Sean Posted April 6, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Have there been any recent attempts to re-introduce speedway to Catford that you know of? i had a quick look at Catford around two years ago, whilst on the Wimbledon project, and first thoughts is the track would be very small, actually probably too small. and there is a lot of housing around there so we brushed over it, although interestingly, it is also owned by The GRA, and managed by the same people that are at Wimbledon. Wimbledon was a better option at the time as it needed no motor racing licenece with the stock cars there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cheetahhawk Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 TT you are right the speedway at Romford was at Brooklands,the football stadium and as far as I know never held at the doggies track. Sean and Kevin,I didn't think it was the GRA at Hackney,wasn't it BAGS :?: I could be wrong about that though, but when Hackney were Hackney as opposed to London Lions it was definately BAGS that ran the dogs there.Did the GRA have any control over Hackney when it became the London Stadium :?: :? Kevin,many years ago when Scorpio was a baby we lived right behind Harringay Stadium but couldn't see into the stadium from our flat,we could hear the stock cars going round though.The station is now called Harringay Green Lanes and has been since they built Sainsbury's on the site. :-( Back in 1996 there was a meeting/collectors fair at the Sainsburys and there were some pictures from Harringay speedway put in Sainsburys foyer.I think that Norbold may have gone along that day,I know that Alf Hagon and Nobby Stock were there 'cos my other half got their autographs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Now Sean, my spies tell me you where a head of speedway knowledge.Romford never had meetings at the dog track! Perhaps you could speak to them though. Oh, I forgot Arena are only a few miles away.Mr Russell may have something to say about that if he ever got the idea Romford would try to re-open! Now there's a thought. Talking of Arena their programme makes no mention of Colin Brine or Adrian Kearney this year. Alan Sargent is only mentioned as press officer/programme editor. Is there a Russell take over? Could this be why the Arene website has gone down? Anybody know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevH Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 TT you are right the speedway at Romford was at Brooklands,the football stadium and as far as I know never held at the doggies track.Sean and Kevin,I didn't think it was the GRA at Hackney,wasn't it BAGS :?: I could be wrong about that though, but when Hackney were Hackney as opposed to London Lions it was definately BAGS that ran the dogs there.Did the GRA have any control over Hackney when it became the London Stadium :?: :? I've got to say I'm not sure CH - never really got into the doggie side of things, but I'm sure someone will know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted April 6, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Now Sean, my spies tell me you where a head of speedway knowledge. dunno where you got that from!!!Romford never had meetings at the dog track! Perhaps you could speak to them though. ok i stand corrected, i should have consulted my speedway in london book before saying it, but i wasn't aware there was two stadiums over in Romford, and not being familiar with the area, i didn't think to look Oh, I forgot Arena are only a few miles away.Mr Russell may have something to say about that if he ever got the idea Romford would try to re-open! Now there's a thought.ah..now that man gets in my way again!Talking of Arena their programme makes no mention of Colin Brine or Adrian Kearney this year. Alan Sargent is only mentioned as press officer/programme editor. Is there a Russell take over? Could this be why the Arene website has gone down? Anybody know? interesting thoughts...CB was on the turnstiles the first meeting, but as for AK,...i'll ask my contacts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted April 6, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Sean and Kevin,I didn't think it was the GRA at Hackney,wasn't it BAGS :?: I could be wrong about that though, but when Hackney were Hackney as opposed to London Lions it was definately BAGS that ran the dogs there.Did the GRA have any control over Hackney when it became the London Stadium :?: :? no, can't help there either. and cannot say i've heard of BAGS. i am presuming its the BRITISH ASSOC OF GREYHOUND somethings! i'll have a ask around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Custom House Kid Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Romford is still there, and like Walthamstow, and Catford, are simply just Greyhound stadiums. Romford rode at the Football ground, now flats, never at the greyhound track :!: Now no football or speedway team :evil: :evil: although there are sum attempts to get the football up and running again! How about indoors at the Dome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addy Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Ahhh Walthamstow - near Chigwell, n'est pas? I had my picture taken there :x (By the way the new owner has called he Fiona - and has made a right mess with the superglue ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff. Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 BAGS is just the Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service. They are dog meetings put on purely for transmission into the nations betting shops, I dont believe admission is charged for anyone attending the actual meeting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 Sean, has speedway ever been held at the Romford dogs? thought it was at Brooklands home of Romford F.C. not 100% sure TT, i'll take your word thou, better get the "NORBOLD BOOK OF LONDON SPEEDWAY HISTORY" out and have a look. Thanks for all the plugs, Sean! Actually the history of Romford speedway is in Speedway in the South East not the London book. But, as everyone has already told you, the speedway track was at Brooklands, not the greyhound track. I think there are two problems with Walthamstow, which have already been mentioned. One is its situation, very close to a residential area and secondly, the GRA see Walthamstow as the jewel in its doggie crown and don't want it messed up with speedway. Still, as you say, we should never say never, because if we did, Wimbledon would never have come back, but I think it will be an uphill battle. Have you thought about Yarmouth???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogH Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 On Thursday, 3/4/03, i had the unlucky choice of visiting a stadium that only hosts that dreaded Sport that causes so many problems to our wonderful speedway. i had to go and watch Dogs running after a piece of rag that is supposed to look like a rabbit (sorry rabbit, no offence). Think yourselves lucky you don't have rugby league where you are ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted April 7, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 "NORBOLD BOOK OF LONDON SPEEDWAY HISTORY" Thanks for all the plugs, Sean! no problem...just don't stop writing these excellent books, and i won't stop publicising them Actually the history of Romford speedway is in Speedway in the South East not the London book. But, as everyone has already told you, the speedway track was at Brooklands, not the greyhound track. ah, maybe this is why it isn't in my so called "head of speedway knowledge", i have flicked through this publication after buying my "signed by the author" copy at High Beach, but haven't actually read any of it yet due to still trying to finish the "Speedway in East Anglia" publication that is part of an on going project that i have a hand in.... think there are two problems with Walthamstow, which have already been mentioned. One is its situation, very close to a residential area and secondly, the GRA see Walthamstow as the jewel in its doggie crown and don't want it messed up with speedway. Still, as you say, we should never say never, because if we did, Wimbledon would never have come back, but I think it will be an uphill battle. Have you thought about Yarmouth???? hmmmm...Yarmouth...hang on, thats at the back of the book i am currently reading, i'll answer this one when i get to that particular page, but the Author is such a Historian that he likes to give you so many details and information in his books that they are not easy to read quickly!! who wrote this one......oh.... ok that explains why it has gripped me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted April 9, 2003 Report Share Posted April 9, 2003 Blimey, Sean, are you looking for a job as my agent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundp Posted April 10, 2003 Report Share Posted April 10, 2003 Hackney stadium in 1992 was owned by Brent-Walker who went <boxing brothers Billy & George> crash,and obviously sold on the stadium. Walthamstow Stadium is owned by the Chandler Family,and in 2002 produced profits in excess of 1 million pounds. I know for a fact Newton Abbott would wellcome a speedway team,has anyone in the country approached horse race tracks <maybe Leicester/Nottingham,Lingfield,Aintree, who have plenty of land,and would most likely wellcome the added income. By the way guys i would not slag of the dogs to much,cause if it were not for the dogs i can think of a couple of tracks at least,and probably several,that would not be here.The current elite champions would be one,you must realise Speedway is NOT that profitable. If anyone wants info on speedway dual dog tracks 1992 ownership ask as i am only to pleased to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevH Posted April 10, 2003 Report Share Posted April 10, 2003 I know for a fact Newton Abbott would wellcome a speedway team,has anyone in the country approached horse race tracks who have plenty of land,and would most likely wellcome the added income. That's where I saw my first ever motorsport event (banger racing) when I was on holiday as a kid. It was that day which led to my interest in speedway and the rest as they say is history! There must be someone out there who is prepared to give this a go - after all a welcoming landlord is half the battle won. I'd certainly be at the first meeting - give it a try someone, please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundp Posted April 10, 2003 Report Share Posted April 10, 2003 Dog Tracks that may wellcome Speedway,Ayr,Bedwelty,Corbiewood, Easington,Gretna,Highgate,Kinsley,Pelaw Grange,Swansea,Thornton,Valley, Warwick,Westhougton,Wheatley Hill,Sunderland,Harlow,Henlow,Nottingham, Stainforth,Swaffham.Excepting Sunderland and Nottingham these are for the most part small independantly owned tracks not making great money, and should wellcome the income,and if you add the horse racing tracks the potential is quite large. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lioness Posted April 10, 2003 Report Share Posted April 10, 2003 Ayr and Corbiewood have both been tentatively enquired (or is that inquired?) about in the last year or so and judged to be hostile. Don't know what the reasons were at Ayr but Corbiewood was thought to face major objections from residents which is a bit of a joke considering they are newbies to the area and around quarter of a mile from the track. The existing folks of Bannockburn didn't want the houses so maybe they are getting revenge lol Funnily enough its not that long since there was a nice quiet truckfest at Corbiewood...... Hope by horseracing tracks you don't mean round the outside :clown now THATS what I'd call a big track lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted April 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2003 Dog Tracks that may wellcome Speedway,Harlow, No chance, Looked at this site back in 1999, they have no intention of having speedway, and never will, and besides Rye House is only 3.5 miles down the road...now that would be a local derby! Henlow, I have heard alot about there being an approach to use this stadium for the last 3/4 years, but haven't a clue who is behind it. Nottingham, wait and see what happens with Long Eaton beofre this is pursued Swaffham. Looked closely at Swaffham on our search for the Norwich site, there wasn't a dog track there, or not one i could see, unless it is under the stock car track now! certainly didn't see any kennels or starting traps, but then the whole place looks newly built. Bedwelty,Easington,Highgate (not London!) Kinsley, Pelaw Grange,Stainforth, Thornton, Valley, Westhoughton, Wheatley Hill give us a clue to where they are!!!! Gretna, Swansea, Warwick, Too far for me!! Ayr, Corbiewood North of the border!! outta my area! i'd have to speak to my friends for a "room for the night!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekker Posted April 11, 2003 Report Share Posted April 11, 2003 you must realise Speedway is NOT that profitable. Both speedway and the dogs go in cycles i can remember a time in the early 90s where speedway was keeping the dogs going at a few tracks. But the days of them and us are over, several stadia happily run both sports and there is no reason nowasays why the 2 cant co-exist anywhere. Indeed when running stadia these days, maximising the use is the name of the game, dogs, stocks, speedway and gokarts are all part of the mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundp Posted April 11, 2003 Report Share Posted April 11, 2003 Dekker i agree with the working together,and no them and us,we are in it together. Sean,Bedwelty in Gwent,Valley is in Tredowen<Hengoed>both Wales, Easington is Durham,Highgate is Rotheram,Kinsley is near Pontefract Yorks,Pelaw Grange is Durham <Chester lee street>,Stainforth is just north of Doncaster,Thornton is Fife Scotland,Westhougton is around Wigan,and Wheatley Hill is again Durham,also there may be Hartlepool last i heard the stadium was Derelict,and maybe ones for you would be Bury St Edmunds,and Wisbech Do they still exist?,plus you have the place around Northampton/Corby area that has the big Oval track any chance there?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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