"I lived at Mirfield in the 1940s/50s, as a little boy my memories of Eddie was that me and my mates were allowed to look into his garage where he was maintaning his bikes (not allowed in). I remember his "hello boys" and his smile very clearly - we were in awe of him and he was our hero - a great rider and a good man."
"Jack Millen rode for Stoke for two seasons, 1975 and 1976. I met him once when he was running a training school at the track and asked him how I should start in speedway. I was only 15 years old at the time and, sadly, it never happened but I found him very enthusiastic and articulate about his sport. Forty years on, he is still a cult hero of mine."
Stuart Towner reports from the recent reunion event in Berskhire.
Former Linlithgow Lightning rider Ian Milne now suffers from multiple sclerosis and was featured in an emotional BBC documentary on Friday evening. It's available on BBC iPlayer if you'd like to find out more about Ian and his inspirational story.
Ellesmere Port Reunion: This Saturday
Don't forget there's a reunion of the Ellesmere Port Gunners this Saturday evening (17th October).
It's 7pm at the Whitby Sports and Social club, tickets are £5.00 or you can pay on the door.
Contact Keith Dwyer on 0151 356 4931 for further details.
Ian Gill's articles on a remarkable 1973 Long Eaton v Boston meeting proved popular on the site last year and one of the main protagonists now offers fresh insights into what happened next.
"I shall never forget the way that Reg Fearman promoted at Stoke in the 60s. Every Saturday night was a full entertainment experience, and as an impressionable 12 year old it was always a great night out. Today's speedway promoters lack the charisma of Reg, and his skill as a promoter and presenter will be remembered with affection by many."
"I watched Ken at West Ham. He was a fantastic white line rider with a great style. We used to buy Speedway Star & News every week. There was always a mystery rider photo on the front cover. You had to guess who it was. We always got Hurri Ken right because of his style. I remember a World Championship at Wembley. He won his 1st 4 heats for a max 12 points. But something went wrong. His last ride, we thought, was the easiest. There were Russians, Poles and Czechs I think. We all thought our Ken was going to be crowned World Champion. It wasn't to be. He's still my champion and best stylish rider. From an old Hammer."
David Walsh switches from prose to verse this week as his love letter to speedway continues. No prizes for working out which speedway personality inspired this piece.
Bill Elliot reports from last weekend's successful '40th birthday party' for the Lions from Paisley.
Following on from that tremendous show of 'race suit solidarity' from the GP riders last night, a reminder of an upcoming event for the benefit of Darcy Ward.
"Fantastic collection and fascinating commentary - brings back fond memories of my many visits to White City and Hampden in the 60s and early 70s with my friends from Denny - Charlie Boyd and Iain and John Crosby. Now living on the Isle of Lewis, so no speedway to see except the excellent coverage on Sky TV, plus the Swedish League matches and the SGP rounds."
"Maurice Bradshaw was a cousin of mine, thrice removed (I've just discovered him while doing my family tree!)."
Alan Barnett:
"I was very saddended to learn of the death of ex Stoke and Cradley rider John Edwards. John and myself became friends when he was in lodgings in Hanley in the Potteries while riding for Stoke. I remember him as a very pleasant, amiable young man who was very popular as a Stoke 'Potter'. RIP John, and thanks for your friendship."
