Guest Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 (edited) This item appeared in last Friday's (April 6) 'Wimbledon Guardian'. Andre Cross is mentioned because it was filed on late Monday to meet an early schedule - before it was known that he would be replaced by Danny Phillips. What is of importance is that the local Press is still recognising the club although it left Wimbledon Stadium eight years ago. EIGHT years after speedway ended at Wimbledon ended the Dons return to action for against Kent Kings at Central Park, Sittingbourne on Monday (September 9). They are led by Andre Cross who rode for the Dons between 2002-05. Cross has been in retirement since 2006 but is confident he will be able to score some valuable points against Kings. Another former Dons in the side is Chris Schramm who had outings for the Dons in 2002-03, and is currently with Premier League club Newcastle. A third rider with links to the Dons side is Brendan Johnson, who used to have after the meeting practice rides at Plough Lane in 2004-05 and is now with National League side Isle of Wight Crusaders. Completing the Dons side are Simon Lambert, Daniel Greenwood, Ryan Terry-Daley.and Kelsey Dugard. None of them have previously worn a race jacket, while Lambert is the only one of the quartet to have raced at Plough Lane, when a member of Conference League rivals Boston in 2004 and 2005. Terry-Daley claims a unique to Wimbledon in that his father was a member of the track staff at Plough Lane in the 1980s. Kelsey Dugard’s grandfather Charlie was a Wimbledon rider in 1946, while his uncles Bob and Eric rode for the Dons in the 1970s. Kelsey is the son of former Eastbourne rider Martin. Wimbledon’s team manager is Chris Hunt who was captain of Wimbledon between 2002-04 and is now in the same role with Isle of Wight Crusaders. Because of a curfew on noise imposed by the local council, speedway starts at Central Park at 6.30pm. Edited September 8, 2013 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Bob Dugard is Kelsey's grand-father not his uncle. The IoW are the Islanders NOT the Crusaders! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Bob Dugard is Kelsey's grand-father not his uncle. The IoW are the Islanders NOT the Crusaders! Thank you for correcting that rather stupid error. On a happier note, at least one local newspaper thinks the match is worth covering. Well done 'Wimbledon Guardian.' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Agreed. The Local Guardian were always good supporters of the Dons and regularly gave us space and a photo on their back page, along with their sister publication, the Surrey Comet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kent Whistle Gang Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I reckon that upwards of 95% of the people in the crowd for Kings versus Dons won't give a flying fig about what the visitors are called. Maybe it is a hook to boost the crowd with some of the Wimbledon faithful. On the other hand, it could be a sincere attempt to salute a sadly missed and much respected club. Either way, it's speedway and that's good enough for me; my old favourites, the Canterbury Crusaders, folded more than a quarter of a century ago so I'm loving this new lease of life. Judging from the attendances at Central Park, so are a large number of other people. Stop all the squabbling, get yourselves down to Central Park, and be thoroughly entertained. If you're going to sit in the stand, ask for a discount because you'll only be using the edge of your seat! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) I reckon that upwards of 95% of the people in the crowd for Kings versus Dons won't give a flying fig about what the visitors are called. Maybe it is a hook to boost the crowd with some of the Wimbledon faithful. On the other hand, it could be a sincere attempt to salute a sadly missed and much respected club. Either way, it's speedway and that's good enough for me; my old favourites, the Canterbury Crusaders, folded more than a quarter of a century ago so I'm loving this new lease of life. Judging from the attendances at Central Park, so are a large number of other people. Stop all the squabbling, get yourselves down to Central Park, and be thoroughly entertained. If you're going to sit in the stand, ask for a discount because you'll only be using the edge of your seat! But while there are reasons that prevent me travelling far these days, as someone who appreciates the heritage of Wimbledon - I first saw that at New Cross in 1946 and made a first visit to Wimbledon Stadium on April 29 1948 when Wembley defeated Belle Vue 52-31 - the famed Plough Lane club's heritage and title means a great deal to me. That's why I don't want to feel the renowned name is just a programme-filler on an open date but something more meaningful. In that respect the use of the Cearns Cup for the event goes a little way to filling that need. Edited September 9, 2013 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 The latest BBC Weather forecast is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2637802 It may be wise for long-distance travellers to check? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 meeting off according to BSPA website. to be restaged next monday 16th september. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikko Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Todays Meeting is OFF and has been rearranged for next Monday 16th. Silver Ski Championship now Monday 23rd. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Nice to see you back on here Nikko,,i hope you will continue with important info, as it is really a help to some of us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Todays Meeting is OFF and has been rearranged for next Monday 16th. Silver Ski Championship now Monday 23rd. Nice to see you back on here Nikko,,i hope you will continue with important info, as it is really a help to some of us A very hearty welcome back to Nikko. Ignore the brick-bats and jokey comments. You were doing a great service on the forum and your input and inside knowledge of Kent Kings' doings has been sadly missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Lady Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I have asked on the disabled access thread but figure more folk would read this one. The website says good access for the disabled but does this mean using a designated area ore can you get to most parts of the terraces? Also it says food is available, can anyone tell me if it's just fast food/pub food/burgers etc, approx prices would be helpful too please. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 This match is to be restaged on Monday, September 16, after the two previous attempts were postponed for various reasons. Fingers crossed it will be third time lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 (2) Kent Kings v Wimbledon, 16/09/2013 I have started a new thread for next Monday's rearranged match. It is under the heading above. Fingers crossed that it will prove to be third time lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Lady Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 And I'll post this for the third time and hope its third time lucky. I have asked on the disabled access thread but figure more folk would read this one. The website says good access for the disabled but does this mean using a designated area ore can you get to most parts of the terraces? Also it says food is available, can anyone tell me if it's just fast food/pub food/burgers etc, approx prices would be helpful too please. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikko Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I have asked on the disabled access thread but figure more folk would read this one. The website says good access for the disabled but does this mean using a designated area ore can you get to most parts of the terraces? Also it says food is available, can anyone tell me if it's just fast food/pub food/burgers etc, approx prices would be helpful too please. Thanks in advance. There is access to the main stand and bar via a lift in the main entrance. The main stand is 2 tiered and there is access and viewing on the middle level for wheelchairs or easy seating if required. As far as food is concerned there is Pizza and then the normal Burgers etc from the fastfood outlet. I will check on prices and let you know. Luke Bowen making his comeback, I presume for Kent... I thought I heard Chris Schramm's name announced at Rye last night, I'm guessing in the Dons side. Just seen this post. Just to confirm Luke is booked to ride in the individual meeting, and was never booked to ride for Kent against Wimbledon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Lady Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Cheers Nikko. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I assume there is no reason why next Monday's (September 16) Kent Kings v Wimbledon clash should not be the same as for today's (September 9) rained off fixture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 (2) Kent Kings v Wimbledon, 16/09/2013 I have started a new thread for next Monday's rearranged match. It is under the heading above. Fingers crossed that it will prove to be third time lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I assume there is no reason why next Monday's (September 16) Kent Kings v Wimbledon clash should not be the same as for today's (September 9) rained off fixture? In what sense.? If you mean riders then there could well be a reason: fixture clashes for one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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