Speedway Museum Project We
would like to start by wishing everyone a Happy 2006, the year we hope
to open the sports First National Speedway Museum. We are now confident
of reaching our target, as we have raised £47730 (87% funded) just £7270
to go. Although there is less opportunity during the closed season to
raise money, the Sunderland Re-union raised an incredible £500 and the
article in the latest Opposite Lock has achieved a great response from
the WSRA members for which we are most grateful. Our
next fund raising events are the weekend 18th & 19th
February. The Scottish members of the WSRA are holding a raffle at the
dinner in Glasgow for the Museum fund on Saturday 18th.
Sunday 19th sees the Speedway Fraternity gathering at The
Kings Oak High Beech, for the Annual Speedway Fayre, 77 years to the day
of the first Speedway meeting there in 1928. The main hall will have our
leading stallholders gathered inside with many new items, and
memorabilia. Terry Stone leading the Men in Black braving the weather
outside along with Frances & Nigel Gabbitas who will be displaying
Billy Sander’s & Danny Dunton’s bikes. Craig Saul will be on
hand to interview the speedway personalities during the day. We will
have a stand inside (Linda did not want to brave the weather) selling
our badges, CD’s, DVD’s etc. On view Wally Loak’s recordings, and
“ Once a Jolly Swagman” available from Alan Hodkinson. Joining us on
the day will be Stuart Towner who is now running the “Friends of
Speedway” if you are interested in joining now’s your chance. Please
come along and give your support, the profits from this day are for the
Speedway Museum. Lunch is available in the pub restaurant, for bookings
call 0208 508 5000. Further information is available from Andy Griggs
01553 82706 or George Barclay. Also see the adverts in the Speedway
Star. Our
thanks to Dave Dowling and the Association of Referees who are raising
funds with a raffle at their pre-season meeting. This museum really is
supported by everyone in this great sport. March
sees the start of the 2006 season with all it’s many changes in
tracks, and riders moving between the leagues. We are sorry to see some
tracks not running in this coming season. We look forward to the
collections taking place at the tracks that were unable to hold them
last year, but have agreed to organise for the coming season. We also
hope that the remaining promotions, and some of the newcomers, will give
an opportunity to their supporters to contribute to their Museum. We
continue to be assisted in the fund raising by many people behind the
scenes, without whom we would not have achieved the success to date,
they know who they are and we greatly appreciate their support. We
are still working closely with Pete Sampson and his staff at Paradise
Park, in particular Mark Edgerley and Steve Ling assisting in
negotiations with the relevant authorities. For any further information please contact George Barclay 41, Lodge Avenue Dagenham Essex RM8 2JD. Telephone No. 020 8592 3361 |