speedyguy

I have just been informed. Fred Pawson was the brother of Ernie Pawson, and also the father of Patrick Pawson.

Was Fred related to Ernie Pawson, the 1939 Crystal Palace rider and a starter for Eastbourne in 1947?

I always remember it as a nice place in the 1950s. Here's an update on the venue (although some photos show soemthing not generally approved of in speedway circles... ): http://www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/index.htm

Yes, the racing at these tracks from the mid-1950s until the league's sad demise was something out of the ordinary. Yet it was regarded as being only third tier speedway!

Well, if tracks are getting smaller and so are the crowds, is there a link?

The situation as in 1949 is the way I understand how a paid maximum is composed.

Other names I have now been given are Ray Cave, Alf Meakins, Bill Pittingale...possibly Fred Wills, Buddy Fuller, Doug Serrurier. However, many of those named were not part of the Victor Boston Troupe which, I think is, what the query is about. Pre WW2 many topline riders raced on tracks in France. The Boston Troupe was far less elaborate.

What other riders besides Bason and Spittles rod on the French grass speedways?

Benny Kaufman, out of New York State. Rode for Wimbledon and Southampton in 1938 and 1939. http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway

I believe Graham Miles was the tallest rider...

More photos taken by organiser Stuart Towner from Sunday's Third California Reunion can be found on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway

Here's the latest Press Release regarding the Third California Reunion on Sunday October 12 2008: The Third California Reunion Report The morning of 12th October dawned very misty and the organisers were worried it may put people off of coming along. But by the time they had just about finished setting up you could see across the lake so it was obviously clearing. They had organised a line-up of speedway machines to span the 80 years that the sport had been in existence which started with a 1928 Douglas and ended with Jason Crump’s machine of last year. This year an ice speedway racing bike was included, alas minus its engine, but sporting a full set of spikes in the tyres. Also something different was a rotary engined grass track machine to compliment the display. Various machines were started during the afternoon so that the assembled throng could savour the different sounds from one era to another. By 10am folk had started to drift in and the place began to buzz with people chatting and meeting up with friends both old and new. A steady stream of fans seemed to continue for most of the afternoon. As always the reunion was organised by Friends of Speedway and very soon their stall was busy with enthusiasts looking for a bargain amongst their goodies on display. They also had a 1970s Jawa speedway bike fitted with a reaction tester which was great fun especially for the children attending to be able to sit on a bike and do a dummy start as if at the tapes. As part of the attractions there were two organised tours of the California Country Park by Lynn and Emma, the park wardens. As there used to be a holiday camp there in the past it was called a Hi-Di-Hi Tour. Much too every ones’ surprise at the start of the tour, Emma did a Ruth Maddock impersonation to get people in the mood. As part of these tours, Bryan Horsnell, who used to sweep the concrete starting grid (and it’s still there) told folk about the days of the Poppies as the team was nicknamed then. Quite a few of the original riders were in attendance from the 1950s era which included: Jim Gleed, Eric Hockaday, Eric Jolly, Al Holliday, Bill Booth, Pete Rogers, Bill Pittingale, Bill Holden, Ron Walton and Dave Collett. Ron Sharp and Peter Mould who sadly had passed on were represented by son Terry and mum Vi and daughter Carol respectively. Neil Robert’s son, Neil arrived having ridden his Dad’s old JAP at Scunthorpe the previous evening and won the final against must more modern machinery. Well done Neil. During the day the Battle of Britain Cup was presented to co-organiser, Stuart Towner by Mr. Beckford of the RAF Association. This was an award that was raced for at Reading speedway in thanks of allowing a collection to be made there each year. The first recipient was ex-California rider Ross Gilbertson in 1969 and the last in 2005 was Matej Zagar. This will then be displayed in the Speedway Museum at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire. The organisers wish to thank all those who displayed bikes, some coming considerable distances, like the Kerison’s from deepest Kent and Tim Templeton from Poole. The feedback from the wardens was that they were very pleased with the day; so it’s roll on next year. Ends.

Some photos from the Third California Reunion (October 12 2008) are in an album on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway

The weather forecast is good for the event. Why not have a day out?

The weather forecast is good for the day. Will anyone spot me there?

That's rather a harsh comment. The reviewer actually covered Wimbledon speedway for various publications from late 1953 until the departure from Plough Lane in 2005. Perhaps he felt an afinity to the club.

Perhaps he's saving up to buy Jeff Scott's "Showered in Shale".

Hi Norman: I have seen this advert for your well reviewed book. It mentions two copies for sale. Could it be a price for both books and not single copies. I will have to lock my copy way even more carefully if the price for a single copy has gone to £28.26

I am sure there is a reason for this? After all, "Thrilling the Million" (by Tom Stenner) only cost five shillings (old money) when it came out around 1935. Now, if you can get hold of one, it costs about £60.

Frank Malouf rode in Sydney in the mid-1940s.In Uk, he was with Fleetwood in 1949. Believe he may also have rode for Long Eaton.

That's the mystery - watch for a pipe-smoker, presumably?

I think that Bernie Randall and Jack Brodie were cousins, and may also have been related to Bob Charles.

I don't think we will ever get an answer to that!!

You certainly are - and James Oldfield is "my lodger'!

I know a man who co-operated with Bert Edwards on some (the later ones) of the articles in Speedway Star!