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| Over the years
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well, but apparently cameras had been invented when
George was young. They're probably on public display now at the National History Museum... |
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Our sources who provided these
never seen before photographs have asked not to be identified for fear of
reprisals, so instead we'll use secret names to protect their identity.
Our thanks therefore go to "Anne E", "Paul E" and "S Brock" for the
photographs... |
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What they're saying
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Well, they
say life begins at 40 - so knowing George, I suppose he'll now try and claim he's
only 10!! I've known George for around a decade - hey, that's a fifth of your life, old boy! - initially as the guy who gave me my break in speedway in terms of websites and programme designs. We've had our disagreements in the past, a few fallings out, but he eventually sees sense and admits I was right :-) Seriously though, more than just a colleague, I'm proud to regard him as a very good friend. One thing I've learned that he's always there in a crisis. Fair enough, it's usually
about 2 days AFTER the crisis when he's there, but he's still there... It
takes a lot to phase him - he just gets on with things and takes
it all on the chins. Happy Birthday mate, enjoy the wedding in Canada (that's if you're
really there, personally I reckon you've just grabbed a weekend bargain break
at Bognor!) and don't forget to tune in for live updates!! Hope the Saga
holiday reps are looking after you :-) |
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Graeme
Paterson |
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It
would be nice to think of something to embarrass George with, but I can't.
He likes a light refreshment, but then who doesn't ?! George has been around
for ages and maintained his great enthusiasm for speedway even through some
trying times. He's one of the friendliest men in speedway and always a pleasure
to meet and talk to. I'm sure that Newcastle often attract riders because
they are so happy to ride for such a good promoter and team manager. I honestly
doubt that the Diamonds would exist without the English family, and it must
be quite fun to have a mum as keen as you are! Here's to many more years
at the helm. |
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Mike
Hunter |
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Happy
Birthday George! I wish you all the very best both in your speedway life
and life outside. At least another 50 years to come please!! Very best wishes
from your ex Diamond, TomiTheCzech :-) |
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Lubos
Tomicek |
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It
would be an honour to add my best wishes to this old far....... erm......
fine upstanding gent, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. On a serious
note (F sharp - that's a pretty serious note!) congratulations George on
your half century! In all my 35 years of watching speedway there is no-one
I've come across who feels more passionately about their speedway as you.
It is a testimony to the way your family have struggled to keep the sport
alive - nobody else would have got close to doing as much. Your achievements
and dedication to speedway are a powerful inspiration to
others. |
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Lawrence
Heppell |
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As
it's your 18th (cough cough) here is my gift : If you give me a team place,
I'll ride my first meeting as a Diamond free of charge !! |
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Henning
Loof |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GUY!! One thing has certainly become apparent while we were constructing this little tribute, from now on in the
"20 Questions" section, there can only EVER be one answer to the 'worst fashion sense' question.... YOU ! ! Where DID you get those outfits!?! No, seriously though, all the best for your 50th! |
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Rick Evans |
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To my best mate in speedway, have a very happy 50th. |
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Darryl Illingworth |
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A very early recollection is of George as not much more than a toddler being taken to away matches on the Supporters Club coach, with his mam and dad (Joan and George Snr). Many is the time that we were dropped off at some unearthly time of the morning (3, 4 or 5am) and have to complete the journey home by shanks pony or taxi. We lived in the West End whereas most other supporters were from the East end of the city. George was usually asleep but I bet he can still remember the long haul away trips. He is still doing them of course but probably stays awake now on the way back! Happy Days! Very best wishes George. |
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Bob Boardman |
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Happy 50th birthday from me and Michelle, you old b...! |
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Josef "Pepe" Franc |
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Well now, there can’t be many people that can say that they’ve got a pub & a courtyard named after them but you’ve now joined that elite group of “Old Georges” as a full member. Think yourself lucky as I can’t find (or can’t be bothered to look for) the 70’s fancy dress or the line dancing pics & a few others that come to mind. Now you’ve reached this milestone, you’ve got me thinking back over the years & we’ve known each other a loooong time now. BUT you’re still 3 years older than me! Have a great time out there & there’s no need to rush back, Joan will keep us all right for the next couple of meetings. Say hello to Colin for me. Happy Birthday!
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Steve Brock |
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WOW!!! You've reached your half century George eh? And no doubt you'll be waving your pint glass towards all those who are standing to applaud your momentous feat in reaching this major milestone, said glass being empty of course and you very much hoping someone will fill it! 1958 was indeed a year that will go down in the annals of history as the year the US Army inducted one Elvis Presley into their ranks an their airforce accidentally drop an atom bomb on South Carolina which failed to explode; CND stage their first protest march from Hyde Park to Aldermaston; the first parking meters are installed in the UK; Sheb Wooley had a major hit with Purple People Eater as did Connie Francis with Who's Sorry Now but these events, and all others, pale into total insignificance when compared to the fact that one George English arrived on this earth! Here's to the next fifty years - and pints!
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Bryn Williams |
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Can’t believe you are 50 George! Someone told me you were much older than that! Seriously, though, if you think the half century is bad wait until you get over 60 like me and creep towards your retirement pension! I have known George a long time. Yes, he has Black and White running through his veins while mine is Black and Gold but I take my hat off to him for what he, his late Dad ,George Senior and Mum Joan have done for Newcastle Speedway. It is people like them who deserve the medals when the Speedway awards are handed out. The crowning glory of course for all the hard work was that Premier League title in 2001. Enjoy it George even if a defeat against the Bandits at anytime is a bitter pill to swallow.
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Dennis McCleary |
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