rider is.

Thanks for the response so far. Very encouraging. Two points arising from the contributions so far: 1. Yes, we spoke about the problem with photographs. Obviously it will be very difficult to get photos of some of the meetings - they may not even exist. As I said, my own contribution would be the 1965 Wimbledon v. West Ham KO Cup encounter. I don't know that any photos exist. Where they do, of course, we would use them. Where they don't we'd just have to use photos of the riders involved or of the track or team photos of the time etc. 2. I am currently working on another book, so it will take me a bit of time to get round to doing this, though hopefully I can start in the summer. When I do, I think it would be best for people to e-mail me their reports/memories etc. I will save those that have already been posted on here. I may need to come back to contributors with questions, further info and so on. What you could do in the meantime is just to let me know if you are willing to take part and what match you are proposing. Go to my profile and e-mail me through that. Thanks everyone.

I have just been discussing possible future books with the sports editor at Tempus. One idea we came up with was a book on classic matches. Not just factual reports but fans' memories of "The best match I ever saw" type of thing and what made it a classic. I know we've done this sort of thing before on the Forum, but we thought it would make a good book. The obvious candidate for such a book is the 1981 World Final, whereas my own Classic Match of all time, for example, was the Wimbledon West Ham 1965 Knock Out Cup encounter. I may need to include some early matches that no-one on here will remember for completeness, but generally the idea, as I say, would be to get a fans' view. I would compile and edit the book. Firstly, what do you think of the idea? Secondly, if the idea finds favour, what matches would you want to include and would you be willing to add your memories? As we are looking for a lot of help from Forum members we thought that proceeds from the book could go to the Forum itself and FAST.

I don't think it's Pat Clarke. I'm sticking to Gerry Hussey for the time being. Another thought about the rider on the far left kneeling. Reg Fearman anyone? I'm positive it's a Courtnell brother. If you're sure, I'll go along with that.

I don't think it's Pat Clarke. I'm sticking to Gerry Hussey for the time being. Another thought about the rider on the far left kneeling. Reg Fearman anyone?

No, it's not Basse Hveem.

The photograph says 1954 on it, which would fit in with the team members. I agree with bucket the rider on the front right is Keith Gurtner.

Champ does look like Norman Hunter. Some preliminary thoughts on the West Ham photo: Left to right, back row: Howdy Byford, Bert Roger, Gerry Hussey(?), Tiger Stevenson (Team Manager), Jack Young, Wally Green. Front row: ?, Malcolm Craven, ? Over to you, CHK...

Yes, that is the case. The district was named after the Stadium and Exhibition area. As far as other stadia being named after it, you have to remember that White City was Britain's prestigious stadium before Wembley, so I suppose that's why other cities named their stadium after it.....though having said that, you don't get Manchester Wembley or Glasgow Wembley do you?

I agree with Dick's list. No. 1 is not Ray Tauser No. 5 does look like Charlie Spinks. It's definitely NOT Ron Johnson No. 10 is not Eric Chitty. Don't think it's Jimmy Gibb either (but I could be wrong!)

White City Stadium London was built in 1908 for the Olympic Games and as part of the Franco-British Exhibition. It was called White City because the stadium and other main exhibition buildings were painted white. I suspect the other stadia were named after it.

Talking of Ipswich juniors. I've just come across a report of an exhibition match race held in 1992 at Foxhall when the 14 year old Leigh Lanham beat the 13 year old Scott Nicholls.....

Local riders also included: Mick Hines, Trevor Jones, Ted Howgego, Dave Gooderham, Kevin Jolly, Andy Hines, Colin Cook, Nigel Flatman and Ben Howe. I don't think many (if any) other teams can match that sort of home grown quality. And, of course, even Billy Sanders, although Australian, started at Ipswich when he was only 16.

Peter Moore instead of Georg Hack?

Special message for Gem, if you're out there. I've just added some old Leicester riders to my 'other tracks' album. No Charlie Barsby unforunately...

Speedway In Australia Hasn't that just been done?

Ian made one World Final in 1957. His appearance created a new record by becoming the third brother to contest a World Final. He scored three points and came 14th. But he was a top man at Swindon in the late 50s and early 60s and was instrumental in Swindon winning the old National League in 1957 and breaking up Wimbledon's winning run.

It's a definite worth thinking about. Actually I am going to speak to the sports editor at Tempus just after Easter to discuss a future programme of books, so any suggestions would be wecome...

What about the other Williams brother, Ian?

I'm still here.... A biography of Michael Lee, eh? Hmmmm...