This is probably the most difficult blog I've ever had to write. Late on Wednesday I learnt that Gerald Richter was no longer the track curator at Swindon. As readers will know, Gerald is recovering from a heart attack and a serious operation but was set for a comeback soon. That he is no longer the leader of our little troop is a matter of profound sadness. That feeling was reflected throughout last Thursday.

A proud and a good man, Gerald is a very good friend of mine and it has been his encouragement and management that has enabled me to become at least a semi competent member of the team at Swindon. Four years ago I joined the "day" team, working alongside Gerald and Punch. We had our faults but we were essentially a "good" team. Now that team has grown to encompass all the new jobs that putting on a show at Blunsdon entails. The one steadying factor in all that change was Gerald, his South African / Rhodesian twang, his wicked sense of humour and his rigid determination that all jobs, no matter how large or small, should be done perfectly.

He has asked me, through the blog, to publish the letter below, and I am more than happy to do so.

Hi Graham,

I hope you will put a message in the blog to all the track staff from me:-

Five and a half years ago Terry Russell offered me the challenge of taking over as the Swindon Track Manager/curator. A challenge I accepted with not a little trepidation - I had not yet moved to the area, had only been to the stadium once, and the only person I had met  was Rosco. I should have learned my lesson then , as he conned me into buying our first round of coffee !

However, it did not take me long to get to meet a very enthusiastic bunch of speedway fans who gave of their time often and very willingly. I am sure they thought that I was completely nuts with my demands for perfection and making things "look pretty" !

I want to thank you one and all for the concern you have shown and the  well wishes I have received during the past few weeks during my sojourn in to the realms of the "unwell".

I have become very close friends with those of "No.96"  and it is with some sadness that I find that we will no longer be working together. At least I will be able to look back on these years with some sense of achievement. Between us we have made many changes ( not least being to the drainage). We have bonded into a well knit team, (also a well dressed) with everyone performing their tasks without complaint and really setting a standard for other clubs to aspire to.  Thank goodness for a strong sense of humour that has always been there - it has been the hallmark of our teamwork.

At least I have the honour of being the only person I know who has been laid-off for being "a workaholic" !

Once again many thanks to you all - "Keep your feet on the ground and reach for the stars!"

Gerald

An article, published in the Blog some time ago, telling the remarkable story of Gerald and his life in South Africa, is available through this link.