Bryn

"Club needs a big uplift..." you say - so what would you suggest?

Re the time span of the meeting might I suggest that with both sides operating rider replacement, riders having two rides on the trot between heats 1&2, 3&4, 5&6 (two riders doing so on this occasion), 7&8, 8&9 and 11&12 leading to extra time being allowed for the riders involved as is the norm; six heats requiring re-runs (heats 2 & 8 both requiring two re-starts); And lengthy necessary on-track medical attention being given to Nathan Greaves following his high-speed crash in 9 were all contributing factors towards heat 15 and the Bronze Helmet match race both falling victim to the strict 8.30pm curfew. "Oh what a night" as the the opening line of a big hit of yesteryear goes!

Although I was there, my memory of the White City meeting is somewhat hazy (to say the least!) thanks to ageing process but I've a feeling that the riders from both sides due out in the opening heat had problems getting to the track caused by heavy traffic as did reserves who weren't ready - hence the 2mins exclusions galore! Last night's 0-0 at Central Park was the first time EVER I've witnessed, or indeed had to announce the result of a heat that saw four riders starting it and none finish it with any points!

I'm at the stadium where trackman Gerald has been running a shuttle service with his tractor & water tank to and from the filling up point to the track ever since we got here at 3pm. It's clear blue sky and, as I seem to remember some group singing years ago, it's HOT HOT HOT! It's now 5.25pm. And I'd suggest the Met Office radar map (updated at 5.15pm when I looked) indicates that the rain band, that is diminishing in strength anyway, is highly unlikely to reach here before 11pm to midnight. There goes trackman Gerald heading for the track with another tanker load of water!

For starters you haven't got any airfares to subsidise or pay for to get foreigners here in the first place have you? Let me stress I personally am NOT against foreign riders in the Premier League but I do wonder at times if there are too many especially when you consider that there are seven teams who, between them only have 14 Brits in their sides.

Do you not think that your own club Peterborough might be in a better financial position if you didn't have five foreign riders in your declared 1 to 7?

Just under 60% of riders in this year's Premier League aren't British? Discuss

Looking forward to announcing at this meeting but not looking forward to rising from my pit at a ridiculously early hour on a Sunday for the meeting that starts at noon! Haven't got a lift yet so if I were to have to go by train I'll probably have to catch the 8.55am (OMG!!!) from Dartford, getting to Sittingbourne circa10.15am and arranging a lift from there to Iwade. Dreading that but needs must I suppose UNLESS, perchance, there's some incredibly generous person out there going to the meeting as well with a spare seat in their vehicle (doesn't have to be a Rolls or Bentley as far as I'm concerned!) travelling via the Dartford crossing that they might let me have and who I could link up with at Junction 1A on the M25 (immediately after the toll booths)? Whatever way my heartfelt plea goes, I'm looking forward to the event - it'll be a fun day for sure!

"SLIGHTLY different format to normal???" Great Central.

You have my sympathy Chris / other mic men at UK speedway tracks because whatever action is taken / not taken in response to one moan will lead to a counter moan from another source! We all DO try our best but as Abraham Lincoln once famously said (although even I am not old enough to remember him doing so! ) “You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.”

Methinks you're banging your head against a brick wall "Gustix" as some people who post on the BSF seem to me to do so solely to moan/whinge about anything they can! Guess they must get their kicks from doing so!

17.15 here looking out from the Hammers speedway office it's mainly blue sky up above, everyone is not in love (the old'uns will tell you what song that bit comes from!), there's a few fluffy white bits too and it's Hot! Hot! Hot! So, forget the diving competition on the old gogglebox and, as someone used to say, COME ON DOWN!

If you enjoy it, then why not do it? Let's face it there's nothing on the gogglebox other than some sort of over-publicised diving competition in South America!

So sad to hear of the passing today of Malcolm Simmons who succumbed to the serious illness he's been suffering from for some time. It was truly an honour to have known him, worked with him, interviewed him and marvelled at his riding skills for so many many years and I'll always be grateful to him for providing me with so many wonderful memories. R.I.P. Simmo mate - neither I nor the speedway world will ever forget you

NEW DATE: Today's postponed match has now been provisionally rearranged to take place on Friday 5th September.

4.30pm - MEETING POSTPONED Following a hefty shower an hour ago, alas sufficient damage was done to the track surface that has led to the decision that has just been takn to postpone tonights scheduled meeting which will now have to be re-arranged.

2.45pm WEATHER CHECK: Has remained dry since my last update at 1pm. Will shortly be leaving for circuit (3pmish dependent upon time my lift gets here) and will update further once I'm there, have computer switched on over there and when I get a mo between answering all the "is it on phonecalls."

1pm WEATHER CHECK Had a very short shower of rain since 10am Weather Check (merely just enough to wet the pavements) but that soon cleared away and here in Erith (just over in Kent from Purfleet) it's been, and still is, sunshine patches of blue sky and some white fluffy clouds. If MetOffice hour-by-hour forecast for South Ockendon is correct (they don't do Purfleet!), then should be no problems with meeting going ahead. Leaving for track circa 3pm - will do further update before I go.

10.15am WEATHER CHECK: Earlier here at Erith (just across Thames from Purfleet) we had very light rain but that has cleared and right now the sun has put in an appearance alongside patches of blue sky and white cloud above. Next update circa 1pm

Just heard - meeting POSTPONED. (via BSPA Press Office).

Doesn't look as if anyone can help in terms of being able to offer me a lift*** so whilst I would have liked to be there tonight, it's just not going to be possible . Never mind I'll content myself to update sites in between watching heats from King's Lynn on Sky. Not a bad alternative but nothing like actually being at a match is it? Right now I've got to get ready to go and see the Podiatrist (didn't they used to be Chiropodists? ) - isn't life fun at times! Hope it's a good meeting at Wimborne Road later. *** Just in case someone can help at the last minute I'll have my mobile - 07774 935468 - with me.

Hoping to get down tomorrow but, alas, can't use public transport option as have health appts both Wednesday and Thursday mornings. So I'm asking if anybody out there has room for another in their vehicle (other than in the boot! ) via M25 near Dartford (could meet at junction 1a immediately after pay booths after you've crossed the bridge) going to the Poole vs Lakeside match tomorrow. If so, would very much appreciate a PM.

My thoughts are with Simmo, wife June and all his family members at what must be this testing time for them all.

And I've PM'd you my reply!

See my PM 'Mimmo'.