briggo

A Swindon legend, rest easy Martin

RIP Norman, a real team man. When I first started going to the Abbey Stadium back in 1971 the stadium announcer (the late Graham Guthrie) always pronounced Norman’s surname as Strawn. It wasn’t until a certain Gordon signed for Man Utd that I realised I had the wrong pronunciation all those years. Rest easy Norman.

Somehow I’ve double posted this thread, DOH!

I was watching the American Pickers TV series on Sky History channel (Season 26 episode 9) when they mentioned visiting a guy called Ernie Roccio. My interest peeked as I knew the history of the famed Dons rider who sadly lost his life at West Ham in 1952. This guy turned out to be his nephew also called Ernie, and was actually named after the famed speedway rider. His dad was John Roccio, who also raced back in the late 40’s and early 50’s with Ernie, but I don’t think he raced over here. Anyway, he had lots of his dad’s and uncle’s racing memorabilia, including photos, leathers, a Monarchs roll neck racing top (would that be Edinburgh?) and even racing licences for Shelbourne speedway. Well worth a watch

I was watching the American Pickers TV series on Sky History channel (Season 26 episode 9) when they mentioned visiting a guy called Ernie Roccio. My interest peeked as I knew the history of the famed Dons rider who sadly lost his life at West Ham in 1952. This guy turned out to be his nephew also called Ernie, and was actually named after the famed speedway rider. His dad was John Roccio, who also raced back in the late 40’s and early 50’s with Ernie, but I don’t think he raced over here. Anyway, he had lots of his dad’s and uncle’s racing memorabilia, including photos, leathers, a Monarchs roll neck racing top (would that be Edinburgh?) and even racing licences for Shelbourne speedway. Well worth a watch

Only just heard the sad news. Grew up with him and Alf Weedon taking all and any speedway photos of note. An absolute craftsman of his trade RIP Mike

Don’t think Soren Karlsson made an Individual World Final

Still fondly remembered, RIP

Bobo’s real name was David, not sure where the nickname came from

First race I saw was the GB v Poland clash at Blunsdon back in 1971. Heat 1 had Jim Airey, Jim McMillan, Pawel Waloszek and Jerzy Szczakiel. Sadly, both of the Polish riders are no longer with us

A name too that always fascinated me as a youngster when I started following the Robins back in 1971 RIP Mr Bond

I do remember Alan Weeks always pronounced Ivan Mauger as Ivan Maw-Gurr (with a hard G), always tickled me

Sad news to report this morning, the passing of Billy Bales, he was 94. Condolences to family and friends RIP Billy

In my era (70’s) it would have to be Bob Kilby all day long. I seem to recall a Golden Greats meeting at Blunsdon circa 1988 and one race where you would have thought the opposition were on bicycles, Bob was that quick, happy days.

I still remember hearing the news, could not believe it. I was walking to school the following morning, on the Friday. It was a lovely sunny morning, when one of my pals met me on the way and told me the sad news. Such a loss. Never forgotten RIP Tommy