Speedway Museum Project Are we going to see one of those
fantastic last bend overtakes? With the end of the season rapidly
approaching the figures are £19.000 guaranteed. £15.582 raised so far.
A total of £34.582, leaving us £20.418 to reach our target of £55.000
the figure needed to build “The History of Speedway” a museum
dedicated to this great family sport which is long overdue, Speedway
being the only major sport not to have such a centre. True, there are
many splendid private collections around all worthy of a visit as I am
constantly being told by enthusiasts, but to have our own centre which
has not only exhibits but archives supported by technology giving as
much realism as possible. It will be realised that the figure we
have quoted is to build the structure and as much else as the money will
cover. We have the advantage of Peter Sampsons connections in the
construction industry to look to in order to get as much as we can for
as little as possible. Patrick Bowens is offering to pass on up to date
display items that he frequently acquires. Dave Sear is offering to
install a fire alarm system, whilst his colleague is keen to provide
fire extinguishers. Darren Boocock has promised paint, whilst Peter
Billingham has said he will be available to do any rider paintings. And
there’s more! Exhibits we
don’t have to worry about because there have been so many offers. Let
us get the building first. How will we raise the remaining money?
For a start there are track collections which we hope is the intention
of all venues. Wimbledon, Rye House, Isle of Wight and Peterborough have
all held their collections and all have done very well from our Speedway
fraternity. Somerset, Newport, and Exeter are next in line with
Workington and Sittingbourne certain dates. Sadly our collection at
Poole was rained off, but promoters Matt Ford and Mike Golding are going
to arrange this themselves. Belle Vue, Scunthorpe, Sheffield and Ipswich
have stated intention to go ahead also. We hope all promotions will be
able to fit in a collection before the seasons ends, and where possible
able to carry this out without needing our presence. However, should we
be required we will be delighted to go to any track in order to collect
and would appreciate if there are any former riders who would give us a
hand. At Peterborough we had the help of John Strong, Richard Greer and
Peter Seaton which worked much better than just the two of us. Whilst we are selling badges, draw
tickets and Malcolm Brown CDs. So Wally Loak is selling his CD or DVD
“48” (which I think he now realises should be “49”) a recording
of Speedway events and personalities some now passed over. Alan
Hodkinson too is selling “Once a Jolly Swagman” a recording of the
film made so many years ago featuring Speedway with the riding sequences
filled by well known Riders. Both are selling and donating to the
Speedway museum fund. Wimbledon and Rye House track shops are also
selling the Museum fund badges. Not to be outdone Alan’s wife Jackie
is organising the WSRA and museum website featuring the Museum fund
badge. As you can see we are not entirely alone
in seeking funding but we do need help especially on collections. Of
great value is the input of the programme writers, and even more so the
efforts of the announcer. The announcer can really inspire people with
the importance of this project to our sport and mean the difference of
many pounds in the kitty. Craig Saul at Rye House and Peterborough and
Bryn Williams at IOW were inspirational. Derek Barclay’s assistance at
Wimbledon was invaluable. Please don’t leave it to the people
mentioned above. We are a big family, possibly the most complete
sporting family worldwide and we can all play a part. Then when we have
completed our fund raising from within Speedway we can follow up our
negotiations, already underway, with the Charity Commission and the
Lottery Fund. Please! Our Speedway museum needs just one good push from
us all to turn a dream into reality. George Barclay 41 Lodge Avenue, Dagenham,
Essex RM8 2JD
|