star ghost

Ron How and George Major definitely still around

The "Bluey" Scott who was at Motherwell also rode for Ipswich following his time with the Eagles

I have looked up my records for Wal Morton and can get 18 tracks Belfast (50) non-league Bradford "Greenfields" (62) Bradford "Odsal" (53 & 54) Bristol (36) Chapelizod (50) non-league Coventry (33) Glasgow White City (46) Hackney Wick (63) Harringay (47 - 49) Ipswich (57 & 59 & 64) and non-league (51) Liverpool (60) Middlesbrough (61) Motherwell (50) non-league Newcastle (51) Norwich (37 - 39 & 48 & 57) West Ham (33 - 35 & 52) Weymouth (64) Wimbledon (35 - 37) The reason I said I didn't know if Belfast would count was because that was a non-league outfit, just like Chapelizod and Motherwell . You could also add West Ham Reserves as they were a seperate team in 1934. That would make 19 TEAMS' This would move him to the top of the list then Geoff Pymar just about reaches double figures as his pre-war years were all spent with one team - Wimbledon .

On the defunct track site Ken is in the Glasgow Tigers Hampden Park team photo

I always saw the "Scott" who rode for Southampton in the later period at Bannister Court named as Jack Scott and the one who rode in Scotland and for Ipswich as Bluey.

Geoff Pymar rode at the Firs (unlicensed Sunday track pre- Max Grosskreutz) in the 1930s and also in the 1950s in National League. Geoff also rode some seasons in the Bradford team in his later years.

Looking at some old stuff yesterday I found Wal Morton riding for Bristol in the 1936 Provincial League matches. I think he was on "Loan" from Wimbledon who were the same promotion in those days.

I always understood Gerry's dad was Jack Jackson

I remember Brian in the saints team. He was a solid middle order rider along with Alby Golden when Southampton visited the Firs to ride against Norwich, My condolences to his family and friends

Yes, I agree with these sort of subjects as well. Regarding Alf Hagon ...... Alf rode for Harringay and Wimbledon during his early days in Speedway and was an adequate second string rider who often picked up surprising scores. He was also a superb rider in the "time trial" Santa Pod events and I think he held quite a few records in that sport. I have not read of his death anywhere but cannot say for certain he is still with us. Edit for info .... www.trakbytes.co.uk has a large entry for Alf covering his lifetime and no mention of his death there either

I know George was on the Isle of Wight and was Team Manager of the Speedway team recently. I think he also went to the Birmingham re-opening last year. Take a look under Speedways most travelled riders thread on this section of the forum. George was being discussed there as a possible "champion" of the subject

I was told that after the War Glasgow wanted to keep the "Lions" name but the Wembley promotion protested so G W C became the "Tigers"

Fred Brand's World Final appearance came in the important 1954 meeting Barry Briggs, Peter Craven and Ove Fundin made their debuts that night also. Fred won the opening heat ahead of Aub Lawson and ex World & British Champion Tommy Price. In heat 8 Fred could only manage third place, ahead of Ove Fundin. In heat 12 he failed to score in a race won by double champion Jack Young from future winner Barry Briggs. His 4th ride saw him take two points behind Brian Crutcher who was to finish runner-up on the night. Behind Fred in that heat were Split Waterman, who had twice stood on the rostrum in 2nd place in recent seasons and Peter Craven who was to win the next year. Fred took just one point from heat 20 behind Ronnie Moore, who was crowned Champion shortly afterwards, and Olle Nygren who took third place overall. Fred has recently celebrated his Diamond Wedding and from the photo I saw he looks in good nick. "Maybe even good enough to be a number 8 again?"

Yes ......... it still hurts to say it They sold out and it is now covered with houses, houses and more houses. I think they are now looking for every last inch of Fundin County to build on before any more Speedway applications can be made. Max Grosskreutz must be dizzy now with all the turning in his grave he has done since 1964.

Unfortunately Paddy passed away many years ago. I heard a few years ago that his son was still alive. Paddy won a medal for his bravery during the War when serving in the forces. If his relative needs any info on his Norwich days I will try to help in any way.

Put Hastings-Saxons Speedway into Google This brings up a site regarding the Saxons History

One of the most unlikely qualifiers must have been Fenman Fred Brand. At the time he made it to Wembley he was only holding a Reserve spot in the Norwich Stars team. On the night Fred took a victory in one of his rides and ended in mid-table of the scorers. Billy Bales only reached one World Final and this was when he qualified as a Reserve but got into the Final when Aub Lawson was injured shortly before the big night. In the same final as Billy was Phil Clarke, but Phil never came over as an individualist so his big night could be called unlikely. Another one-time finalist was Terry Betts but in reality it should have been one of many for him

If I remember correctly Leo McAuliffe won the Southern Area League Individual Championship

Well Brian - I am biased because Sandor was a Norwich Star at one time so he must have been good. As you say Arne was beset with injuries. He lived in South Norfolk for a time and used to play for a local pub pool team. He was always good to talk to when he came to ours with his team. I do not know whereabouts he is nowadays.

Arne Pander and Sandor Levai come to mind at present, but no doubt many today never have the chance to ride as it is "invitation only"

I have e-mailed these 5 to you today.

Thanks for these steve. Much appreciated

Could someone please provide heat results for the following matches of the 1961 National League season 11 April - Southampton v Norwich 11 May - Oxford v Norwich Many thanks in advance

The tune on Jim's New Cross site sounds like "We'll meet again" which was sung by Vera Lynn. It's a bit on the slow side for a "march-on" tune

You are correct Chunky - George Major signed for Norwich but only rode in "Easter Cup" and "Britannia Cup" matches for us. His team slot was eventually filled by Sandor Levai by the time the League got underway in the 1964 season. George went back to the Provincial "Black" League as I recall riding for Cradley.