scarletrider

You are indeed correct Ian, we did raise a large amount of money for the museum at our Sunderland reunion. It is also a credit to George and Linda for the huge amount of effort they put in to raising the money required. I have recently contacted Brian Longman, who has printed a set of Sunderland Speedway posters, which have been sent to the museum via Richard Greer, hopefully they will be on display soon. Many thanks to Brian! Bob Ferry

All at Sunderland Speedway remember him with great affection. Rest in peace Vic. Bob Ferry "The Mackem"

Saw the Northumbrian Champ meeting, an unbelievable number of riders pulled out of their rides, the track was appalling. The programme was a mess due to the alterations that were made. Definately the worst speedway track I have ever seen! "The Mackem"

Sunderland's old track, Boldon Stadium, is still there and looking better than ever after a total revamp. Just waiting for a promoter with vision to open up the speedway once again. (I can always dream can't I)

Bit of a "curt" reply that norbold! The public are bound to wonder why two people who worked so hard for the museum, suddenly have nothing to do with it anymore! Care to elaborate on it?

Aarrhh, Jack Millen (PhilK) Charcters Tracks with dirt on them Riders who could ride the dirt Upright engines Riders who had time to chat with fans after the meeting Bold body jackets, not full of adverts An England team, not team GB Track rakers, (Lack of today) Progs without loads of adverts More than one weekly mag Good sized crowds

Very sad news, sincere condolences to his family and friends, he will always be remembered by the speedway fraternity. "Goodbye Willie" Rest In Peace.

I stand corrected

Congratulations to Freddie Lingren, a refreshing change, a worthy winner. Stadium....great Track....disgraceful Racing....spoilt through too many iriders being injured. Brits....never really in the hunt. Top marks to Holta and Lingren.

Totally agree with you "shooting star". Also a lot of people had been charged for things they didn't use, and had to have their hotel bill adjusted. I personally liked the more relaxed atmousphere of the Hilton, but realise that we had outgown that Hotel.

I was lead to understand that the money collected by donations, paid for the building of the museum? And that the cost had been met by those donations?

A very nice tribute to a very nice man. His is always welcome to Sunderland and the North East. Along with Russ Dent, they were the mainstay of Sunderland speedway in the early seventies. Bob "Stars" Ferry

Letchy, Many thanks, most appreciated

Any chance of a copy of that photograph, I will pay any cost?

A great character, always gave it his best shot. When he rode for Sunderland in 1971, we christened him "Bernie the Bolt". Used to travel all the way up to the NE in a mini pick-up just on the off-chance he might get a race. I guess he was just a guy that loved to race bikes. "Keep well Bernie"

Yes I have a photograph which is signed Bernie Aldridge and a note which says High Beach v Chestnut Tigers

Do "Chestnut Tigers" ring a bell ?

Does anyone have any info on Bernie Aldridge, who he rode for and when. I know that he rode a few meetings for Sunderland in 1971, and I reckon he must have been 50 ish at the time, as he is now around about 80 yrs old.

So it was self appointed then?...............no nominations?

Sunderland Saints, Sunderland Stars, Sunderland Gladiators

Spot on, I fully agree with you, they appear to be tinkering with the product that George and Linda Barclay worked so hard to bring to fruition, and the museum is less than a year old! Is this the thanks that they get?

Cheers !

Who are the committee members ?

Congratulations Nicki. I have been critical of you from time to time over recent years, but it's time to say, hand on heart.....you are the worthy champion, so far ahead of all the other riders....."Hail the Champion"

We agree Subedei.....Gollob was in the mood last night, and as you say a most compelling performer. Well done Poland. As for GB.......well we just wern't "at the races", embarrassing!......... A lot of hard thinking to be done!