steve roberts

Interesting to read one time Motor Cycle News reporter Andrew Edwards suggesting that John Berry's resignation as Director of Speedway was an "opportunity lost. John could have moved speedway up to another level" It's a question I intend putting to Martin Rogers and would be interesting in reading his thoughts on the matter. On another matter in the same edition Troy Pratt talks about his role in Eastenders. How speedway could do with that sort of publcity now...prime time storyline on BBC1!

Couldn't agree more. Riders would regularly remain with the same club which would develop a raport between riders and the fans.

Good luck with the meeting tomorrow (?) night. Looking forward in reading a report from Robert Peasley who I'm sure will be attending?

Absolutely...Oxford benefitted with the likes of Ballard, Kennett, Davis, Greer, Gachet, Geer etc. The early role of the Second Division was to produce talent who would progress to the upper...unfortunately the system began to deteriorate in time when the leagues became somewhat independant of each other.

Certainly at Oxford during the early seventies "The Rebels' utilised the talents of Eastbourne and Peterborough (sister tracks) to good effect when the occasion demanded.

I'm intrigued by this character having obviously not seen him ride...any images available?

There was an interesting interview with Barry in a recent edition of 'Backtrack'.

Hans openly discussed his dislike of Ebdon in his book "Main Dane".

...and Sam admitted that he was lucky in his book "Breaking the Limits".

...and caused all sorts of problems when they were introduced with riders refusing to ride on occasions. Recall the Spring Classic involving Ole Olsen being particularly contentious.

I seem to recall that a survey amongst fans was carried out at Cowley many years ago now...nothing came of it however! One time Oxford Promoter, Steve Purchase, used to walk around the terraces making him self available for comments which was admirable. He bacame very dis-illusioned about the sport I remember. Nice bloke!

Personally that's my opinion regarding Cowley Stadium. Who's likely to step on board to re-introduce speedway at the site (never mind all the work and expense that would be required to bring the stadium up to some sort of acceptable standard) which is why, despite all the good intentions, I feel re-develpment of the site will be the only course of action much to my horror having spent over thirty years following the 'Rebels' and "Cheetahs'.

...as a postscript it also appears that because of the school curriculum constantly changing effects the number of school groups attending educational aimed attractions which, again, has a knock on effect regarding numbers and/or revenue generated. Tourist attractions constantly have to battle all sorts of criteria despite the many incentives that may apply.

Cowley stadium is just sitting there deteriorating because of stubborn owners (whoever that might be now) and eventually will go the same way as aforementioned Reading, Cradley, White City and Wimbledon etc etc.

I would agree in principle however in my line of work (tourism) by allowing children in free (whether five or fifteen years of age) doesn't necessarily increase the number of paying adults (although that is/was the incentive behind the scheme) and one of the attractions in York has had to abandon it's 'free' children option as they have been experiencing serious losses financially. Of course making the attraction (whatever the product) desirable is the essence of achieving financial reward and thereby lies the problem in many instances.

Apparently Kelly Moran had a problem riding one during a practice session (?)

From what I remember, Sid, Ian had no problems with him. I would find it difficult to believe that Ian had any enemies as he comes across as such an easy going type of person and very articulate as you'd expect with such a high profile business to run.

When I spoke to him about the Overseas Final he was so disappointed in not qualifying that he didn't notice that he was a good way home after the meeting before he realised that he was driving in third gear! He appears quite happy with his achievements but realised that the family business needed his attention which is why he retired somewhat prematurely although he speaks highly of some of his team colleagues...Mike Lohmann in particular!

I work within the tourim industry and all sorts of incentives have been adopted in an attempt to generate more income. Schemes such as allowing those aged 15 and under free entry (as long as with a paying adult) but, alas, it hasn't worked...infact the scheme is about to be dropped due to lost revenue. Where I work the admission fee is constantly being reviewed and, dare I say, increases are the result to help off-set the loses. Living in York there is so much competion as regards attractions and it's a constant juggle to try and encourage visitors who only have so much to spend. Family tickets, free entry for twelve months (which is more often than not a trade off...only those living relatively locally are able to utilise the scheme) as well as other initiatives but they are continually under constant review and invariably admission prices are raised as a result.

Surely no different than any other business venture whereby the whole operation is owned by a single company running and managing every aspect of its business as was the case with Northern Sports? Unfortunately it was their Garden Centre empire that collapsed which caused the eventual sale of Cowley Stadium...the speedway side of the business was ticking along quite nicely before the pay restraint caused issues.

Must have a chat to Ian when I next see him when visiting "Mouseman of Kilburn'. We more often than not have a chat about speedway and he enjoys the fact that someone engages with him about speedway. He recalls how sad that Chris Pusey died whilst still relatively young...although he was the last person who should have run a pub!

When Cowley was promoted and owned by Northern Sports the bar and catering takings were all part of the deal (as well as the sponsorship from local brewery 'Halls') but all this was lost when the promotion operated under different landlords when Northern Sports went into receivership.

If I recall it was 1996 although they had been banned from the British League for a year but, as everything, got overturned and hence costs spiralled even more out of control.

I recall that the Oxford promotion received nothing from the bar takings during its last years of operation.

Just like Cowley.