NeilWatson

There was no tarmac base at Brandon.

Quite so, which should make the status quo attractive. However, hiring in a service would, in my opinion, cost less than the lost income from not doing so.

For the record I wasn’t suggesting using ‘my’ buggy or similar - which only carry one plus the driver - but a ‘buggy service’ using a larger vehicle (see my earlier post) or something like the Dial-a-Ride bus. Transporting one person at a time wouldn’t be practical.

This was why I suggested that close parking permits might be restricted to season ticket holders - far from ideal but addresses one possible reason for the change in parking policy.

No it wouldn’t

Different circumstances, Lee was in the declared 1-7 and his tragic racing accident was mid-season.

I would be prepared to administer such a scheme on behalf of the Club if asked

If I was faced with this situation, rather than the nuclear option I would be thinking along the following lines: Blue Badges would need to be registered with the Club in advance, by sending a copy of the front and back of the badge together with another piece of ID (copy of passport or driving licence) and the vehicle registration number to be used. Each applicant would be issued with a Blue Badge parking permit, together with an information sheet which would lay out in clear language the ground rules: • Speed limit of 10mph on the Showground • A clear diagram of exactly where the allocated parking area is • Unequivocal instructions that should any steward be abused or the vehicle parked inappropriately the parking permit would be immediately withdrawn (if the rules are simple and clear I see no need for a ‘second chance’). The majority of Blue Badge holders will be season ticket holders and I would consider making that a requirement of the permit to ease congestion and admin at the vehicle gate. For casual and visiting fans I would provide a dedicated email address where the visitor would email 48 hours before a meeting the information required (Blue Badge number and holder’s name, and vehicle registration number), these applicants would receive a return email authorising parking to produce at the vehicle gate along with the Blue Badge. I appreciate that such a system would exclude the genuine impulse visitor, but would cater more compassionately for the regular fans.

I’ve not seen any suggestion that a buggy service will be provided, Blue Badge holders are expected to fend for themselves.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that my disabilities control my whole life. Any trip out, be it shopping, sightseeing, concerts, or sport is defined by the simple question ‘how far will I have to walk’. Supermarkets are, by and large, not a problem, I choose large stores that provide ‘mart carts’ or small local shops where I can park outside and get what I need in close proximity to the door. For non-food purchases Amazon is my friend! A trip to the seaside has to start very early in the day to bag a parking place by the beach and facilities - if they’re all taken we come home. The National Trust are very switched on to mobility issues and provide shuttles from the car-park to the main attraction - similar to the one used at Leicester speedway. For gigs I have a list of venues that work well for me, and a list of those that are out of the question. Sport? I only ever go to speedway and at the majority of clubs there’s parking adjacent to the entrance which is generally right by the track. Leicester and Peterborough are notable exceptions - I’ve already mentioned Leicester who acknowledge the issue and offer a buggy service. Like many I have both mobility and breathing problems, which combined mean I simply cannot walk any distance - I wish I could. I am reliant on destinations acknowledging the issue and making adjustments, most do but sadly there are exceptions.

The rule (Art16.5.2) is: For an absent rider with a) an assessed MA b) has been approved in a team’s declared line-up at the start of the season a 28-day Facility may be granted at the Directors discretion. This would seem to cater for a case where a 1-7 has been declared and a rider becomes unavailable in the very early part of the season (perhaps injured riding for his PL Club on a Thursday before a Friday CL meeting).

That’s not permitted under the rules, unless special dispensation is given.

You can’t! His last established MA is 11.07 from 2008/9 as far as I can see. Art 16.2.6 reads: AMENDED MA’s have been amended with the Approval of the BSPA GC or Directors for: a) Riders who have been absent from British Speedway racing for more than 3 seasons (NB. The MA may be increased or decreased).

The petition on change.org  https://www.change.org/PeterboroughSpeedwayDisabledParking2020 remains open, and I ask as many of you as possible to sign the petition if you support its content and aims. it is a respectful, constructive petition, and makes no threats or demands, simply urging the Promotion to look at the situation again from the perspective of a Blue-Badge holder. I’ve been asked about the payment requested by change.org. It’s a ‘charge/donation’ made by them, and is nothing to do with me or the Club. However it can be skipped past (as can the sharing) there’s a link right at the bottom of the relevant page of the signing process. Thanks for reading

Now we have some respite from 'The Messiah' hopefully we can get back on topic, which is: I have created a petition on change.org https://www.change.org/PeterboroughSpeedwayDisabledParking2020 and urge as many of you as possible to sign the petition if you support its content and aims. It is a respectful, constructive petition, and makes no threats or demands, simply urging the Promotion to look at the situation again from the perspective of a Blue-Badge holder. Thanks for reading

Thank you Phil

I do know the truth, but you clearly don’t. There’s nothing to add really.

Thanks Mike, hope Jan is coping as well as possible at the moment

Thank you For me, it's the latter

You say you don't know me but based on hearsay you're prepared to condemn Ged and myself? On Thursday March 21st 2019 - http://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.36114 - the SpeedwayGB website carried the following news item: PETERBOROUGH have confirmed Ged Rathbone and Neil Watson will not be promoting at the club this season. The Panthers, who are now under the ownership of Keith Chapman, will be fronted by Colin Pratt and Carl Johnson as they move into the Premiership. Chapman said: “I’m sure every Peterborough supporter would like to thank Ged and Neil for their hard work and service to the club. “From my perspective I would also like to thank them for the professional manner in which the handover of the club has been conducted. “We wish them all the very best for whatever they do in the future.” Rathbone added: “My thanks to Neil, who was a pleasure to work with and reduced my workload immensely, and also to Trevor (Swales) and Carl who were such a big part of what we did. “I wish the supporters and the new team in charge all the very best, and there is no animosity from me towards them. “Most of all, I’d like to thank the fans. I always put the fans first in my time at the club, and they certainly have a fantastic season to look forward to.” I prefer to be judged by my peers than by you. RIP Danny Ayres

It appears that the gentleman I was thinking of is no longer Chairman of the Supporters Club following the recent AGM - however my suggestion still stands and perhaps the new Chairman (Mr Lewis) will have a look at it.

I wasn't aware that you were no longer Chairman Dick. Who has taken over?

You stepped down?

Distance, terrain and lighting to name three There’s certainly a trouble-maker on here - the one who changes his forum name every day and swamps otherwise sensible debate with ‘poo’.