You asked for people to offer words and memories about Bill. I just wanted to offer my condolences to the family of the late Bill Rufus, all the LeFevre club members and to Australian cycle speedway as a whole after the recent loss of once of the sports 'father figures' from Down Under.
Bill was among the group of high-ranking Aussie officials (including Mick Harley, Milton Anderson,Trevor Dutton, Alan Staunton and Trevor Cryer among others) who have been the public faces of Australian cycle speedway and taken the sport forward during the past 25 years.
Bill was never more at home that in the announcer's box at Le Fevre (or behind the bar, after race meetings) while the friendly atmosphere of that club along with it's achievements in providing World class riders, such as Daniel Pudney, while stand as a lasting legacy to Bill.
I will remember that dry sense of humour and the endless chats we've had over the years, in the LeFever club-room, along with his no-nonsense approach to ICSF matters during our International Federation meetings - He was a true proud Aussie, sometimes stubborn, but always a pleasure to spend time with.
Rest in peace Bill.
Dave Murphy
Bill Rufus pictured top row right at a ICSF meeting in Adelaide in 2009
SPECIAL GERRY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN - posted 15 July 2010
I was introduced to Gerry Wallis one Saturday at Hendon back in the early 70's - and found myself in the team riding at Tolworth the next day . . . Uxbridge the next week, Stapleford, Southend, Thurrock, Edmonton, Hungerford - and some places I'd never even heard of!
In the early days we used to travel with Gerry too - any number of bikes piled into the back of his car, a white Corsair. On one occasion transport was hard to come by so the entire team travelled in the back of an old Fruit & Veg van driven by one Gerry's many pals.
After an equipment failure in the club championship, Gerry first lent me and then sold to me - for much less than its true value - my first purpose-built bike which served me well all over the South.
Without doubt Gerry was the heart and soul of Hendon Aces over many years and his enthusiasm, kindness and generosity was boundless and widely appreciated. It's a shame Gerry's been taken from us but it's clear from the tributes here that he's one of those special people that won't be forgotten.
By the way, the note from Glyn Whale rang a bell. Glyn was just getting started at Hendon as a very young man when I joined Hendon. We always thought he'd go far . . . . but didn't reckon on Australia!
Geoff Smith
SPORT MOURNS LOSS OF BILL RUFUS - posted 14 July 2010
Bill Rufus passed away peacefully last night (Tuesday July 13th) reports Mick Harley.
Bill joined the Findon Club in July 1979 along with his wife Jan and their two children Brett and Megan.
Our families quickly forged a great friendship along with the Aitkens who had joined the club a week earlier. It wasn't long before the Rufus' and Aitkens joined the Committee and got heavily involved. It was an era where the Findon Club achieved many milestones with Bill heavily involved in all areas.
I remember the great times we had in the early years when we used to have very late Committee Meetings (till 3am), card nights and BBQ's where we would argue (discuss) ideas for the club. We got more things done over a few beers than during the meetings!
Bill left the club at the end of 1987 when Megan stopped racing but always had a keen interest in the sport so in the early 90's he started the LeFevre Club and dedicated all his spare time to building the club into what it is today.
He will be sadly missed by the Aussie Cycle Speedway Community and our thoughts are with Jan, Megan, Brett and Lucy.
Editor's Note - Would you like to pay a tribute to Bill and the remarkable legacy he has left? Just email us at the usual address
FOND MEMORIES OF GERRY - posted 13 May 2010
I have a few fond memories of that true gent Mr Gerry Wallis.
Gerry visited Newport in the late Seventies when working in the area and attended our training sessions at Lliswerry Park. I remember him with his large front chain ring and high gearing, but he was a fine rider who helped our club in its infancy. Gerry was a top rider for Hendon and a top person. A sad loss to those who knew him.
Colin Simmons Newport CSC FOND MEMORIES OF GERRY AND GILLIAN WALLIS - posted 11 May 2010
Put it this way, If it wasn't for Gerry Wallis I would have never ridden a Cycle Speedway bike.
I was saddened to hear about Gerry's death. I rode with him at Hendon Aces from 1970-80. I actually rode his bike for the first year until I could scrounge the parts together to make one of my own.
He was a great team rider and like Nigel said he was a bugger to get past in individuals. He was also a good manager, taking Hendon Aces to a memorable win in the 'Knock Out Cup' over the mighty Thurrock team, and they were pretty strong even back then. At Crawley in the late Seventies, he went on to ride road bikes and was a regular in the winner's circle in our local paper.
On another sad note is the news of the death of his daughter Gillian Wallis. Some of you may remember Gillian rode for Hendon second team. Gillian was the only girl that rode back then and would travel everywhere with us in the hope of a spot in the team.
Two lovely people who I will remember for a very long time.
Scottish cycle speedway stalwart Johnny Gillies. Sadly Johnny passed away a few days ago after long term health problems that he bore so bravely. His funeral is at Dalnottar North Crematorium, Mountblow, Clydebank at 10.00am on Thursday 15th April.
SPORT SAYS GOODBYE TO CAROLE - posted 3 March 2010
Today at the Rushmere St Andrew Parish Church, the funeral service followed by burial took place of Carole Osborne on a very cold but bright morning. The Suffolk cycle speedway clubs were all well represented, with Terry Ashford, Jason Ashford, Ray Pyke, James Studd and Adam Peck, together with his family all representing Great Blakenham. From Ipswich were Ivan Pike and David Hill, whilst from Somersham there was Peter Mittell and Gary Brown. Kesgrave were represented by Peter Ingram, Dave Hunting and Ian Turnbull and his wife.
From further afield came Geoff Gamage and Robyn Carter of Horspath, representing the club that both Lewis and Chris now ride for. There were a wonderful array of flowers from the immediate family, together with two floral sprays from the Great Blakenham and Kesgrave Cycle Speedway clubs, the latter of which Carole served so well over the past few years.
It was learnt during the service that Carole was a Newmarket girl who was attracted to the motor-cycle speedway at Mildenhall, where she met and fell in love with Michael. A devoted wife, mother and servant to the world of cycle speedway, she will be very sadly missed, not least by Michael, Lewis and Chris, whom all have our deepest sympathies. CAROLE REMEMBERED WITH AFFECTION - posted 22 February 2010
I just wanted to say, on behalf of the entire Coventry Cycle Speedway Club, how sad we were to hear of Carole Osborne's untimely passing. The Osborne family were members of the Coventry Club for two seasons and will always occupy a special place in the Coventry Club's affections.
We send our deepest condolences to Michael, Lewis and Chris at this extremely sad time and wish them well for the future.
Jez Hughes
CAROLE'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS - posted 20 February 2010
Carole Osborne's funeral service is to be held at Rushmere St. Andrew Parish Church, on Wednesday 3 March at 10.00 am.
"Anyone who knew Carole and wishes to attend is more than welcome to do so" said Michael Osborne. CAROLE OSBORNE - posted 18 February 2010
It is with great sadness that we report that Carole Osborne passed away peacefully this morning in Ipswich Hospital after a long and brave battle against illness.
Carole, 48, had been in hospital since September and underwent several operations but sadly lost her brave fight for life.
Speaking on behalf of the family, husband Michael told spokesman-online "Perhaps you would be kind enough to put a piece on Spokesman and we would like to take this opportunity to thank both you and other members of the cycle speedway community who have sent kind wishes."
On behalf of everyone connected with the sport, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael, Chris and Lewis together with Carole's family and friends, at this sad and difficult time.
We'll bring you further details, including funeral arrangements, later.
BILL RITCHIE DIES AGED 78 - posted 1 February 2010
Cycle speedway has lost one of its true pioneers. Bill Ritchie, who was also a talented cartoonist and illustrator, died age 78 at his Friockhiem, Angus home last Monday.
He was one of the original cycle speedway "pioneers" and, along with Pete Bell, Ranald Miller and a few others, was instrumental in setting up the sport in Glasgow.
Bill topped the Glasgow scorechart in the first ever test against Edinburgh and was capped for Scotland on a regular basis. He greatly enjoyed the tours of England, particularly the stay in Southend where they were afforded the most generous of hospitality!
Click on the link below for his obituary in today's Scotsman newspaper
Our older cycle speedway followers will be sad to news of the death of one of the sport's true pioneers.
Scottish star Jack "Red" Monteith passed away earlier this week.
A racer in the late Forties and early Fifties for the famous Hampden Hawks, Jack rekindled his interests in the sport in recent years and was instrumental in arranging a special meeting at Cathkin in 2008 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the "Olympic Trophy"- Glasgow cycle speedway's first individual event in 1948.
Norfolk's sporting community is today mourning the loss of a much-loved and well-respected figure. Former Norwich City Football Club chief scout Ronnie Brooks died from cancer in the early hours of this morning.
Ronnie, 78, is credited with discovering the football talent of the Fashanu brothers, John and Justin. After leaving the Canaries he became immensely popular through his role as manager of Norwich Lads' Club and was instrumental in encouraging cycle speedway at the popular venue.
ERIC HARVEY FUNERAL UPDATE - posted 20 September 2009
Thank you for the very flattering comments that have been made about my Dad. He is going to be sorely missed. For those of you who would like to attend the service for my Dad on Thursday 24 September at 12.15pm at St Andrews Church, Shifnal, Telford, TF11
9AJ, you will be very welcome to join my mum Jean, sisiter Karen, brother Nick and myself at the Masonic Lodge, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton afterwards.
I remember being dragged to the cycle speedway track as a youngster to support my brother Nick but somehow not fully aware of the contribution that Dad made to the team with his administrative skills and his passion for the sport. I must also say that it did not take long before I was amongst the spectators cheering the Kingstanding team on!!
A man of so many qualities but always devoted and committed to all that he took on.
Debbie Bailey
ERIC HARVEY FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS - posted 18 September 2009
Eric Harvey's funeral will take place on Thursday 24 September at 12.15pm at St Andrews Church, Shifnal, Telford, TF11 9AJ. No further details are available at present.
ERIC WAS SUCH A GENTLEMAN - posted 18 September 2009
It was with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Eric Harvey.
As a member of the management team at Kingstanding in the late Seventies and early Eighties, Eric was one of several talented and hardworking people that made the club one of the most successful around at that time. Many young riders developed from that period. Jim Varnish, one of our greatest champions, along with Kevin Marson, Karl Wilkinson and Eric's own son Nick Harvey started their racing at Kingstandings Perry Barr track.
I have fond memories of Eric. Whilst serving together on the Cycle Speedway Council we would travel down to meetings in London by train. That two hour journey often gave us time to discuss important issues and have some really good chats. Eric was also a hard working league officer during my tenure as Chairman of the English League.
Our thought must now be with Jean and their family. Our deepest condolenses go to them with our thanks for a good friend and gentleman who played his part in our sport.
From myself Diane, Mathew and Duncan and everyone at the Wednesfield Aces.
Paul Bodley
MAGNIFICENT SEND-OFF FOR MIKE COCKROFT - posted 15 September 2009
Park Road crematorium was filled today as people came to pay their respects to Mike Cockroft. As expected Woodside/Ivy House had a good representation with Pip and Graham Serbert, Fred and Carol Rothwell, Simon Rothwell, Mick Gibson and Ian Fearnley were spotted amongst the crowd. Derek Garnett, Sandy and Jimmy Cobain, Jack Lee, Josh Gleave and John Whiting came from over the border. There were many of Mike's colleagues from early Yorkshire cycle speedway teams as well as lots of friends from Yorkshire Rider Bus Company.
All of the service was filmed and was being mirrored by a service for Mike in Pattaya Thailand.
The amount of people there just demonstrated how well liked and respected Mike was, not only in England but in his second home Thailand. Very much one of those very popular characters who will be missed.
ERIC WAS A LIFE-LONG FRIEND - posted 15 September 2009
I knew Eric for most of my life as he was a life long friend of my dad.
Eric (or Benny to his close mates) was a great inspiration to me during my racing career and he bought a great deal of balance and focus to the team. When it was tough and things were not great he would often kick in with a "one liner" that would diffuse the moment and at the same time give you a strong view on the next race.
He was in the pits with me during the 1984 final at Thurrock and not forgetting he was team manager for Birmingham (Kingstanding) for the team final in 83. His son Nick who also raced for the team, became a great asset to the team. The time Eric spent with Birmingham he added some superb leadership skills and his admin was second to none.
I personally am indebted to him for the support he gave me as a youngster helping out with travelling etc.
Jim Varnish
ERIC HARVEY DIES - posted 14 September 2009
We have just heard the sad news that former Birmingham Monarchs team manager Eric Harvey died at the weekend. Eric was a key part if the very successful outfit during the Eighties and managed the team when they reached the national team final in 1983 at Thurrock.
He was also a great corner man for the strongest Birmingham riders on an individual basis and could always be seen in the background supporting his riders. Coupled with this his superb admin skills, he produced a race programme that was unrivalled at the time and the dialogue was always indepth and accurate.
Eric also served with distinction on the Cycle Speedway Council's national committee holding the posts of Assistant Secretary and Meetings Secretary.
We hope to bring you more details shortly and would welcome testimonials from our readers who remember Eric.
MIKE COCKROFT'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS - posted 13 September 2009
Mike Cockroft's funeral will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday 15th September at Park Wood Crematorium which is in Elland, West Yorkshire, and is easily accessible from the M62 motorway. Exit at junction 24 and take the A629 to Halifax. At the first exit turn left for Elland and then follow signs for Brighouse. Over Elland Bridge turn right into Park Road. The Crematorium is approximately 400 yards on the left-hand side, approximately two miles from the motorway exit.
FAREWELL TO ROGER - posted 13 September 2009
Cycle speedway was well represented at Roger Nicholson's funeral on Friday. Among the congregation were Roger Ellis and Paul Bodley, Mike Pretty - founder member of Bournemouth CSC, Nigel and Karen Leahy, Colin and Sandra Wheeler, Colin Sutton, Karen Browes-Walker together with Andy Bright and Pete Barbes, who together with Roger were founder members of the Tatnam Tigers.
THOUGHTS OF MIKE STILL BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE - posted 9 September 2009
Even at this sad time, the name of Mike Cockroft brings a smile to my face. When ever I arrived to race and saw that Mike was the ref I knew that the match was in safe hands - firm but always fair.
I only mentioned to Paul Dyson the other day of how I still laugh, at when, in a Sowerby Bridge pub, Mike told me that he "had been to a car boot sale, parked his car the wrong way round and sold his engine!!.
A good ref, a good laugh and and good memories.
Simon Plows Hull and Heckmondwike CSCs
FAREWELL TO ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS - posted 8 September 2009
Mike Cockroft began his career around the Bradford area before moving to Lindale and then Horton in what a very vibrant cycle speedway scene around Halifax. He adapted very well to the smaller tracks and was a very competitive racer, making his British individual debut in 1962 at Hungerford. He regularly raced for the Yorkshire Test team against Lancashire and totted up a number of victories in individual events.
Mike moved to Woodside and formed a great spearhead with Pip Serbert and Fred Rothwell on the tricky Halifax circuit. Further Final appearances followed in 1970 at Hampden Park and Uxbridge in 1971 where he gained a superb runner up to Roger Ellis. The Woodside team were strong and reached the 1976 British Final at Leicester losing to a controversial exclusion 86-89 to Wednesfield.
Mike’s appearances on the track were often accompanied by his latest joke of which he had many. Often, as you were lining up, he would happily stop proceeding while you heard his latest joke. I remember Mike racing Mike Berry at Blackley, arms legs, knees and talking to each other for four laps.
Whilst a very good rider, Mike made an easoy transition to a very good referee. No histrionics, a quiet word if you transgressed and he let the racing flow. Mike’s abilities were recognised as he refereed the British Team Final at Woodside, Wednesfield beating Denton. He was there again in 1977 where the same two teams met with the same result at the tricky Edmonton track. He must have been a talisman for Wednesfield as they beat Wolverhampton at Manchester in 1983. Both the 1979 and 1981 British Individual finals at Leicester and Bow saw Mike as the man in charge.
Mike moved to Ivy House, Halifax, opposite the Ivy House pub, and scene of some classic individuals and much après meeting drinking. However after a change of landlord, the track was closed down - a desperate loss to the sport and Halifax scene at that time.
Mike had worked on his parents farm and then as a postman, a bus driver often making unofficial stops to let people off nearer their homes. He also did a lot coach driving across Europe . It’ll be guaranteed that those journeys were lively to say the least.
After more or less finishing racing Mike did some travelling and ended up living in Thailand. The country has a rule that a foreigner can’t do a job that a Thai person can do (what a good idea). Mike was therefore entertainments manager and translator for the various hotels and bars he worked in.
Whilst over there he got to know a young Thai Family in rather desperate straits. He paid for their medical treatment and also gave them his villa. As Mike put it, as they needed it more than I did.
He continued to make trips back to the UK obviously to see his family but also to catch up with his many friends. He had been back to the UK for his father’s funeral, and not long after returning to Thailand suffered a severe stoke, was rushed to intensive care, and was eventually Medivaced to England. Many friends visited Mike in Caldervales Hospital and he looked to be making some slight improvement on Sunday night but it was not to be.
I’ve probably missed out lots about Mike. The Woodside guys could give many stories of him, as the Woodside driver on many of their trips, they never could track him down.
Mike was great at one-lines and joke telling, very popular wherever he went. We were having a drink in an Irish Bar and I asked Mike what he thought of the Thai people. After great deliberation his message was “They are a nation of Thieves.”
Typical Mike Cockroft, one of the Good Guys.
John Whiting
ROGER NICHOLSON'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS - posted 7 September 2009
Roger Nicholson's funeral will take place on Friday 11 September.
There will be a church service followed by a private (family only) cremation. Everyone is welcome to attend the church service which will take place at St Clements Church, St Clements Road, Parkstone, Poole at 1.45pm. Following the private cremation, there will be a wake at the nearby Grasshopper pub.
Family flowers only please but donations can be made to 'Prostate Cancer Research'. Friends may wish to send cards of condolence to Pauline Nicholson, 20 Jacqeline Road, Poole, BH12 3JQ. ROGER WAS A TREMENDOUS AMBASSADOR - posted 7 September 2009
This week has sadly brought us to turn another page in the history of Cycle Speedway, the death of Roger Nicholson who recorded all our pictorial memories means we have lost another loyal servant of our sport. During the 70s, 80s and 90s Roger could be seen capturing all the actions at major finals up and down the land. His dedication to the art of photography meant that most of us can now boast of scrapbooks full of Roger's finest action shots.
My memories of Roger will always revolve around the 1985 Lions Tour to Australia. He was a tremendous ambassador making friendships which lasted until his untimely death. Those of us who were fortunate enough to go on that tour know that Roger played his part in making it the most successful and enjoyable tour of them all.
Only last Tuesday Roger Ellis and myself made the journey down to Poole to visit Roger. Little did we know that the end would come so soon. He was glad to see us. In some considerable pain, he joked and reminisced with us about the good times we have all had and stayed positive throughout our visit.
I suppose Roger's epitaph will be the pictorial history that he created and with this he leaves an indelible mark in the history of Cycle Speedway. Thank you Roger.
To Pauline and their family, I offer our deepest condolencies from Diane, myself and everyone at the Wednesfield club.
Paul Bodley
NO ONE WORKED HARDER THAN ROGER - posted 7 September 2009
The sadness with which the news of Roger's death is received will be felt right across the cycle speedway world, such was the scale of his involvement in the sport.
As a rider in the 1950's, he made his name with Tatnam Tigers who were the successors of the famous Gem Pirates - winners of the inaugural British Team Final in 1950. After switching to motor cycle grass track racing, Roger returned to cycle speedway in the early 1970's when a thriving local league was established in East Dorset and plans were hatched for a new track at Fleetsbridge which just a couple of hundred yards from his front door. Work started in late 1974 in readiness for the official launch of Poole Cycle Speedway Club in April 1975, and no-one worked harder through those harsh winter months than Roger who was a major driving force behind the project.
Action on the track provided the perfect opportunity for Roger to practise and perfect his growing interest in photography and very soon his pictures were in demand from riders right across the country. Over the next two decades he became the man behind the camera at every major event internationally where his presence on the centre green was as reliable as the top track stars of that era such as Colin Wheeler, Roger Ellis, John Watchman and Jim Varnish and many others who were superbly captured in action for the pages of Spokesman. His contribution to the sport was recognised by the Cycle Speedway Council in 1993 when he was awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Honour for his services to the sport.
The opportunity to travel far and wide with the camera took him to most tracks in the sport and together with Pauline he struck up many lasting friendships not only in Britain but over in Australia which was a regular destination for them. Many riders whether still in action or long since lost to the sport will have racing photos of themselves amongst their most treasured possessions and every one will be synonymous with the name - Roger Nicholson.
Graham Sutton
ROGER LOVED CYCLE SPEEDWAY - posted 6 September 2009
I read with much sadness about the loss of Roger, especially so soon after the Finals Weekend where for many years Roger was there to capture the action, not only at national events but many club held Individuals as well.
I still have many of the fine photos Roger took of cycle speedway. Roger was always good to talk to and loved cycle speedway. In the pre-digital era he had top-of-the range cameras and his photos adorned many a magazine's pages and were a great aid to selling the sport.
I first saw Colin Sanders when Blackley were on tour down south, first trip to the old Poole track, it was about 90 degrees and Colin was watering the track. A very strong rider, I think I remember Roger took a photo where Colin had gated and bent his right handlebar up.
I'm sure I speak for all the Blackley and Manchester's teams in passing on our sincere condolences to both families at this very sad time.
John Whiting
BERYL MANN - posted 27 August 2009
It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden death of Beryl Mann, wife of long serving Bury secretary Tony. Beryl, aged 71, was taken ill on Saturday afternoon and died later that day.
In the earliest days of the Bury club Beryl was central to all of the activities, helping Tony and sons Paul and Steve to establish the team, organising refreshments and stitching body colours. As many people are aware, the Mann family have been the driving force behind the Bury club for over 35 years. As the years progressed, whilst not always directly involved in cycle speedway, Beryl was constantly at Tony's side providing support.
All of our thoughts are with Tony and the Mann family at this time.
SCOTT NELDER
Nine Times National Champion Dies of Heart Attack - posted 19 August 2009: updated 20 August 2009
News is filtering through to Spokesman's editorial office of the sudden death of former cycle speedway champion Scott Nelder.
Although details are sketchy, it appears that the former Thurrock rider, arguably the best junior racer of his generation, died of a heart attack. He was in his early Thirties.
In the late Eighties and early Nineties, Nelder stood literally head and shoulders above the opposition. A big lad for his age, he dominated age-group racing winning six national outdoor and three indoor title in the space of six years. His record is
Indoor Championships: British Under-15s Champion 1991 British Under-15s Champion 1992 British Under-18s Champion 1992
Outdoor championships: British Under-12s Champion 1987 British Under-12s Champion 1988 British Under-15s Champion 1990 British Under-15s Champion 1992 British Under-21s Champion 1992 British Under-18s Champion 1993
It is believed Scott was the only rider to win titles in all age-group categories.
You asked for people to offer words and memories about Bill. I just wanted to offer my condolences to the family of the late Bill Rufus, all the LeFevre club members and to Australian cycle speedway as a whole after the recent loss of once of the sports 'father figures' from Down Under. 
NS LOSS OF BILL RUFUS - posted 14 July 2010
Mike Cockroft began his career around the Bradford area before moving to Lindale and then Horton in what a very vibrant cycle speedway scene around Halifax. He adapted very well to the smaller tracks and was a very competitive racer, making his British individual debut in 1962 at Hungerford. He regularly raced for the Yorkshire Test team against Lancashire and totted up a number of victories in individual events. 
