steve roberts

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.

I was never sure at which market speedway being on SKY was aimed at...was it to attract new supporters and/or sponsorship or for the benefit of those already attending? Unfortunately it achieved neither for reasons that have been discussed many times over the superseding years.

...and, of course, the mass media covers football to a saturation level which obviously adds to the appeal which encourages the masses to endorse the game.

Difficult to believe that Paul died thirty years ago (4th July). I remember him riding for Oxford 'Cubs' whilst at Cowley. Recall his dad mechanicing for him. Forever remembered.

...with, of course, the support of speedway's own Dave Lanning!

Remember it well on my first visit to the County Ground!

If I recall, as a matter of interest, when I first went to Cowley aged 12 in 1972 the admission charge was 30p (6 shillings) for those under a certain age. The programme was 8p.

A long distance from York I'm afraid.

Apparently Gordon Kennett will be Team Manager of an Oxford representative side due to race on the Island. Good luck and well done the Promoters for organising such a meeting!

Sounds interesting and good luck!

Couldn't agree more...the simpler the design the better.

Great download again...some strange designs that I had forgotten about however!