RobMcCaffery Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 I don't know anything about any of the others - but I do know that trying to find a site for Southampton was serious. I lived in Southampton at the time. I was born there and that's where my parents went for their speedway fix in the late 1940s'- early 1950s hence the So'ton Saints avatar. Charlie Knott did a lot for Southampton. In the late 1990s ( I think)there was a real effort to find a home for Speedway. Everywhere that was tried was refused planning applications - mostly from the NIMBY brigade. It was in the local paper on and off for a couple of years or more - mostly about yet another refusal of application. The nearest they got to sucess was (I think)in the Lordshill/Rownhams area on the Southampton/Hampshire border. Southampton Football club spent years and years trying to find a place for a new ground. Eventually they were successful - but of course they had a lot more money to use to fund their endeavours. Apologies then. The involvement of someone who cannot be mentioned on the BSF aroused my suspicions. Rob McCaffery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scribbler Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Apologies then. The involvement of someone who cannot be mentioned on the BSF aroused my suspicions. Rob McCaffery. I know - that's why I thought I'd put the record straight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ash Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 (edited) Only Ben Hopwood 'Officially' confirmed so far but very good news from Brandon Freemantle's website. "Following today's press release on the BSPA website regarding Lakeside's plans for Good Friday, where the Hammers will face the Eastbourne Eagles in the first match of a double header followed by the first appearance of the newly re-formed Hackney Hawks, we are happy to confirm that, with the agreement of Eastbourne, Brandon has committed himself to the Hawks for what will be his debut season of National League racing. Following the example of the Dudley Heathens, who used the tracks of both Birmingham and Wolverhampton for their home meetings on their return to the sport last season, the Hawks will be using Rye House's Hoddesdon track and that of the Lakeside Hammers for their home meetings in the forthcoming campaign. Both these clubs see the Hawks as playing a significant role in the development of young riders that could see them each reap long-term benefits, although the rise of the Hawks sees the demise of Rye House's Kart Raceway Cobra's. Brandon, clearly excited and relishing the prospects of linking with the Hawks, says, "I am really looking forward to this season. I know it's going to be much harder than the stuff I have done so far. We've got a good team of riders who I can't wait to ride with. This is the beginning of another big learning curve". "I am also looking forward to working with Neil Vatcher again. He was great to have around at the Under-15's last year, and was really cool when I rode at Newport for Bournemouth". "I have been getting all my stuff sorted out for my bikes, and would like to thank; Luke at LCS, Martin Hagon, Keith Hambridge and Bob Dugard, who have made a big difference in the quality of my equipment this year. - Bring it on !" With Lakeside today revealing that Brandon, Marc Owen and Shane Hazelden have all agreed deals to ride for the Hawks, and Rye House announcing a couple of days ago that Ben Hopwood is already signed and sealed, the team looks to be pretty much sorted, the main doubt surrounding whether or not the signing of proposed new number one, Barrie Evans, will go ahead following the revival of Mildenhall. The Hawks are due to launch their campaign with a challenge match against a USA tourist team at Rye House's Hoddesdon track on Saturday, 9th April (7pm)." So we are possibly looking at Barrie Evans 7.87 Marc Owen 6.92 Ben Hopwood 6.83 6.34 Left- Lee Strudwick 6.29? Ben Morley 4.65 Shane Hazelden 4.39 Brandon Freemantle 3.00 No idea if averages are correct but the team is shaping up nicely! Edited February 11, 2011 by ash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalCastles Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 That'd be a good looking side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 No mention of who the Hawks' opponents are going to be on Good Friday..?! Looks like a very exciting Hackney side - well done to those assembling this outfit. Though I kinda suspect that Barrie will back with the Fen Tigers won't he..?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMW Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 (edited) You are of course quite right in most points but please cut Paul some slack over the use of 'Mickey Mouse'. Paul's one of the most genuine people I've met in the sport. I would disagree with him though about this view, but not lose one speck of respect for him. Rob McCaffery. I stand corrected, and and my apologies go to paul. Had this been the only reference to kindergarden, second rate or mickey mouse events which have been mentioned on here recently I probably wouldn't have bothered but for both riders and the supporters, of these events, I think they maybe anything but(my opnion). I have to admit to what I know about speedway you could write on the back of a postage stamp (seriously). I'm sure everybody would like to see their own team league racing again. Just because you are not league racing doesn't make it any less worthy. Tina Widman Edited February 11, 2011 by TMW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobMcCaffery Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 (edited) I stand corrected, and and my apologies go to paul. Had this been the only reference to kindergarden, second rate or mickey mouse events which have been mentioned on here recently I probably wouldn't have bothered but for both riders and the supporters, of these events, I think they maybe anything but(my opnion). I have to admit to what I know about speedway you could write on the back of a postage stamp (seriously). I'm sure everybody would like to see their own team league racing again. Just because you are not league racing doesn't make it any less worthy. Tina Widman Tina, don't worry. It takes passion to achieve something, especially in speedway. The knowledge will follow with experience.I'm very much of the school (a very old one) that believes if it's good speedway the title of the competition or its 'meaning' really isn't that relevant. Sadly we've seen the opposite attitude prevail in speedway for many years which in turn has come close to killing off anything that isn't league racing or the World Championship; challenges, individuals, pairs, four-team-tournaments and even second-half individual racing that did so much to bring on young talent. Enjoy Leicester. The old track was a special place, as was Hackney (crowbarring the discussion back on-topic ;-) ). Rob McCaffery. Edited February 11, 2011 by rmc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatwick Rocket Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Any chance Bob Garrad turning out for Hackney Hawks in 2011. Now that would be something... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben91 Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Looks about right Ash, can see Evans having to turn out for the Fen Tigers now however... If that is the case i'd like to see Danny Halsey and Tommy Allen fill the last two spots, they'd both fit in I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 I understand - contrary to what I posted before - that it seems highly likely that Barrie Evans shall be riding for Hackney this year. Handy for Barrie: as both Rye and Arena Essex are, of course, previous home tracks of his... And as a former Wimbledon Don, Barrie becomes the first rider for some considerable time to have turned out for both of the captal's longest serving clubs!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalCastles Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 I understand - contrary to what I posted before - that it seems highly likely that Barrie Evans shall be riding for Hackney this year. Handy for Barrie: as both Rye and Arena Essex are, of course, previous home tracks of his... And as a former Wimbledon Don, Barrie becomes the first rider for some considerable time to have turned out for both of the captal's longest serving clubs!! That's good news for hackney can't ask for a more dedicated rider to lead a team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 That's good news for hackney can't ask for a more dedicated rider to lead a team. I agree... An absolute great at this level. And NOTHING wrong with that IMHO... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalCastles Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 I agree... An absolute great at this level. And NOTHING wrong with that IMHO... Definitely agree, Barrie has always been one of my favourite riders & definitely a great rider at NL level. Always wants too go out & do his best & has always been willing to ride wherever & whenever. I hope he gets back to his best this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben91 Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Let's hope Barrie can line up for the Hawks this season, if he does and the team Ash has posted is indeed the one we go to tapes with it will certainly be a title challenging side. I'll be supporting the Hawks, let's hope they can win something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalCastles Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Let's hope Barrie can line up for the Hawks this season, if he does and the team Ash has posted is indeed the one we go to tapes with it will certainly be a title challenging side. I'll be supporting the Hawks, let's hope they can win something! Yep I think it'd have a good chance too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25yearfan Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 It's very simple. I've known Steve Ribbons for years and have been acting as a helpful ear over the phone for over ten years now. I was involved in the 99 Rye House revival and also with him at Wimbledon and Sittingbourne. I would have been helping out at Mildenhall where he wanted me to be the meeting presenter, an offer I hsad to decline simply through the distance involved. I did not get involved with Norwich/Swaffham because I didn't agree with the idea. As for my own credentials - forty years of following the sport, several years as a meeting presenter and announcer, including five years at Rye House, an occasional speedway journalist and for a frustratingly brief spell chief presenter and commentator on speedway for Britain's first dedicated sports TV channel. Yes there is plenty I don't know, and many others know far more than I but I think I've earned a right to be at least heard. Most of all, I've done my time on freezing cold terraces, hundreds of miles from home supporting my team and living speedway since I was first captivated by it in 1971. Of course I don't know everything that has gone with Steve over the years but I do know plenty, and far more than the vast majority of posters on this forum. When Steve came to me to tell me about Mildenhall I stressed to him the need for this one to work - that he needed capital and in turn the Fen Tigers desperately needed stability. Steve's finances now are very different from his days as a willing fan. It's very, very easy on a forum for hearsay and rumour to become 'facts' and indeed that has happened over Mildenhall this year. Now 25 Year Fan may have insight that I do not have but since he like most on this forum hide behind a false name how can I judge, except on what I read here. Make no mistake Rye House's revival was started by Steve, as was Wimbledon's. In the lattter case it is incredibly difficult to tell the story since an individual concerned has a hold over the BSF and has all comment about him banned. This posting may also be deleted for me just stating that. (I'm keeping a copy this time in case it is). It's hard to defend someone when the whole story can't be told. Steve has been harshly treated and yes his combative style has made important, influential enemies. There should be no confusion over an apparent conflict between my forum postings and my support of Steve. Both are based on my sincere beliefs. There is an old line of 'Give a dog a bad name..." Well I am furious that Steve wasn't given the chance to clear his and that the usual ill-informed judgemental rubbish keeps being repeated by those who really haven't got a clue. Now, this is about Hackney, not Steve, but short of transferring these postings to a separate thread I have no choice than to post here. In 1999 we were criticised for creating a nomad team in the form of Rye House, quite offensively and ignorantly by an individual in power within the NL. Well, I see the creation of Hackney as being a natural progression. Many others have been inspired by Steve's vision and supporters of Wimbledon, Redcar, Scuinthorpe, Weymouth and perhaps Dudley can be thankful that he bothered to do something, even though his reward has been so viciously undeserved. All of those were represented by 'nomad' teams following Steve's example. I look forward to seeing Hackney race on their own track again one day and it will be heighterned by the knowledge that I played my part in supporting a friend establish a principle - that someti8mes, if we dare to dream we CAN make a difference even if we get despised for doing so. Rob McCaffery. As usual a good post Rob! I respect you more than most on here cause you do talk sense on here but we'll have to agree to differ over Mr Steve Ribbons! I too respect Mr Ribbons for his part in opening the door to reopenings at Rye House and Wimbledon but not for the shambolic efforts at Plough Lane that saw the operation temporarily closed mid season and needing taking over by the PLC in order to reopen! And yes I'm well aware of Steve Ribbons' partner at Plough Lane but had Steve had the finances to do the job proporly without needing to lean on that character for financial backing then things may of been different. Apart from the 2002 Wimbledon fiasco, Mr Ribbons very undiplomatic nature and Eutopia like dreams that he couldn't subsidise, means that the BSPA won't take him seriously nowadays even if he has the money to do things more properly nowadays. The recent Mildenhall developments should have been handled better by the BSPA in that they should have made their intentions over Steve Ribbons clear instead of their backdoor methods of trying to stop him being involved, but they were totally justified in not allowing to become the promotor of Mildenhall! Anyway back to the thread, I'm really chuffed that Hackney and Mildenhall are running this season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobMcCaffery Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 I too respect Mr Ribbons for his part in opening the door to reopenings at Rye House and Wimbledon but not for the shambolic efforts at Plough Lane that saw the operation temporarily closed mid season and needing taking over by the PLC in order to reopen! And yes I'm well aware of Steve Ribbons' partner at Plough Lane but had Steve had the finances to do the job proporly without needing to lean on that character for financial backing then things may of been different. Apart from the 2002 Wimbledon fiasco, Mr Ribbons very undiplomatic nature and Eutopia like dreams that he couldn't subsidise, means that the BSPA won't take him seriously nowadays even if he has the money to do things more properly nowadays. Steve was ousted after the first meeting which went ahead against his wishes. You can't blame someone for subsequent events when they're not involved. As for relying on a partner, well many many people have run speedways with a partner. Indeed many promoters have run for many seasons over the yearts without any financial involvement of their own, including at the present time. As for diplomacy, well anyone who ever had dealings with several promoters in the past would consider Steve to be a model of reason by comparison. Belle Vue in the eighties was a particular horror story, for example. Like I've said before, it's very easy to take standpoints based on observations - especially if the story's being told, as usual by the winners. I've met some thoroughly disgusting people in speedway over my four decades. Believe me Steve Ribbons isn't one of them. Now back to Hackney.... Rob McCaffery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25yearfan Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Steve was ousted after the first meeting which went ahead against his wishes. You can't blame someone for subsequent events when they're not involved. As for relying on a partner, well many many people have run speedways with a partner. Indeed many promoters have run for many seasons over the yearts without any financial involvement of their own, including at the present time. As for diplomacy, well anyone who ever had dealings with several promoters in the past would consider Steve to be a model of reason by comparison. Belle Vue in the eighties was a particular horror story, for example. Like I've said before, it's very easy to take standpoints based on observations - especially if the story's being told, as usual by the winners. I've met some thoroughly disgusting people in speedway over my four decades. Believe me Steve Ribbons isn't one of them. Now back to Hackney.... Rob McCaffery. Yes many promotors have got partners who put in the money but they are partners they trust and have thoroughly investigated. Ribbons'enthusiasm and lack of finance of his own, got the better of him at Wimbledon which meant he jumped in with partner who anyone being sensible would of sussed out and avoided! Yes I know that many promotors in the past or presently aren't diplomtic but the difference between most of them and Ribbons is they've proven themselvs as promotors by running tracks for many years, something Ribbons has not been capable of! You mention winners but thats the point. Ribbons has been a loser as a promotor becuase he has been uncapble of doing it successfully mainly through not having the money to do it and letting his dreams get the better of him which is why the BSPA won't entertain him now! I'm sure theirs load of speedway enthuiasts who would like to be promotors but can't because they haven'tgot the money to do it properly. Fair play to Ribbons or having a go and helping to restart ye House and wimbledon but utimately he falls into the speeday enthusiast not wealthy enough to do it. We could keep this arguement going forever it seems Rob but I'm only stating facts. I'm sure that Steve Ribbons is a genuine guy with the best intentions at heart, someone you obviously get on with but his record speaks for itself in speedway! Back to Hackney - Good solid signing in Barrie Evans. Lets hope that its supported well enough to open some eyes amongst the Olympic commitee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobMcCaffery Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) Yes many promotors have got partners who put in the money but they are partners they trust and have thoroughly investigated. Ribbons'enthusiasm and lack of finance of his own, got the better of him at Wimbledon which meant he jumped in with partner who anyone being sensible would of sussed out and avoided! Yes I know that many promotors in the past or presently aren't diplomtic but the difference between most of them and Ribbons is they've proven themselvs as promotors by running tracks for many years, something Ribbons has not been capable of! You mention winners but thats the point. Ribbons has been a loser as a promotor becuase he has been uncapble of doing it successfully mainly through not having the money to do it and letting his dreams get the better of him which is why the BSPA won't entertain him now! I'm sure theirs load of speedway enthuiasts who would like to be promotors but can't because they haven'tgot the money to do it properly. Fair play to Ribbons or having a go and helping to restart ye House and wimbledon but utimately he falls into the speeday enthusiast not wealthy enough to do it. We could keep this arguement going forever it seems Rob but I'm only stating facts. I'm sure that Steve Ribbons is a genuine guy with the best intentions at heart, someone you obviously get on with but his record speaks for itself in speedway! Back to Hackney - Good solid signing in Barrie Evans. Lets hope that its supported well enough to open some eyes amongst the Olympic commitee! This really is so very tiresome. So the qualification to be a promoter is to be psychic and be a winner. I can assure you that some of the most loathsome promoters I have experienced had no back history in the sport and no proven record of success. In my opinion being successful doesn't entitle someone to be obnoxious. Steve's actually a very genuine and friendly guy - amazingly when he's treated appallingly that diplomacy is worn down, as quite frankly is mine. Anyway, I've stated my points as clearly as I can. I was there, you weren't. You clearly thricve on a row - I despise them, as I do relentless attacks on honest, decent people from those hiding behind fake names. Anyway, I'm delighted to talk about Hackney Hawks but on this other, unrelated subject I've said my piece, no doubt to the relief of others trying to read this thread. If you wish to carry on your attacks against Steve please open a new thread and if you really stand by your words why not put your name to them? By the way, I've tolerated this for a long time but it's would HAVE and could HAVE, not of. See, my patience really is exhausted. Rob McCaffery Edited February 12, 2011 by rmc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25yearfan Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 This really is so very tiresome. So the qualification to be a promoter is to be psychic and be a winner. I can assure you that some of the most loathsome promoters I have experienced had no back history in the sport and no proven record of success. In my opinion being successful doesn't entitle someone to be obnoxious. Steve's actually a very genuine and friendly guy - amazingly when he's treated appallingly that diplomacy is worn down, as quite frankly is mine. Anyway, I've stated my points as clearly as I can. I was there, you weren't. You clearly thricve on a row - I despise them, as I do relentless attacks on honest, decent people from those hiding behind fake names. Anyway, I'm delighted to talk about Hackney Hawks but on this other, unrelated subject I've said my piece, no doubt to the relief of others trying to read this thread. If you wish to carry on your attacks against Steve please open a new thread and if you really stand by your words why not put your name to them? By the way, I've tolerated this for a long time but it's would HAVE and could HAVE, not of. See, my patience really is exhausted. Rob McCaffery Tiresome - yes very true! Not psychic - but having a good judgement helps. Ribbons' judgement is very questionable I suspect rather blinkered by his eutopia like enthusiasm. You said very much the same thing when talking about Ribbons' pie in the sky plans to relaunch Norwich speedway at Swaffham! What I class being a winner as a promotor is doing it properly over a length of time. Steve Ribbons has not done this, that you cannot argue! Yes I'm sure theres loathsome promotors who don't last long and I too don't enjoy obnoxious persons, successful or not! I'm sure that Steve Ribbons can be a nice guy but in speedway hes judged on whats he done in the past, not for beinbg a nice guy! Again like I keep saying just cause you and indeed Ribbons gives your name on here doesn't make you right and myself for not, wrong and evil! Also you know nothing about myself and how do you know I haven't had involvement with Steve Ribbons? I don't like an argument but I find it very annoying that a guy like yourself Rob who speaks a lot of sense cannot see the facts of Steve Ribbons' involvement with speedway! Whether I'm right or wrong or you are right or wrong, Steve Ribbons has not produced the goods as a promotor (apart from giving others the opportunity to run teams properly!) and says the wrong things at the wrong times, hence the BSPA's reluctance to entertain him which is very justified! Quite simply had he made a success of promoting we'd not be having this arguement and Ribbons would now be accepted by the BSPA as the new promotor of Mildenhall! You get on with Ribbons and see him as a friend which is your perogative and its not illegal but please don't let this friendship blinker your opinions on his attempts at promoting and the BSPA's very justified anti stance toward him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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