KEN Penny was transported back to the 1960s when he was having a clear-up at home, in Glenmoor Road, West Parley, and came across a Poole speedway souvenir programme.

"It was dated 1969 and cost three shillings and sixpence," said Ken, 75. "That was a fantastic team, they were British League champions. Seeing the programme again brought all these wonderful memories flooding back."

Geoff Mudge, an Australian rider, was Poole's captain. Another Aussie, Gordon Guasco, who rode number two, was tragically killed racing Down Under. Local favourite Pete Smith was number three, with Norwegian Odd Fossengen at four, New Zealander Bruce Cribb five, and Ted Lesing and Frank Shuter at six and seven.

"It was a first class team," said Ken. "Ron Hart was team manager and Charlie Knott was the promoter.

"I used to go with my sons, Alan and Ian - they were at the Grange School, Somerford, near Christchurch, at the time. We were living in Winton in Bournemouth then, and I was a salesman for a frozen food company. I used to take the boys to the Stadium with a bunch of their mates - we all had a great time."

Ken even became friends with one of the riders, Bruce Cribb.

Since retiring, Ken has been too busy playing golf and ten-pin bowling to go to the speedway, although he still closely follows Pirates' fortunes.

Son Ian, now 50, was a lorry driver for many years and now works as a warehouseman near Ferndown, while Alan, 49, has lived in New Zealand for the past 25 years, where he runs his own business.

Ken and wife June have two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.