Robert Bruce Spencer Oliver was born in walker on 24th February 1910 and died on 4th June 1984.

Spencer was educated at Rutherford College in Newcastle upon Tyne and he trained as an engineer.  He Developed a passion for motor cars and motor cycles that fortuitously combined with his discovery of the camera.  He would be seen somewhat in the style of Russian Sea Captain at most meetings where vehicles raced, especially at Newcastle Speedway.

Spencer can not be remembered without memories of Gloria, tip-tapping behind him, always ready with a new film or the right lens and a handy pen to takes notes of the rider and mark the programme in preparation for a weekly sporting article in the Chronicle or the Middlesbrough Gazette.  Behind the activity on the course, she burned long hours of midnight oil developing, printing and enlarging the photos, some of which can be enjoyed in this welcome book.

Few people knew that Spencer was awarded a diploma of merit in the Sport photography section of the 1951 Olympics in Rome—one of a very small number in England who received such an honour.

Throughout our childhood and teenage years a vast succession of riders, ranging from novices to world champions visited our home to share friendship engendered by a common enthusiasm for the sport.  At his funeral  Walker Parish Church was packed with the many riders and associates who came to remember his contribution to their sport.

 

Since Spencer died,  Newcastle Speedway race for the Spencer Memorial Trophy once a season, usually in September.  When Newcastle closed down the trophy was transferred to Middlesbrough speedway.  The article below was written by Tony Copeland the Middlesbrough promoter, and was printed in the programme on the night the trophy was presented.

The late R Spencer Oliver was a “big” man in every sense of the word, his imposing figure was a familiar sight at Brough Park and Cleveland Park as he went about the business of capturing for prosperity those dramatic ‘once in a lifetime’ moments which are the hallmark of a truly great photographer.

It was Spencer’s incredible passion for motorcycle racing , coupled with his precise technical ability, which set him apart from the crowd.  He could read a situation before it developed, which enabled him to capture the exact moment which lesser mortals would all too often miss. 

He was a pretty good talent spotter too, singling out a young Eric Boocock as a tip for future stardom and he also prophesised that one-time failure Ivan Mauger would eventually come good if he “got stuck in and worked hard at it”.  He had an awry sense of humour and described Diamonds Norwegian heart throb, Dag Lovaas, as “ too bonny to be a World Champion”.

Spencer was also a big road racing fan and did much to champion his career of the great Geordie sidecar racer Ma c Dobson, Hutton Rugby’s Ken Redfern was perhaps his all time favourite racer.  He described Ken as the “ only true gentleman” he had ever met, and also the “most determined rider”.  Of a young Barry Sheene he was once heard to say “that kid’s got too much talent for a ——- Cockney !”.  Spencer sadly died in 1984, and his wife Gloria, who was very much part of the team, survived him for several years but she, too, has since passed away, Spencer was THE ULTIMATE  PROFESSIONAL.