SteveLyric2

The situation regarding the deferred Celebration of Life in respect of Poole historian and past PRO Gordon Day has been updated by his widow Barbara on some social media platforms. In essence her announcement explains the deferral due to Covid-19, BUT after continual discussion with the Poole Stadium General Manager, Shaun, it will take place at the Stadium in March 2021! (nb. This would seem to indicate that the stadium will still be operating into next year!!)

The 'ball' is firmly in Stadia UK's hands. Until they decide /announce their own plans to continue with the stadium lease or not then nobody can do anything except a bit of lobbying behind the scenes?! Incidentally Monmore (Ladbroke greyhounds) is reopening on October 1st with reduced attendance, so its not every greyhound stadium/operator that is shutting up shop. Also its not Stadia UK's option to develop part of the stadium car park for housing, unless they've put a strong financial proposal to BCP Council, which - if acceptable - would require a public planning application, as would any other developer's proposal.

Poole is still Matt's tenure even though he's now based in France. He still owns the club, has strong political and business allies locally, is adamant that speedway will continue at Poole Stadium in 2021 and will be doing his utmost to retain speedway in Poole for the longer term.

Now confirmed as Wednesday 26th on the club website. ps. Its the last 'rewind meeting' of the Summer!! Although on Tuesday September 1st Somerset are showing the Rebels v Pirates from 2018 at 1930hours.

Poole hasn't shut down!!

I think I read somewhere there is a week's break, so it is next Wednesday 26th August.

Anyone know if the AGM will still be held in November or will it be earlier in light of no fixtures?

No. Premiership 1H/1A. Championship regional divisions plus play offs.

Only track authorised for 'pilot' events.

Jack said as much in interview about 'the Zmarzlik effect', but one things for certain Jack won't win the SEC!!!

Rotten luck for young Tom Brennan - broken collarbone practising in Poland!!!

If Stadia UK give back the lease then the Council will be encouraging developers to show interest. Richard Carr anyone!!!!!!

Another 'Trumped up' and false allegation!!!

As the Council leader said today in her weekly Q&A on facebook - Stadia UK still have a 'longish' lease on the stadium but if a developer were to come along with a properly funded scheme to develop the site, to include a new or revamped stadium, then the Council would consider it as part of the usual planning process. There is no scheme currently on the books and there is currently no intention to lose the stadium facility which belongs to the people of Poole!'

New team jackets being held over for the start of 2021. Mine's on order.

New-style Pirates merchandise launched this week shows a lot of confidence. Many items sold out already have to be re-ordered!!!

2010 Eastbourne v Poole in the KO Cup Final first leg on Pirates re-wind Wednesday 12th AUGUST.

BS Group changed their name in 2004 when Clark Osborne's company Toklon took overall control. I seem to remember a revised 25 year lease was negotiated then, but may be wrong?! Not sure that the stadium could take Poole Town FC without some major redevelopment - not just removing the dog track but also the glass-fronted restaurant/stand. Apart from that Poole Town FC would have to repay all the loans made by the FA to improve their current home. In any case all this is irrelevant until GI actually decide to give up the stadium lease which is by no means certain yet.

Wishing the Matt Ford Consortium all the best in taking on and developing the whole stadium! Just think with 'money no object' and income from a 7-day a week operation, Premiership speedway (and even a NDL side) could be back. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk today.

I wonder what odds you would get against Matt Ford's consortium containing at least one developer?!

Not quite the same is it?! we're talking the whole stadium now not just the speedway. Lots of options for additional usage if you have 7 days a week including weekends without dogs.

The old Poole Council (now BCP Council) had identified part of the disused office space on Wimborne Road and part of the car and lorry park at the stadium for potential housing. No developer identified but if one did come forward with with the finance and any proposal to build on the whole site, then an alternative site for the stadium would have to be found elsewhere. (Yes I know I've heard it all before, but.....) Not sure if the new housing targets have changed with the new BCP Council?? The only Housing Action Plan I can find identifies the railway goods yard adjacent to the stadium - nothing mentioning the stadium at all!! There was a scheme about 5 years ago to re-model the stadium on the same site which would require a 90 degree turnround to house speedway and at least one other sport, but not speedway, dogs and footie together!!!! (Poole Town FC are somewhat between a rock and a hard place as they have had so many financial loans from the FA to develop their Tatnum ground that if they moved they would have to repay all that money!! --- and they are skint with the begging bowl out on many recent occasions!!!) Tha remodelled stadium would have meant missing out on speedway for at least a year which MF wasn't keen on.

Bearing in mind the potential League Sponsorship deal is being negotiated by a business contact of Adrian Smith so I think his immediate future within the BSPL is assured.

Well done Adam Ellis for getting the British nomination for the GP Challenge on 22nd August.

One meeting a month from October through the winter according to Danny Ford in the Speedway Star today - subject to getting the right permissions from BSPL/SCB/ACU!! Blue Riband and New Year Classic mentioned as possibilities.......