Robert Ernest (Bob) Radford (3 Nov 1946 - 10 May 2017)

In loving memory of Robert Ernest (Bob) Radford who sadly passed away on 10th May 2017

Born – Salisbury, Wilts 3 November 1946; First visit to Speedway Blunsdon September 1962.

On leaving school he worked in local government and was promoted to Swindon Borough Council Asst Press Officer, partly how I came to know Briggo, the other riders and then promoter Bert Hearse.

Visited many away tracks and inspired by the 1967 Swindon title winning team decided to get involved, cutting my teeth with Swindon Advertiser in 1968 with away matches only and the Gothenburg World Final.

Met Mike Parker who then had 7 tracks hoping to get involved at his nearest tracks to me – Newport or Wolverhampton. Appointed as full time General and Team Manager of Newport on 1 March 1969, aged just 22.

Left Newport in 1971 and joined newly promoted Reading at Tilehurst. Announcer in 1971, plus away team manager in 1972 when we came second and league winners in 1973 drawing and losing the KO Cup Final after the epic Collins/Michanek match race as Tilehurst was already being demolished.

!974 moved to Oxford and Eastbourne but amidst the 3 day week etc quit after a disappointing season and joined the civil service – partly due to the pension.

To my huge surprise I remained involved heavily part time, 4 seasons at Birmingham behind the scenes largely and announced at many other tracks. Ole Olsen also took me regularly to Vojens as an international announcer and I did the Master of Speedway series all over, the precursor to the GP series.

Announced the 1977 and 1991 World Finals in Gothenburg, centre presenter for the last Wembley Final in 1981. Enjoyed regular stints at several tracks in both leagues notably Weymouth, Poole and Milton Keynes(Groveway)

Early 80's largely responsible for bringing Per Jonsson to Reading and Jimmy Nilsen to Swindon, they would become world numbers one and two. Returned to Reading in 1983, enjoying the clubs title wins in 1990 and 1992 and many other successes. Also lwd the Martin Hewlett Benevolent Fund after the young rider died after a brain haemorrhage

Per's 1994 accident and the fund raiser - £55k from one meeting – ripped the guts out of me. Still continued Speedway Star work but retired from announcing etc. Heavily involved with Testimonial seasons for the late Bob Kilby, Phil Crump, Jan Andersson, Jeremy Doncaster, Tony Olsson and Dave Mullett.

Had a close relationship with many World Champions – Briggo, Ivan, Ole, Erik, Per, Billy Hamill, Jason Crump and a huge network of rider friends. Travelled everywhere in the world he wanted to go – except New Zealand, and for the last decade enjoyed very many cruises and visits to North America to enjoy NHL ice hockey.

Tempted back when Tim Stone relaunched a new stadium at Newport 1997-1999, thereafter only undertaking occasional events and contributing more locally to Speedway Star and occasionally the local press.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014, the prognosis became terminal after contracting both sepsis and e-coli during a routine operation at Swindon's Great Western Hospital in November 2016.

“I hoped to go on for longer but have had a ball, a wonderful life”, said Bob.

The funeral will be held on 20th Jun 2017 at 3pm at Kingsdown Crematorium, Kingsdown Road, Swindon, SN25 6SG.