chunky

I vaguely remember that night (I was only 5)... Another local who never rode for the Dons was Gordon Humphreys. He was born in Croydon.

Why stop there? His bruvver didn't either...

Staying with our locals, Ray Wilson was born in Merton Park...

Plus, John states that he didn't score a point at Plough Lane, yet records indicate that he scored 2 and a bonus.

He actually made 18 appearances for the Bees, including 10 NL matches. He was also runner-up in the 1959 World Longtrack Championship (behind Josef Hofmeister). Longtrack is why he only spent the one year in Britain, which as Sidney said, was worth a lot more than the CO would offer him at Coventry. My dad got to see him ride.

Okay, which Mitcham Don are you?

We were talking about that on here recently! Yep, I was on that...

That was the first thing that struck me, and when you watch videos on YouTube, you can really see it...

Me too! This is what was so great about speedway back then; there were so many of us who would go several nights a week, and you never know who you would see - or where you would see them! My wife thinks it's crazy that I watch so many different speedway vids on YouTube - and I can say, "I was there!"

Why? You thinking YOU might get a plaque??? I'm sure gustix and Sidney would help fund it...

Thanks for the confirmation! Yeah, I'd seen pics of that house before...

That's exactly what I mean! 446 Chester Road is the correct address, but it is listed as Woodford. However, I did find one reference to the postcode being "Bramhall South and Woodford". I also found an article stating that Ivan lived in Bramhall for a while, in addition to living in Chester Road.

According to everything I've seen, it is most certainly a done deal. However, according to the Stockport.gov website, it is not his house in Bramhall. As Steve said, it is the one in Chester Rd in Woodford. Looking at different articles, there are some discrepancies - certainly as far as timelines - but the Stockport website lists the exact address.

Oh, absolutely it's better outside! In fact, I think the ONLY time I have ever watched a meeting from behind glass was the last British GP at Hackney. And we couldn't see sh!t...

That "club" (I can't remember what it was called now) used to be the prize bingo! My mum always went in there after the meeting for a couple of games.

As a kid in the 60's and 70's, going up to the grandstand bar after the meeting was an autograph hunter's paradise. It wasn't just that night's riders either, but you would always find a collection of other riders in attendance. You couldn't take a step without recognising someone. Ah, those were the days...

Yep, the one at the top of the first bend was right where the open terracing met the glass enclosure. I've often wondered when the stand closed - being a Pit Bend Loony, I never went anywhere else, and I honestly can't remember. Maybe checking some of the videos on YouTube will provide an answer.

I knew I was forgetting one! Yeah, the Sportsman was at the entrance of the football club in Durnsford Rd.

The Plough was the closest, right opposite the main entrance, and the White Lion (also called the Hare and Hounds) was only a few feet more distant, being on the corner of Summerstown. We used to use the Plough when we were picking up the coach to away meetings. Then the was The Corner Pin, a two minute walk down Summerstown. The Pin is the only one still operating as a pub.

Just checked, and I hadn't seen that one before! Like you, I don't know those two on the ends, but the guy on the left looks vaguely familiar. Have to do some research, methinks...

That's interesting! I'll check that out, as there can't be many team pics I haven't seen... Don't think I've ever seen Alan Stapleton either.

That was the only major event I could find there.

This was the Redcliffe Showgrounds, rather the the better known Brisbane "Ekka". Bill Goode was a speedcar driver who became promoter at Redcliffe. While there was some bike action at Redcliffe, I think that is more likely to be cars they were talking about.

I agree, but it seems that it would have been okay for ONE bike, but not racing. A practice session would have got rid of the heavy grippy surface, wouldn't it?

So, what are the answers? It is an option, but generally, you don't want to go round and take off the top surface. If it's okay for one rider, then send them out for a practice session before the meeting starts. That should produce a better surface, and even provide better racing from the start.