1970's Part Three

Back: Kevin McDonald, Peter Moy, Rob Maxfield, Robbie Blackadder, Neil (Fish) Coddington, Tom Owen.

Front: Paul Cook (mascot), Robbie Gardner, Kenny Carter, Chris Prime, David Bargh, Nigel Crabtree.

I am told Nigel Crabtree was visiting as manager of Stoke on 5th July 2004 and he was shown this picture and got a real shock seeing himself on the screen.! You were very popular in your days as a Diamond, Crabbers.

Possibly the best English rider we have ever had with all due respect to Joe Owen Kenny went on to greater things. His world final battles with Bruce Penhall come to mind

More 1978 - Robbie Gardner, David Bargh, Kenny Carter, Tom Owen, Robbie Blackadder, Graeme Stapleton, Rod Hunter.

This team was my personal favourite Newcastle team line up, none of these guys knew when they were beaten. They overtook more than any side we have ever had. What I like about the photograph is the contrast between the older lads faces and Davy and Kenny. The two kids faces are fresh and innocent looking but with their team mates to learn from both became ferocious racers, Kenny almost a world champion and David one of the best team men of his era.

This is Tom Owen and I think Barghy. How much young David benefited from having Tom around can only be guessed at

"Graeme Stapleton has been in the wars. Discovering his house was on fire, he suffered a heart-attack trying to save it. The house was lost but thankfully, Graeme wasn't. He was rushed to Christchurch hospital where he spent the week recovering. Then he was transferred to Darfield hospital, closer to home for another week. He is now staying at friends until insurance sees that his home is rebuilt. The former pig farmer is now into Boxer dogs. He is doing well and anyone that knows 'Stape', will be aware that this won't keep him down for long. Anyone wishing to send him their regards can do so through me raebo_nz@hotmail.com or send them to Graeme Stapleton, c/o V. Ratahi, Davies Road, 1 RD, Glenroy, Canterbury, 7673, New Zealand. I'm sure he would love to hear from you. Cheers everyone, Tracy."

Back to 1975 The purpose of these pictures is to show the old office and shower building the green thing with 3 windows.

Manager Dave Younghusband, David Bargh, Tom Owen (on bike), Robbie Blackadder, Graeme Stapleton, Rod Hunter, Neil "fish" Coddington, Nigel Crabtree.

I remember Crabbers as a second halfer who went into the bends faster than most of our team. He fell often and had a wild man reputation then it all clicked into place for him.

John, Nigel rode for us from 1977 to 1980. Then did not ride for a spell if I remember before riding for Scunthorpe.

Neil never made the grade as a speedway rider. He returned to Australia and speedboat racing. I know he had a serious smash in his boat which almost cost him his life. If you know more get in touch and let us all know that Fish is ok now.

Chris was a regular second halfer in 1977 he was on the verge of making a reserve spot his own in 1978 but became the 3rd rider to be fatally inured at Brough Park when he crashed heavily and subsequently lost his life.

Chris died on Monday, April 3, 1978 following a crash in Heat 2 of the National League match between Newcastle and Mildenhall at Brough Park.

Many fans did not see Chris hitting the fence coming out of the last bend as all eyes were on a terrific scrap up front as Kenny Carter tried to split Melvyn Taylor and Neil Leeks on the run-in to the flag.

The match was abandoned after the final heat (Heat 13) as news of Chris's death reached Ian Thomas who announced it to the crowd.

Here he is in action in 1977. Chris's family have provided a trophy "The Chris Prime Memorial Trophy" which is raced for every year by our junior riders.