MMX Events

Hi All just wanted to draw attention to loyal Poole fan Jenny Smith who is going to have her head shaved, to raise funds for The Darcy Ward Foundation, tomorrow night after the Pirates' meeting with the Aces and in front of fans. All being well, Chris Holder has agreed to wield the clippers too! If you would like to sponsor Jenny please visit her just giving page below.... any amount would be much appreciated! https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ShaveForDarcy or, alternatively, if you are attending the match, there will be opportunities to donate at the stadium tomorrow night. The Darcy Ward Foundation will also be selling merchandise in the Glass stand and anyone wishing to sign up for membership to the DWF may do so in person during the meeting. It will be cash only on the night however, as member badges will be issued to Annual Members 'on the spot'. More details about the HEADSHAVE4DARCY here..... http://darcywardfoundation.com/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=22

Just a note to interested folks that there have been a number of race jackets belonging to Barry Briggs already sold on EBay. He is selling his collection and there is currently a great example of this on EBay. Check out "Briggo Collection" by description to find a specially commissioned Wembley Lions Race Jacket signed by Thirteen World Champions at the Wembley Banquet of Champions that took place at the closure of the Empire Stadium. autographs include Briggs, Mauger, Fundin, Moore, Olsen, Collins Hancock amongst others Check it out!

I would love to see Eric Broadbelt scraping the kick boards at Wimborne Road again. He was 100% all racer often succeeding but, on occasions, would crash trying! He was the first real thriller that I recall ...and I went week after week to watch him strut his stuff. A lovely guy who I have had the priviledge to meet several times since.

Briggo was fantastic last night. He spoke for over two hours and then took questions from the room. It was standing room only, with over 140 people in attendance including Reg Luckhurst and Alf Hagon who each had a few words to say too. The presentation included some video clips as well as over 150 photographs from Barry's collection as he chatted informally about speedway and other insightful life stories. (And, yes, those dirt deflectors were on the agenda too!), The evening was very much a pilot but, in answer to Tyretrax above, a mini tour could be a future consideration. Thanks to Astra Grass Track club for organising the event and to all those who attended.

For the benefit of any one who may not have seen the advert in Speedway Star, Briggo is making an appearance in Folkestone this Saturday 8th November. The 'evening with Barry Briggs' will feature a detailed chat with the four times World Champion, including stories of his general love of all things motorcycling, as well as life in and out of speedway. Using personal photos from his own collection it should be interesting, informative and humorous in Barry's inimitable style!. If you would like tickets the contact numbers are 07500 939122 or 07756 999703 - Astra Grass Track Club who are the organisers. The event is at Southcliff Hotel - The Leas, Folkstone - tickets £14.00 including buffet.

Just to highlight that Barry Briggs is currently selling some of his personal collection items on EBay in the coming weeks... Just search under BRIGGO COLLECTION for some genuine first class souvenirs from the four times World Champion. Best of luck MMX

Malcolm, you gave so much pleasure to the fans at Poole and made " Super Simmo" a phrase that was recognised on cars throughout the town. For me it was at a time when the Pirates were not fashionable but you bought glamour, recognition, and high achievement to the town and all in a most professional way. I was lucky enough to meet and interview you a few times and was proud to see you complete a lap of the makeshift circuit at the veteran reunion at Sammy Miller's in New Milton, wearing the skull and crossbones once more! I won't forget that trade mark smile of yours on that day, even though you had been thought too poorly to get astride a bike. Wimborne Road will always remember the great times you brought... Stay out in front and keep beating 'em all.. Nigel Leahy

Those interested in memorabilia might like to check out this - a genuine item from Briggo's personal collection Race Jacket Sale

Don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to donate to the ride when Briggo appears at Cardiff. Briggo will be collecting in person outside the turnstiles with a good number of helpers to give everyone the chance to put their money in the bucket. Throughout the day, we will also have a stand in the Fan Zone area which is in St Mary Street (one road away from the Stadium) where you should be able to meet Briggo and make donations. We will certainly be promoting it and there are many ways to contribute through a number of initiatives - Such as, sending £5 by text (text BRIGGO to 70700) or visiting his website www.briggo.net where you can send any amount of money by PayPal or Credit card. - If you can afford a little more, and like a gamble, why not invest in one of Briggo's Bike Shares? They cost £100 and offer an entry to the limited (200 shares) draw to win Briggo's Yamaha - a 2010 WR250R machine. The "shares" are a great souvenir too, being a limited edition, hand-signed, numbered and personalised picture certificate (check out Briggo's Blog in Speedway Star) We have been in contact with all UK clubs, inviting riders to donate one point of their earnings to the Ride and we have even contacted referees - suppliers - sponsors - and many fans, directly, with a view to supporting us. Cardiff is supposed to be the ride finale, so please get behind the legend that is Barry Briggs and help him to reach his target - I can assure you that he is completely focused on this task. It has taken a huge toll on the great man and he has sacrificed several months of his "normal" life to make this a success. A huge thanks goes to all those who have helped him along the way and to those generous enough to donate already - Now lets finish it off in style at the UK's night of nights. Incedentally - Barry is dissapointed that he has had to miss visiting every track, purely through geography and fixture clashes, but he is still planning to "mop up" some additional visits after the ride with appearances already arranged at Rye House and Lakeside plus the Museum at Paradise Park. Others are hoped to follow. I love the concept of one less pint and two more pounds! - All I can say now is.. GIVE.. GIVE.. GIVE.. and show the world that our community really cares for it's fallen heroes. Thanks for reading - MMX