Tim Templeton

"Plymouth Speedway" by Paul Eustace is a complete history of racing at Pennycross. I've just had a word with Paul, the author, and he is happy to post you a copy. If you want to speak with him regarding the book, purchase or otherwise, he has given his permission to post his home number here, 01256 761355. He is also the author of the history of Southampton Speedway, which has recently had its second or third reprint. Both books highly recommended. Tim.

This Saturday, prior to the Weymouth v Plymouth match at 7.15pm, the guys from the Southern Classic Speedway Bike Club are displaying machinery on Weymouth Promenade, at the Jubilee Clock, from 10am until 4pm. Bikes from the 50's, through to modern day laydowns, will be on show, including JAP's, Jawas, Weslakes, Goddens, and bikes from Leigh Adams, Antonio Lindback, Tony Rickardsson, Nicki Pedersen and Jason Crump. There will also be a display of World Champions race jackets, as well as DVD action on a small screen. So if you are planning to watch the action at the Weymouth venue on Saturday, why not come on down a bit earlier, and take in our great collection of machinery? We look forward to seeing you there. Tim and the Gang.

After a slow start, it turned out to be an enjoyable GP. One moan to Sky. Why was the Danish stadium announcer as loud as the Sky announcers? I struggled to hear all that was being said by Nigel and Kelvin at times.

Job done. Western Springs holds many fond memories for me over the years, although the track surface was not very "solo friendly". But best of luck in keeping things alive there.

Yes, a good looking bike. I think all the Rotrax frames were made in Shirley, Southampton, and then sent for chroming to Blakes in Gosport. The fact that this one is not chromed, doesn't mean it hasn't been stripped of it's chrome at some point. I'm sure someone will know more, and let us know. I have a Rotrax JAP, and I cannot say that the machine pictured, is NOT a Rotrax. Tim.

Looking on the SpeedwayGP website, I see the crowd capacity of the venue is only 4000. There were loads of spaces all around, so on that basis, a reasonable estimate of the attendance would be 2000. That is pretty dire. Any comments?

If my memory serves me correctly, he joined the Police Force after packing up riding.

The spelling was Bowkis I believe.

Bob appeared in the 1951 World Final, which was controversial because of Jack Biggs having the title in the bag, and losing it. Jack Young won, with Split Waterman runner up. Bob Leverenz was eighth with seven points. Tim.

Thanks Tony. Another excellent "Classic Speedway". The content is really quality, a good balance, and a fine successor to "Vintage Speedway", of which I have every copy. If any Forumers haven't seen it, get a copy. You won't be disappointed.

The picture of Ken Middleditch serving in his shop, looks amazingly like Ivor Brown !!

Bristol (Knowle) Housing. Bristol (Eastville) Ikea.

What, riding for the latter day Saints?

So, is there an explanation as to why Sky, for the first time ever, has not scheduled replays for the German Grand Prix?

No, not flower picking, but the annual gathering at California (in England), at the location of the "Poppies" Southern Area League speedway team. It was very well supported last year, with ex riders, and machinery covering the early years, from 1928, right through to the present day. This year we have managed to get permission for a weekend gathering, so we are anticipating a busy day. We will have again a superb display of speedway bikes, covering the start of the sport, right through to one of Jason Crump's GMs from last year. Organiser Stuart Towner is going to be bringing along his recently acquired ice racing bike. There will be opportunities to look at parts of the old track, in particular the original concrete starting area. There will be action on TV, and a collection of world Champion's autographed race jackets. Stuart will have his stand with "Poppies" memorabilia. Refreshments will be available adjacent to the displays. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the day. Details as follows. This Sunday 12th October, 11am to 4pm. California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4HT On the B3430 from the A322 from junction 3 of the M3. Any queries to Stuart Towner at 0208 3976599.

I,ve just clicked on it, and it works for me. Above "Webmaster" there is "Ask us HERE". If you click on that, it should give you Dave # Name Removed #'s email contact. Failing that, try d.# Name Removed #@arpolith.co.uk Having said all that, none of us are experts anyway, but we would like to see your pictures. All the best, Tim.

The site of our group "Southern Classic Speedway Bikes", is www.classicspeedway.co.uk Dave # Name Removed # was instrumental in setting it up. Tim.

Just received the first copy in the post. Although I haven't read it all, the balance of content and the layout is good. It appears to be a fine replacement for VSM. Tim.

Can I just say how much I have enjoyed VSM over the years. I have every one. Perhaps the time was right to call it a day, and move on. I look forward to "Classic Speedway". Tim.

Sorry to report that Cecil Bailey passed away yesterday. He was 89, and rode for Southampton and Plymouth. I last saw him at the California-in-England late last year. Tim.

It was on 18th July, 1947, and was a Bulldogs v Wigan Cup clash according to my "Bristol Bulldogs" book.

Thanks for your kind words. # Name Removed #, son of ex Saints rider and team manager, offered to set this up for us, a group of bike collectors based in the Southampton/Poole areas. We display our collection at local events, some of which are listed on the website. We're a friendly bunch. Thanks for sending your pics to David. Tim.

Thanks for the info. I do remember Geoff Pymar riding for Yarmouth, and Wal Morton for Liverpool at Knowle Stadium in Bristol in 1960, so I think their careers may have covered a long period, although the war intervened, of course. Tim.

Without going through the record books, Geoff Pymar and Wal Morton spring to mind as having very long careers. I'm sure someone will put me right.

Yes, Dick Bradley is still with us, living near Swindon, aged 83 I believe. And as "Crouch" hasn't answered, I'm sure he won't mind me telling you that Bert # Name Removed # was his Dad.