Gambling in England is just the same as other great things we had that have been killed by the Internet and greedy corporations - going to the Football, Music Gigs and even Boozers.

There are very few characters about now in so many walks of life, sign of the times indeed.

I am 31 and never met Terry Kirk but took his bets in a former job, very nice Fella - loved some of his stories from the good old days, never thought I would ever chat to a bloke who knew Jack Spot. RIP.

morning sir, off to bed now - heavy weekend!!! be back to full fitness by thursday hopefully!

I guess it's a mixture of both Stephard (thanks for the reply), things have changed and we're all getting older. I'm about the same age as you and also started at a very young age (which I suppose makes if feel like a lifetime). There just doesn't seem to be the same buzz that there used to be and the proper characters (..and truly funny stories) are sadly missed. I'm grateful to have made it this far and although it was never easy, it was/is a hell of an education. In Papillon spirit - We're still here!

first quarter 0/0 should have been 17 points when your wrong your wrong chasing the rabbit now

Stephard keep the faith remember the last time we chatted aboug the nfl, new England spanked them in the second half

Wow Clapton, you pulled up some old Clubs there, there used to be some Rascals who frequented those places.

Wee Eck,I saw Charlie Smithers perform live in Hatchetts club in Piccadillyfor Ruby Huntmans 80th birthday.He made a book at Harringay and the club was owned by his son Martin.The last time I saw Charlie was in the fish and chip shop on The Waste.He told me it done him no favours being on the T.V.I dont know what become of him.Yiddel never lost making a book did he?He was a proper mathmetician.Last time I saw him it was one kipper years ago working as a lollipop man the bottom of Northwold Rd.He was the "Gitter Yid" as you said.Do you remember when Shimmer Joseph took the bets in the street.

A gambler is only as good as his/her next bet

I have known many a gambler that having been showing great profits over the years went down that long slippery slope

sir alain charnier do the bottom 3 get relegated every year (hope so poor list)

Clapton

I remember those clubs, the Dragon was at the end of Whitechapel.. the 81 was at Mile end.. the Umberston was off commercial road.. used to get some Faces in them, there was also the Gaiety at Aldwych... Fun Days and lots of action !

clapton if you went to the Umberston you must remember my mate George Mizel

in his time the biggest fence in the country when the Carrington job went off

the flying squad raided his office in Hatton Garden turned the place upside down

found nothing, it was a close shave the goods were there alright under the

floorboards.  Happy Days

wee eck.. I was only a kid at the time so only vaguely remember the Umberston.. but was brought up in that area.. I recall the Dragon more clearly.. also vaguely remember an SP office in that Stepney area.. think it was run by Izzy Farr.. apparently Michael Tabor went in there a lot.

Izzy Farr he ran one of the clubs nead Aldgate could have been alvises Farr was also a

money lender.  Harry Lazar and his younger brother Lou were regulars in the East end

spielers both british boxing champions laying about in the Spielers, would not happen

these days. Some faces who made it big originated from the Brick lane area.

Wood Lane Lisson Grove as regards fish and chips was the dogs bollocks.

Before he sold his betting shops I used to put on for Tabor I have never

ever known anyone to find as many winners.  Good luck are you enjoying

reminiscing about the old days? I am.

Wood Lane I never started this thread just contributed a bit towards it.

By the way do you still bet?  I think you are a marvel being competent on the

computer at your good age, have you a wife or lady to look after you?

Wood Lane if I had the power you would be Knighted, 89 and still cracking away what an example

you are to all, well done that man.

Wee Eck Do you remember Gay Travers when Cliffy had The Fox.

One end of The Waste.

"Wee eck"

Could you explain the BIRMINGHAM MOB,who were they ??

Cheers. 

"you~dig" 

bluenose this type of thing went on between the two World Wars, it was

basically serious fighting between the Birmingham lads and the Southerners

in a struggle for the best situated bookmakers pitches eventually the BPA

and things settled down but make no mistake many old time bookies shed blood

for their pitches.  The point to point fighting went on after the 2WWW for a

while and eventually that also settled down. I think a mob led by the Whites

of Kings X cross led the southern bookies.