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Ian was born in Sunderland and has enjoyed both participating in and watching local sport - he played league table tennis and still supports the local football team, Sunderland A.F.C. He completed four years service at Vaux Brewery, before moving on to Rolls-Royce's Aero Engine Division where he spent twenty seven years in a variety of positions. Oddly enough, if Bob and Ian met at the brewery, neither of them can remember.
After being made redundant from Rolls-Royce, Ian took on the position of Facilities Officer at Mi Services Group, an IT Solutions Provider.
He now spends a lot of his "spare" time reading books and magazines about Speedway, and helping his good friends Bob and Molly, and his own wife Elizabeth in organising the reunions.
Ian first watched Speedway back in 1964 and immediately got the "bug" which has stayed with him ever since. Sadly the 1964 team did not last long and he had to go seven long years before the sound of the bikes were once again heard at the Boldon Track.
The Sunderland "Stars"/"Gladiators" teams lasted longer, from 1971 to 1974 inclusive. He well remembers the tyre packing, working on the track (Starting Gate), and the general camaraderie of the supporters. All volunteers trying to keep our "Stars" alive. Ian was also actively involved in the Supporter's Club. His claim to fame... He fell off a train and broke his wrist on the way to a Supporters Club meeting!
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Most admired
Sunderland rider:
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Russ Dent
(our former captain)
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Greatest speedway rider:
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Peter Craven
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Most exciting rider:
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Barry Briggs
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All round excitement:
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Jack Millen
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Today's greatest:
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Tony Rickardsson
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Most exciting moment:
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When Sunderland opened in 1971 (I knew what to expect)
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Saddest moments:
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When Sunderland Speedway closed, and when I heard of the deaths of Gordon Guasco, Jack Millen, Vic Harding, and Colin Robertson.
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