KevH Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I know this is a real saddos question (nothing new for me) but what was it that killed off Canterbury? It was explained on this forum once that the promoter at the time wasn't an astute businessman, although he loved his speedway. It was alleged that he never applied to extend the planning permission beyond the 1987 season and once it had lapsed, Canterbury Council declined to renew it. And is the site now too near a built up area to be revitalised? it looks as if the layout is still intact but it's difficult to see what there is around it. Kingsmead is only a mile or so from the City centre and is located in a built up area, however, at a guess, 50% is industrial or retail usage. I'm sure with the advances over the years in noise reduction, the return of speedway wouldn't be a real problem for local residents but what their reaction, or the councils for that matter, may be I've no idea. The supporter base is definately there and any prospective promoter who could obtain the relevant permission, would I'm sure, be rewarded with extremely good attendance levels. However, as you have seen from the photos, a stadium would have to be built from scratch and therefore would involve a fairly high investment. I have a dream that one day the roar of Speedway bikes will return to Canterbury and there have been a few rumours over the years but no real actions. Anyone with a few thousand pounds to spare could do far worse than look at re-introducing Speedway to Canterbury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rod King Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Kevin - many thanks for the information. It seems a shame when we have lost so many tracks to development that we have the "makings" of one here but without a promotion with the will to run it. One day, maybe, one day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevH Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 One day, maybe, one day! Let's hope so Rod - what we need is Tony Mole to take a look at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addy Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 The supporter base is definately there ...I have a dream that one day the roar of Speedway bikes will return to Canterbury. Not much else for them to do 'round there , from what we can see But as they say is Sean's fave musical - "Don't dream it - be it" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzybird Posted February 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 We have quite a few tourist attractions in and around the Canterbury area. Spring Lane Estate for one then theres the Prison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 We have quite a few tourist attractions in and around the Canterbury area. Spring Lane Estate for one then theres the Prison Hey, Spring Lane Estate, thats where I use to board. Nice short walk up to the Mill House Pub, Great place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howling gorgon Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Having just looked at the "Kingsmead now" photos, got to say it is an absolute tragedy, (bit like the photo of honey leathers inside boots!! It looks like a track waiting to happen, what are the chances? is the council pro? are the locals revolting? Something about disused speedway tracks, brings a tear to the eye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addy Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 We have quite a few tourist attractions in and around the Canterbury area. Spring Lane Estate for one then theres the Prison Many apologies Shazzy - I forgot about the prison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncrusadin Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 And don't forget that the Planet Thanet is only a fifteen minute drive away? Did I ever tell you about Thanet, Addy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzybird Posted February 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Bit of useless information here, The Mill House Pub many moons ago was actually run by ex-crusader Jake Rennison for those that didn't know. Am at the moment trying to find out what he is up to now an ex landlord from a pub where I live is good friends of his last saw Jake 2 years ago and he was living in the Gillingham area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addy Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 (edited) And don't forget that the Planet Thanet is only a fifteen minute drive away? Did I ever tell you about Thanet, Addy? Ooh - your just getting me excited Saw on the TV today - for sale 17 bed guest house in Margate for £250,000. Sounds interesting - if the eventide home developers don't get in there first :clown: Oh, I forgot, I heard the Shell Grotto was on "Go For it" on Sunday Night. I couldn't listen - it was just too much It's all happening on the Planet Thanet .... Edited February 4, 2004 by Addy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehone Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 are the locals revolting? er.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howling gorgon Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 are the locals revolting? er.... Nuff said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzybird Posted February 24, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 Now how did I manage to miss the last two posts You two are now in serious trouble Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howling gorgon Posted February 24, 2004 Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 Now how did I manage to miss the last two posts You two are now in serious trouble You got to find me first I can't believe Cantebury has no Speedway, with people like you Shazzy plugging away, how long has this thread been going now? Ever thought of promoting? By the way, if you think these comments are bad, got to the Chopper Bike one in General Discussions.................contracts will be issued Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbbunyan Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 It seems to have gone very quiet here,lets see if we can restart it and keep the name of our great club alive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzybird Posted March 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 I think with the news of whats been happening to Iwade just lately has deflated people a little as to Speedway in Kent. We can't even boast a Training Track at the moment let alone a Speedway Stadium. Tell you what you find me a place and I'll get a team, we might not be any good but we'll have a go & certainly have fun!!!! Honey get ya bike ready you can be the first in my team................ at #7, Mark Loram wont take any tempting he's a Kent Lad through and through but Dean Barker hmmmmmm now how can I tempt him (Kev H one word from you and I'll............. ) Sorted then get me a track and I'll get all the staff I need from here, I just wont let the riders out the garage and we're sorted! He he he we even have a Team Manager locked in there so thats a bonus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Can I write the programme notes please Shazzy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shazzybird Posted March 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Only if you promise to write nice things about me every now and then and include a nice photograph otherwise the job goes to KevH although I think he will have some very incriminating photos ........ so yep the jobs yours!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 (edited) I think my first article will be "Famous Canterbury Supporters - Where are they now?" Unfortunately I have no photographs to go with this, but you reckon Kev H could supply me with just what I need do you? Edited March 18, 2004 by norbold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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