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Berwick Survival.


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I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

Well said, here's hoping that there is a bit more luck for us next year, and several other teams that have had a difficult year.

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Ok well IMO I think the whe sport needs to be made more attractive to younger, you could say cooler crowd! Start with the music at the majority of tracks for instance- it make you cringe 90% of the time! An announcer and person who announces the times that do it in a way that makes it exciting! Speedway us such a high adrenaline sport, that seems to get dragged down with low octain announcing / music!

! A student admission price with alcohol promotions might work! Turning the hospitality suite into an actual bar serving area for all (a place to go when cold) school visits/trips with vouchers being given out for reduced family entry, that's a few suggestions :)

 

 

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

 

 

Better racing?????? Completely disagree with you on that obe

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

 

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

 

 

Better racing?????? Completely disagree with you on that obe

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

 

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

 

 

Better racing?????? Completely disagree with you on that obe

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

 

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

 

 

Better racing?????? Completely disagree with you on that obe

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

 

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

Better racing?????? Completely disagree with you on that

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

 

 

Better racing??? I must be at the wrong track!!

 

I think there is a lot of the truth in here. Tough economic times and the very poor summer weather wise have hit everyone. In Berwick's case, that was compounded by an awful injury list.

 

I think there has to be a realisation amongst the riders that the pay deals have to change. I know they make little given that they risk their lives every time they get on a bike but if pay remains the same there is a very real threat that they won't earn anything because teams will close down one after the other.

 

I am particularly saddened that Berwick are struggling, because to me John Anderson has done more to push his team forward than any other promoter in the country. The stadium has been transformed with the new fence, new lighting, new surface and better racing. What's more, he had the balls to lower entry charges in an attempt to get more fans in in the manner suggested by many.

 

He deserves better, and I trust that he will get it.

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Don't understand the problem really. According to The White Knight the Premier League is in good shape and yet in recent weeks, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Workington, Berwick, Redcar and Plymouth have all expressed grave concerns over their futures.

 

Maybe the Premier League has all the same problems as the Elite after all.

 

Too expensive and not enough entertainment,

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If every fan induvidully drags someone along and even 25percent came back. It would be worth the effort. I actually suggested a recommend a friend scheme to john anderson .

 

If every fan brings someone along that would be another potential fan lost to the sport. Don't you get it!! eben fans of many years serice with a real affinnity for the sport are stopping going in their droves, there is zero chance of anyone wanting to repeat the first time experience with the sport as it is.

 

First off address the reasons why fans no longer go before you even think about any marketing excercise.

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For international weekends football has “non league day” does anyone know how successful it is? It always seems to get a pretty decent press coverage (it is football I know so it has more of a chance in the mainstream)

 

If you look at their “ideas to increase attendances at your club” it’s pretty much what is covered by most on here, or has been actively done by clubs in the past.

 

http://www.nonleague...s/nld-ideas.pdf

 

Given that attendances seem to be problematic across the country would it be worth speedway encouraging a similar promotional push for the start of next season? (Speedway gets 2 and a half hours of decent promotional time every Monday so maybe a Sky meeting before any tracks started with this to help with promotion?)

 

 

Difficult to do early season as earlier crowds are normally your higher attended meetings in general, weather isn’t that great either so maybe deters families etc, but is it worth the sport taking the speculate to accumulate attitude?

 

A “Speedway Open Week” when every track in the country offers free or reduced entry free to start the season that was heavily promoted up and down the country might help? (given that the low crowds are affecting all involved possibly the riders could give up their services free of charge?)

 

If you got say 80% of tracks attracting crowds of a couple of thousand or more does this then generate more media and public interest, which might be a start and a decent way to kick of the season?

 

I appreciate you will get posters like the above who are of the belief that no one has any interest in ever going to speedway other than those that already do, but is it not worth taking the chance if it meant each club could see an increase over the season…might be a start.

Edited by wjm
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It needs to get cooler simple as! Nobody young (I'm sure there's plenty bored teens about berwick) would want to listen to the music or announcing that Berwick has at the moment! It's time for the older generation to step aside for the younger ones- if that means playing rock music, giving the place a more edgy feel then do it!! I think fans would increase! Look at the associated themes that go with moto x! its cool, no reason why speedway can't be! I'm 37 and find berwickspeedways presentation of meetings tradgic! Can't imagine what the younger generation think!!!!

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This is so impoortant. The club has admitted they have a problem

 

We need our speedway

 

Let's make nothing but positive, constructive posts on here until the fix has been effected.

 

As the notices say: "No time-wasters, please!"

 

Now that is a good idea.

 

Cynics and non-contructive critics stay away. Let's do as the lady says, let's get together and fix this thing!

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I think a Free Admission Meeting for the 1st meeting of the season is an Idea .The riders can provide their services free of charge and put something back into the sport as their livelihood depends on it to an extent.I also agree with Oldace the the reasons the fans are deserting the sport have to been addressed to make sure that newcomers are entertained and want to come back.Most things have been covered regarding this matter but unfortunately without coming up with any real solutions.The promoters and the BSPA are the ones who have to make the right moves to get the sport back on track IMO. The majority of the fans dont have much Idea the effort and expense it takes to run a Club (myself included) but on the other hand talking to other fans there is general opinion on what is lacking in the sport which has been discussed and debated (and argued about) on this forum. I would stress that not everyone is a "forum fanny " which is always touted when a touchy subject is mentioned.

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This is so impoortant. The club has admitted they have a problem

 

We need our speedway

 

Let's make nothing but positive, constructive posts on here until the fix has been effected.

 

As the notices say: "No time-wasters, please!"

 

Apart from one particular poster I think this thread has done just that,theres been many posts with ideas about how to generate more interest in Berwick Speedway.

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better than anything you've posted on this thread.... :)

Apart from one particular poster I think this thread has done just that,theres been many posts with ideas about how to generate more interest in Berwick Speedway.

 

Heh, heh, I've had a wee chuckle to myself about these two posts. Some will know why :)

 

I think a Free Admission Meeting for the 1st meeting of the season is an Idea .The riders can provide their services free of charge and put something back into the sport as their livelihood depends on it to an extent.I also agree with Oldace the the reasons the fans are deserting the sport have to been addressed to make sure that newcomers are entertained and want to come back.Most things have been covered regarding this matter but unfortunately without coming up with any real solutions.The promoters and the BSPA are the ones who have to make the right moves to get the sport back on track IMO. The majority of the fans dont have much Idea the effort and expense it takes to run a Club (myself included) but on the other hand talking to other fans there is general opinion on what is lacking in the sport which has been discussed and debated (and argued about) on this forum. I would stress that not everyone is a "forum fanny " which is always touted when a touchy subject is mentioned.

 

Completely agree with you. I also think the forum fanny phrase is unfair. It's a product of a certain few on here getting to the people who run the club. There are plenty on here who are not forum fannies.

 

The free night at the start of the season sounds like a good idea, also it has been mentioned the speed of getting through a meeting as well. It has to be sharp and without unnecessary delays. We got quite good at that at Berwick, but some unfortunate accidents caused some drawn-out meetings this season.

 

It could be marketed really well as an extreme sport, I am pretty sure that a lot of people running the clubs are aware of that. I can't see that being done without a huge - league wide - capital investment, though.

Although things like having (lower quality, in my opinion), more current music is an easy start. Other things like, lighting rigs, LED lap timers on the centre green, better PA systems, large screen displays all come at a hefty cost.

 

I'm sorry to keep banging on, but we just need to haul bodies through the gates to ensure the clubs have a financial stability, then we can start pushing for bigger improvements.

Otherwise I just don't think the cash is there to put a big push across the board; which it needs to be, the odd club will not be enough.

 

I don't know what rider costs are, but it would seem reasonable that they share some of the burden. Personally, the idea of a free meeting sits better in my mind than cutting wages, it has more value in terms of getting punters in, and it has to be financially worthwhile for the riders. If wages get cut, a lot of riders will just stop: I think...

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Heh, heh, I've had a wee chuckle to myself about these two posts. Some will know why :)

 

 

 

 

Dont worry scot we know why no body cairs what screm thinks i agree with you he should not go

 

John heppy and the boys will sort the club out

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How about some kind of loyalty card scheme. Nothing as fancy as swipe cards, but maybe a book that you could get stamped when you enter the stadium, and once you get ten stamps collected in your book you get one free entry to a meeting.

My local football team runs a very successful lottery scheme. You have a list of twenty teams and each team is numbered, the customer simply picks four teams and the draw is made every Monday night.I know for a fact that the income from this keeps the team alive. Might not generate enough to keep a speedway club alive, but none the less could provide more income. I live in a reasonably small town and the lottery can generate a few grand in prizes when not won for a few weeks. Just a thought.

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From a distance...

 

Would it be possible to set up some sort of joint venture with the football club? Football and speedway on the same ticket? Joint promotion of the two clubs? Speedway machinery at the football match? Not sure of the logistics of this, but a demonstration heat (with VERY close, if slow, racing) during the break in the football match?

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Thinking outside the box, a bit radical I know but it could work for all clubs.

 

After they have tried lotteries, duel football and speedway tickets, vouchers for 1 free match in ten etc it may be worth considering, as a last resort offering fans a value for money night out at a price on a par with the entertainment on offer.

 

Like I said a bit radical, maybe just go back to the tried and tested strategy of accepting lost fans by upping admission costs to the rest and ignoring why the fans are walking away in the first place

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How about some kind of loyalty card scheme. Nothing as fancy as swipe cards, but maybe a book that you could get stamped when you enter the stadium, and once you get ten stamps collected in your book you get one free entry to a meeting.

Why not do this for the whole league,where you get your card stamped at any track and free entry at any track when you have the required amount.

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From a distance...

 

Would it be possible to set up some sort of joint venture with the football club? Football and speedway on the same ticket? Joint promotion of the two clubs? Speedway machinery at the football match? Not sure of the logistics of this, but a demonstration heat (with VERY close, if slow, racing) during the break in the football match?

 

I reckon that is a great idea Shadow Captain. :approve: :approve:

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