Bryn Posted December 14, 2013 Report Share Posted December 14, 2013 Bryn, It is Great Central, not that young upstart Grand Central from the New World!! Martin My humblest apologies for trying to make you a sight more grander than you are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted December 14, 2013 Report Share Posted December 14, 2013 With respect 'Halifaxtiger' why were you 'waiting for that one' as my response was directed towards 'Grand Central' and, as you can see he has to listen to his boss! Seriously though, where exactly would the money come from? The club's in debt, it's struggling to find funds to by an air fence which it HAS to by to continue and, like most club's when it comes to the nitty gritty of actually physically doing things e.g. handing out leaflets, lots of people may have come up with ideas on forums such as this and at supporters meetings etc but few get involved. At this moment in time, it's 'crunch time' with the priority being to save the club, find the necessary funds for the air fence etc., and thus operate in 2014 for, as TMW has alluded to, if the Wightlink Islanders don't operate in 2014, it's going to be nigh on impossible for speedway to return there. Just look at Reading, Hackney, Wimbledon, Halifax, Bradford... Because I knew that you - or someone else- would ask where the money was coming from to advertise. In the case of IOW, it simply must be found. I'd be the first to admit that its very easy to spend others money (although I would point out that I was a shareholder at Mildenhall and put my money where my mouth was then) but the simple fact is more than any other club in British Speedway Isle of Wight need to advertise, and they don't. I came down to the Island in April 2008 and Dave Pavitt showed me the gate take. There were about 200 paying spectators, but he assured me that from July-August it would be around 900. No other team's attendances vary to that degree because of holiday makers. You will know better than me, but I think this is all about the £20k or so needed for the air fence. If there was no need for one or if the money is obtained, there would be no doubt about Isle Of Wight taking their place in the NL. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great Central Posted December 14, 2013 Report Share Posted December 14, 2013 Because I knew that you - or someone else- would ask where the money was coming from to advertise. In the case of IOW, it simply must be found. I'd be the first to admit that its very easy to spend others money (although I would point out that I was a shareholder at Mildenhall and put my money where my mouth was then) but the simple fact is more than any other club in British Speedway Isle of Wight need to advertise, and they don't. I came down to the Island in April 2008 and Dave Pavitt showed me the gate take. There were about 200 paying spectators, but he assured me that from July-August it would be around 900. No other team's attendances vary to that degree because of holiday makers. You will know better than me, but I think this is all about the £20k or so needed for the air fence. If there was no need for one or if the money is obtained, there would be no doubt about Isle Of Wight taking their place in the NL. No it is more than the £20k. I thought that but was advised differently. As you point out money has to be found somehow to advertise the product on offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted December 14, 2013 Report Share Posted December 14, 2013 Safest fence in speedway is at Rye House. Unfortunately there are few tracks that can accommodate a chain link catch fence, most have solid boards. Haven't been to IOW since they left the PL, but the last meeting I attended v Berwick had an attendance of less than 200. I'm not surprised they're struggling to come up with the 20K required, especially as the area needed to be covered by an air fence must be vast on those long sweeping bends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted December 14, 2013 Report Share Posted December 14, 2013 My thoughts exactly shads. I would have thought that a foam fence would be more practical as regards to maintenance, but i think they cost more than the air type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great Central Posted December 15, 2013 Report Share Posted December 15, 2013 (edited) With respect 'Halifaxtiger' why were you 'waiting for that one' as my response was directed towards 'Grand Central' and, as you can see he has to listen to his boss! Seriously though, where exactly would the money come from? The club's in debt, it's struggling to find funds to by an air fence which it HAS to by to continue and, like most club's when it comes to the nitty gritty of actually physically doing things e.g. handing out leaflets, lots of people may have come up with ideas on forums such as this and at supporters meetings etc but few get involved. At this moment in time, it's 'crunch time' with the priority being to save the club, find the necessary funds for the air fence etc., and thus operate in 2014 for, as TMW has alluded to, if the Wightlink Islanders don't operate in 2014, it's going to be nigh on impossible for speedway to return there. Just look at Reading, Hackney, Wimbledon, Halifax, Bradford... Bryn, Is it possible to get the website updated with the correct amount raised. It has sat for ages on £9135 yet the GoFundMe appeal has been boosted by a very generous anonymous donation of £100 only yesterday. Thanks to all who have pledged donations. Martin Edited December 15, 2013 by Great Central Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ancient mariner Posted December 15, 2013 Report Share Posted December 15, 2013 Safest fence in speedway is at Rye House. Unfortunately there are few tracks that can accommodate a chain link catch fence, most have solid boards. Haven't been to IOW since they left the PL, but the last meeting I attended v Berwick had an attendance of less than 200. I'm not surprised they're struggling to come up with the 20K required, especially as the area needed to be covered by an air fence must be vast on those long sweeping bends. Similar to your good self Shadders my last visits to the IOW were in 2010 (Plymouth's last season in the CL/NL). During the holiday season there was a decent number of spectators, but hardly a one when I attended in May Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 15, 2013 Report Share Posted December 15, 2013 Speedway cannot afford to lose a team of the quality that IoW were in 2013. We must all hope that they do manage to find a workable solution to the problems currently facing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted December 15, 2013 Report Share Posted December 15, 2013 Similar to your good self Shadders my last visits to the IOW were in 2010 (Plymouth's last season in the CL/NL). During the holiday season there was a decent number of spectators, but hardly a one when I attended in May I remember when Dave Pavitt asked for the IOW to be omitted from the PT early comp, as it started in April and he wanted to start with the PL competition when he had a crowd in. Told it was everything or nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 (edited) Similar to your good self Shadders my last visits to the IOW were in 2010 (Plymouth's last season in the CL/NL). During the holiday season there was a decent number of spectators, but hardly a one when I attended in MayMy experience is pretty similar. During my summer visits to IOW the crowd size was pretty healthy, likely to have been boosted by holiday makers. Edited December 16, 2013 by Shadders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 Safest fence in speedway is at Rye House. Unfortunately there are few tracks that can accommodate a chain link catch fence, most have solid boards. Haven't been to IOW since they left the PL, but the last meeting I attended v Berwick had an attendance of less than 200. I'm not surprised they're struggling to come up with the 20K required, especially as the area needed to be covered by an air fence must be vast on those long sweeping bends. I don't many riders, but those who I do know agree. They think the one at Hoddesdon is better than an air fence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 I don't many riders, but those who I do know agree. They think the one at Hoddesdon is better than an air fence. RH is in the same position that Wolves were in when it was compulsory for EL teams. Better fence but had to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nboy Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 should be so. rider's safety is the most important. there may be track casualties ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 should be so. rider's safety is the most important. there may be track casualties ... There won't. In Wolves case, I remember a bad smash at Wolves with I think Bunyan going into Sam too fast, and one got really hurt by hitting the rail behind the post. Air fences are safe, despite what Elephantman might suggest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elephantman Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 RH is in the same position that Wolves were in when it was compulsory for EL teams. Better fence but had to change. This sums up your crap argument; a better fence but forced to change............. Stupid argument; stupid rule, if a change cannot be demonstrated to improve safety then it shouldn't happen. There won't. In Wolves case, I remember a bad smash at Wolves with I think Bunyan going into Sam too fast, and one got really hurt by hitting the rail behind the post. Air fences are safe, despite what Elephantman might suggest. Not in all situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doctor... Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Not in all situations. Yawn..you still here ? So, back to the actual thread - a week since the original post, has there been any developments locally or anything from the Island to report ? I see there's due to be a meeting of shareholders tonight according to the local paper - hope all goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skthecat Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 There won't. In Wolves case, I remember a bad smash at Wolves with I think Bunyan going into Sam too fast, and one got really hurt by hitting the rail behind the post. Air fences are safe, despite what Elephantman might suggest. Hmmmm, ouch! I remember seeing that one, if I remember it was a wet one, no, very very wet, I thought it might get called off after that one... wasn't it just in the straight? Might not have been an airfenced area even now.......? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elephantman Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Yawn..you still here ? So, back to the actual thread - a week since the original post, has there been any developments locally or anything from the Island to report ? I see there's due to be a meeting of shareholders tonight according to the local paper - hope all goes well. Yes I am; only because you don't want me to be here though:) The maths isn't too difficult, even for a Doctor. if what we read on this thread is accurate. £20k for an air fence; as few as 120 people attending some meetings; equals one club out of business due to poor attendances and an extraordinary cost for a safety device that possibly isn't required. Hopefully a benefactor will step in and pay for the fence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doctor... Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Yes I am; only because you don't want me to be here though:) The maths isn't too difficult, even for a Doctor. if what we read on this thread is accurate. £20k for an air fence; as few as 120 people attending some meetings; equals one club out of business due to poor attendances and an extraordinary cost for a safety device that possibly isn't required. Hopefully a benefactor will step in and pay for the fence. Hmm..i wasn't questioning any of the figures, but thank you for enlightening me. Anyway, fences are great..proven to be safer for riders, lots of data to back them up..i love them . Hope IOW get themselves sorted out with the funding or at least a solid plan asap. Off to work now Mr Merrick..laters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Hmmmm, ouch! I remember seeing that one, if I remember it was a wet one, no, very very wet, I thought it might get called off after that one... wasn't it just in the straight? Might not have been an airfenced area even now.......? Yes, it was very wet and televised as well. Bunyan came into the first bend with too much speed and collected Sam and both went straight on. Trapped under the fence for awhile I think. Yes I am; only because you don't want me to be here though:) The maths isn't too difficult, even for a Doctor. if what we read on this thread is accurate. £20k for an air fence; as few as 120 people attending some meetings; equals one club out of business due to poor attendances and an extraordinary cost for a safety device that possibly isn't required. Hopefully a benefactor will step in and pay for the fence. Only 120 people attending will close IOW, not the air fence. "Possibly isn't required", starting to lose the argument now are we ?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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