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The R Spencer Oliver
Photographic Collection
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A Russian Sea Captain? No it's Spencer Oliver! Spencer was a very well known figure in motor
sport circles in the north east of England. His extensive photo collection
is now owned by his friend Richard Nicholson whom has written the following pen
picture of Spencer. |
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Richard says:
Robert Bruce Spencer Oliver was born in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 24th February 1910 and died
on 4th June 1984. |
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Spencer was educated at Rutherford College in Newcastle upon Tyne and he
trained as an engineer. He Developed a passion for motor cars and motor
cycles that fortuitously combined with his discovery of the camera. He would
be seen somewhat in the style of Russian Sea Captain at most meetings where
vehicles raced, especially at Newcastle Speedway. |
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Spencer can not be remembered without memories of Gloria, tip-tapping behind
him, always ready with a new film or the right lens and a handy pen to takes
notes of the rider and mark the programme in preparation for a weekly sporting
article in the Chronicle or the Middlesbrough Gazette. Behind the activity on
the course, she burned long hours of midnight oil developing, printing and
enlarging the photos, some of which can be enjoyed in this welcome book. |
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Few people knew that Spencer was awarded a diploma of merit in the Sport
photography section of the 1951 Olympics in Rome—one of a very small number in
England who received such an honour.
Throughout our childhood and teenage years a vast succession of riders,
ranging from novices to world champions visited our home to share friendship
engendered by a common enthusiasm for the sport. At his funeral Walker
Parish Church was packed with the many riders and associates who came to
remember his contribution to their sport.
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Since Spencer died, Newcastle Speedway race for the Spencer Memorial Trophy
once a season, usually in September. When Newcastle closed down the trophy
was transferred to Middlesbrough speedway. The article below was written by
Tony Copeland the Middlesbrough promoter, and was printed in the programme on
the night the trophy was presented.
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Tony Copeland says:
The late R Spencer Oliver was a “big” man in every sense of the word, his
imposing figure was a familiar sight at Brough Park and Cleveland Park as he
went about the business of capturing for prosperity those dramatic ‘once in a
lifetime’ moments which are the hallmark of a truly great photographer. |
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It was Spencer’s incredible passion for motorcycle racing ,
coupled with his precise technical ability, which set him
apart from the crowd. He could read a situation before it
developed, which enabled him to capture the exact moment which
lesser mortals would all too often miss.
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He was a pretty good talent spotter too, singling out a young Eric Boocock as
a tip for future stardom and he also prophesised that one-time failure Ivan
Mauger would eventually come good if he “got stuck in and worked hard at it”.
He had an awry sense of humour and described Diamonds Norwegian heart throb,
Dag Lovaas, as “ too bonny to be a World Champion”. |
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Spencer was also a big road racing fan and did much to champion his career of
the great Geordie sidecar racer Mac Dobson, Hutton Rugby’s Ken Redfern was
perhaps his all time favourite racer. He described Ken as the “ only true
gentleman” he had ever met, and also the “most determined rider”. Of a young
Barry Sheene he was once heard to say “that kid’s got too much talent for a
——- Cockney !”. Spencer sadly died in 1984, and his wife Gloria, who was very
much part of the team, survived him for several years but she, too, has since
passed away, Spencer was THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL. |
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John says: If you want any photos from the Spencer
Oliver Collection contact Richard
Nicholson
here he has ownership of all of Spencers photos. Richard has allowed a sample of Spencer's photos to be shown on this
page, the Name the Rider page and some other photos to be shown on my
Newcastle Speedway History
website. |
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| Courtesy of Richard
Nicholson |
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Newport's Alby Golden on the mike at Newcastle's Brough
Park in 1964. Newcastle promoter Mike Parker right
hand side finds something amusing. The Newcastle
Evening Chronicle sports editor Sam Brooks appears to be
presenting a cheque to Alby
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Ivan &
The Silver Sash |
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Courtesy of Richard
Nicholson |
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| Another picture of Alby Golden at Newcastle,
Mike Parker and the guys
appear to be loading a lady onto the back of Alby's bike
whilst in the background Ivan Mauger rides past wearing the
"Silver Sash" If Alby was Ivan's challenger
for the Match race for the sash then its a bit unfair to make
him carry a passenger eh! |
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1964 At
Newcastle Newport's
Peter
Vandenberg |
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| Courtesy of Richard Nicholson |
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1964 At
Newcastle Newport's Vic White
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| Courtesy of Richard Nicholson |
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1964 At Newcastle Newport's
Dick Bradley |
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Courtesy of Richard Nicholson
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Clive Hitch Of Middlesbrough
[Newcastle v Middlesbrough
27th May 1963] |
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| Courtesy of Richard
Nicholson |
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These photos are the
property of Richard Nicholson. They are the tip of the iceberg,
he has hundreds/thousands of Spencer's photos. Email him here if you have any enquiries
Richard
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| The contents of the site are © and should not be
reproduced elsewhere for financial gain. The contributors to this site
gave the pictures and information on that understanding. If anyone has
any issue or objections to any items on the site please
e-mail
and I will amend or remove the item. Where possible credit
has been given to the owner of each item. |
