It
is now almost a year since I was given the job, (correction Linda was
given the job) raising money to build the Speedway Museum at Paradise
Wildlife Park. We are now on the last lap, the chequered flag is in
sight. But as we all know “you can’t give up,” we need everyone
who hasn’t donated to do so now. Some, who felt perhaps we would not
succeed, can now see the Museum will be a reality. Please don’t miss
the chance to be in the book of acknowledgement, which will be on
display in the museum. We
ended the season needing £12,000 and what seems to be the shortest
closed season in history. We now need less than £4000 to reach the
target of £55,000. We had a very successful day at High Beech on 19th
February, 78 years to the day that Speedway began in England. As always,
we could not achieve this alone, our thanks in particular to Andy
Griggs, Dave Russell & John Strong who assisted with the planning
and setting up on the day. We also received lots of help and support on
the day from The Friends of Speedway, Pauline Holmes, Nigel &
Frances Gabbitas, and master of ceremonies Craig Saul. Gerry King again
raised money for the second year running raffling a silencer. The event
raised more than £2000 for the museum fund, our most successful day
since we began last year. Many
of you will have seen the article in the Speedway Star this month, our
thanks to both Mike Patrick for some great photos, and Peter Oakes for
his continued support and coverage of the museum. More of Mike’s
picture’s can be seen on the museum website www.speedwaymuseum.co.uk
kindly set up at his own expense by Colin Pearson. If you have not yet
discovered the site, now is your chance. Please let us know your
thoughts. We would also like to thank Tony MacDonald for the coverage in
Backtrack and VSM plus his sustained support for the museum project. We
have also had great coverage by the local press in Essex and
Hertfordshire following Derek Barclay’s, (no relation), efforts in the
weeks leading up to High Beech. We
are hoping that the tracks who were unable to do collections last season
will be able to so early this season. So if you want us to get to the
finishing line as soon as possible please give what you can to give the
Speedway Family the Museum it deserves. As
always if you require any further information or can offer help please
contact George Barclay at 41, Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, Essex RM8 2JD or
call on 020 8592 3361
e-mail g.barclay @hotmail.co.uk |