Much warmer inside and the first photo shows the crowds around the Rye House stand

Within the main hotel hall there was, apart from the stalls, a film showing all day courtesy of the well known and respected referee Tony Steele, he was showing these films depicting scenes and items of speedway history, could have watched for hours but had to drag myself away in the end. You can see the projector left but unfortunately not the exciting and fascinating films.

 Also left George Barclay ( in blue shirt) is being interviewed by Craig Saul, he did not let the opportunity pass and had a 'few' words to say about the raising of funds for the Speedway Museum Building, he thanked those who had helped get the fund to the last lap, at the time only £6000 was still required before work could commence, I understand that following this event the amount required has dropped to the £4000 region. Just needs that last push. May I take this opportunity to say how hard both George and Linda have worked to manage to raise so much in what is still less than a year, well done both of you bet you will be pleased to go to sleep and not dream of fund raising, lets hope that is in the near future.

There was no shortage of interest on the other side of the hall, it was a good thing that the hotel is a large one as there were people arriving at the Kings Oak Hotel all morning I understand the first appeared around 9.00 and there was a continual stream till lunch. One of the stalls selling items for the Museum fund was Alan Hodkinson with his ever popular video The making of the film Once a Jolly Swagman with interviews with the late Ron Howes & Bill Owen MBE

There was a brisk trade in the badges produced by the Museum Fund raising people, think that the speedway supporters, riders and spectators, are beginning to realise that these will be the memorabilia of the future, a sign that the owners have contributed toward the completion of the long held dream of a permanent museum dedicated to our sport

Above George Barclay, far left, working the crowd around the raffle table which I understand was very successful but the days are short in February and all to soon it was time to pack up, below are Tom Richardson and Jim Gregory loading the trailer with their valuable and beautifully presented speedway equipment.

We were all pleased to see the 2005 WSRA president Danny Dunton at the event and hope that he enjoyed the day as much as the rest of us.- bye for now and hope to see you all next year.

JH