Crump99

I didn't say that it didn't. I just said that it wasn't the major factor IMO, and as you help to point out because despite the racing being as good as it was it's not enough to draw the punters in. Personally I'd go any night to BV (Tuesday and Sunday apart), it's the sort of stuff I'd want to watch regularly.

When discussing the sport many years ago with Nigel Couzens I remember him saying nearly exactly the same thing (although I guess it was 13 heats then?) The product is broken but IMO that's only one of the reasons and not the major one.

That rings a bell although Bratters was just getting a grip of ours when Frost did the same (well decoupled it from the website rather than closed it down but he may as well have done so).

We could but history tells us that's unwise.

I suspect that we could have a guess at where this nonsense comes from, and assuming that the post is correct in its content then I couldn't really see anyone putting that in front of the landlords and saying can we come to a sensible decision based on our business. It's only a couple of years since the standing at the back notice which also seemed a bit sledgehammer to crack a nut although the dire warning was needed I recall to make the punters play ball. The stewards issue is not like that.

Do they? What's the evidence for that?

Speedway runs on volunteers and goodwill so I suspect that you know the answer to that.

Good post. That highlights to me though that there is more to speedway than passing and if the attendee hasn't got that appreciation in them to nurture then passing isn't going to make much difference IMO. Their starting point is first out of the gate wins and any evidence of that (and we know that there will be at some point) just reinforces their already set opinion of the sport.

Both opinions are valid but 7 is always a better starting point than 6, especially against strong opposition, so I'd tend to go with your view. It's also added pressure for those filling the rides so not the best option if another is available.

A Volcano Plaque from Poole pottery.

That's H&S for you. Didn't I read somewhere that the EoES required one steward per block? " Full training will be provided by the club in order to reach the NVQ qualification required" was the bit that struck me from the previous appeal. To go from fan to working is one thing but needing a qualification is different.

more uncecessary than necessary perhaps

Yes why is that? Wasn't 9 days yesterday (Sat 14)? None of the PR says that following his lay off from concussion he's still unfit?

Might turn up myself if they do. He's worth a watch.

Neil already answered that above.

Traditionally watching England (with a few exceptions) has required your anaesthetic of choice but thus far you can stay in control and watch the 2018 version.

If they want to be at speedway they will be. If they can’t not drink for a day (irrespective of the situation) then they require medical help, as their drinking will no doubt lead to anyway at some point.

I was watching a IoM TT programme the other week and they were speaking to riders who had lost friends and family. The mentalty was something like it happens, we love doing it and know the dangers but that's the way it is and we're not stopping. They are a different breed.

We're talking about SGB lower league speedway on a Sunday afternoon though so not the best comparison.

I understand the explanation but think the criteria for refusing a date offered to clubs (ability/willingness) needs to be tightened in today's disorganised sport.

True on the first point and: Rathbone added: “Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t be running on that date, but it is simply a case of there being no alternatives" Panthers are aware of the date clash between their Sunday double-header and the football World Cup Final, but the meeting does need to go ahead due to stadium availability.

Good one Neil

Always two sides but shocking on the face of it.

Risk being called negative by BWitcher if you do

Why anyone else reading this below from the Lakeside website would make plans based on a Peterborough press release is a touch baffling: "The next meeting at the Arena Essex Raceway, will now be on Friday the 13th of July, when the Sheffield Tigers are due to be the visitors. Cook continued “This meeting however, and all our other Friday meetings, mysteriously disappeared from the official BSPA fixture list at the end of last week and although the club has yet to receive any explanation from the Association, the SCB (Speedway Control Board) has reassured us on the continuation of our season, but has asked us to move our meeting with Peterborough from crowded Fridays to ease the problems one or two clubs are having with guests, which we view as an eminently sensible request to solve this situation “We have a (BSPA) Association meeting next week and I expect the matter to be sorted easily there. The Association by its name is there for all clubs and not for the few, as the few can’t race against themselves. A problem has been identified and there are enough speedway related brains there to sort out the issues in a fair and even manner, and one which doesn’t present clubs with a situation that could prove terminal to their season. We’ve lost one speedway club this week and I’m sure when my fellow members attend next week, the gravity of that situation won’t go amiss when all matters are discussed.” Strange policy to knacker up some clubs for the greater good when it's effectively panic mode and the usual self interest!