Falcons Supporters Club

EXETER FALCONS SUPPORTERS CLUB
This page is for the Supporters Club and any articles published are sanctioned
by Chairman Gordon Ward or Secretary Nigel Jones

EXETER SPEEDWAY 80 ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

Report by Tony Lethbridge

Photos by Pat Gorman

We may not currently have our own track but we certainly value our speedway heritage as no less than 110 riders, officials and supporters arrived at the Thistle Hotel on Sunday morning to celebrate Exeter Speedway’s 80^th birthday.

The proceedings were due to start at 12 noon but guests had already begun to arrive an hour before the appointed hour. Ages ranged from Falcons’ riders Jack Geran and Ron Swaine along with well known mechanic John Burley who will also be celebrating their 80th birthdays later this summer to Teresa Blackman’s baby daughter who was making her first appearance at a Falcons’ event.

Jack and Ron were not the only Exeter riders who attended. Mark Lemon, who had given up the chance to watch his beloved Middlesbrough FC from a hospitality box at Everton in order to be present, was there along with Mark Simmonds, Peter Jeffery and Richard ‘The Racer’ Green while the irrepressible Vaclav Verner flew in from Prague and made a superhuman attempt to drink the Thistle out of Scotch. Even Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris made a last minute appearance. The World Speedway Riders Association was represented by the newly installed President Terry Stone, who had two spells with the Falcons in the early sixties. In fact we had no less than three WSRA presidents with us, as Jack G was the Association’s top man in 2006 while the outgoing president, Scotland’s No.1 Bert Harkins, also came along to relive some of his County Ground adventures. Other riders who attended were Ian Williams from Swindon and former Edinburgh Monarch Joe Hicks who was over here on holiday from New Zealand and with his wife Helen was doing the round of WSRA dinners with Terry.

Peter and Pam Oakes were there as former promoters. Peter paid tribute to the late Wally Mawdsley and we all drank a toast to his memory. Representing the Association of Speedway Referees was Tony Silk from Swindon.

Our guest of honour was the Deputy Lord Mayor and Loyal Falcons Fan, Cllr Kevin Mitchell. Kevin, who is a nurse by profession, gave a very knowledgeable and moving speech in which he surprised us all by revealing that he had nursed Colin during his last illness.

Greetings were received from Scott Autrey, Ivan Mauger, Tony Olsson, Corey Blackman, and Frank Smart. Nevs is hoping to post the letters from Scott and Ivan elsewhere on the forum.

Everyone present took home a splendid souvenir of the occasion thanks to Allen Trump who produced a commemorative menu cards complete with green and white ribbons. Naturally no Exeter Speedway event is complete without a raffle and my thanks go Gerald Gibbons and Johnny Crook for handling this for me. The multitude of prizes included bottles of Ivan Mauger wine and a framed photo of Jack Geran and Neil Street which was won by ESSC chairman Gordon Ward. Rob Doran kindly displayed a bike and race jackets.

Forum members turned out in force to support the lunch and among those very much in evidence were Mrs Claas, Pip, Winkey, Squibby and Headmistress and Headmaster. There may well have been others so if I’ve miss you out I’m sorry but thank you very much for coming. My excuse is all that whisky Vaclav keeping pouring into me!

My sincere thanks go to Allen, Speary, Pat Gorman, and Tony Ellis for all their help in making the Lunch such a success and most especially to my wife Chris who took charge of the seating plan, looked after the track table, and collected all the money while I handled the import task of talking to the guests and drinking Vac’s whisky. We might just do it all again next year!!

The following is a letter received from the one and only Scott Autrey

Hi Tony, Ivan wrote to me and said Exeter is having an 80th reunion . I would love to say a few words concerning my thoughts and feel free to read them aloud. If I am too late, please share with all at the next supporters club meeting.
I am sorry I cannot be in attendance for the get together for the Exeter Falcons 80th anniversary. I have followed the progress of the efforts of Allen Trump in his effort to fulfill the late Colin Hill's wishes for this great clubs legacy to continue and can only say that I am hoping for the best, for all of us. I know Allen is extremely astute and competent, and if any man can do it, it is him. I feel very blessed to have served our great club for seven years, and only regret I had to move to other pastures. I wanted to finish my career as a Falcon, just as I began it. From day one, I felt tremendous loyalty, no different than all of you. What was it about the old County Ground that did that to us? It certainly wasn't the amenities! Surely it was the people coupled with the history through the decades of riders who graced the track and the people who came to watch them.

When I returned for the End of an Era meeting, it had been 24 years since I last raced there, and I have to tell you it was overwhelming emotionally. A flood of feelings and memories washed over me. She hadn't changed a bit, and I saw many people who I figured, just maybe, forgot me long ago. I was wrong. And I saw many people who I never forgot. We all shared, in a snapshot, a moment of what Exeter was and is all about. I cant figure out the proper word I guess, but it was something about belonging, together, to something bigger than us all. Tradition and history.

She had a well deserved reputation for being tough to conquer. It took me five years to learn to ride the County Ground properly, but when you got it right, what a rush! Many of you certainly remember how many visiting riders "broke down" on route because they didn't want to face her. (I must say Phil Crump and Peter Collins certainly didn't fit in that category, they gave me fits! Now, those were two racers I hated to see show up, I was always hoping the would "break down" on their way, but they never did.)

My friend, Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer came to Exeter with me one night. After the races, in the pits, he asked me where the toilet was. I said "follow me". I went into the fuel and oil shed and pointed out a bucket. (which really was put there for that reason!). He looked at it, then looked at me and asked "where's the champagne? "That was not Champagne bucket by any stretch of the imagination! We both laughed about that and still do. This was Exeter. Working class, unpretentious, real.
Just ask the great Ivan Mauger his feelings on being an Exeter Falcon. I am quite sure they are as strong or probably stronger than mine. Ask any former Exeter rider, you will get the same reaction.

As for me, I will always be a Falcon.

Good Luck and I miss you guys.

Below is the message that the great Ivan Mauger sent to Tony to be read out to the Exeter fans at the lunch.

Hi Tony

Raye and I are very disappointed that we will not be able to be at the reunion at Exeter on 8th March. The main reason is that I am having an operation on my right ankle that i originally broke in the Long Track World Final in Yugoslavia in 1981. Carlo Biaggi wanted to do the same operation in 1982, but it needs doing now

I talk to Vaclav on a regular basis and he will be there from Czecho
which is another example of his affection for Exeter,the track and all the people associated with Exeter Speedway.
Quite often when Vaclav was riding at Exeter and he hadn't appeared by about 7 o'clock Wally used to come to me and say "I am a bit concerned that Vaclav is not going to get here".
I always knew where Vaclav was riding on the Sunday and I used to tell Wally "don't worry he will be here" and sure enough Vac never missed his first race.
We both wish everyone has a great time and hope Exeter Speedway finally starts up in March 2010. If it does I hope it can be arranged for me do a demo ride in the first meeting.

Regards and best wishes.

Ivan Mauger OBE MBE

Photos from Pat Gorman

Group Photos

Richard & Pete                                                                            Terry

Kevin                                                      Jack

                                                             3 Amigos

Ellis Boys

Exeter Falcons Supporters Club AGM

Report by Peregrinner

A positive mood and the 80th Anniversary shirts went down well at £15 a shirt. I think the Exeter presence will be obvious if we all wear the shirts in Cardiff.

My memories are that the committee were well received and there was support for the table as each member of the team was introduced, all proudly wearing their newly purchased shirts.

The Chairman reported on the condition of Robin Playsted after his visit to hospital and informed the meeting that the committee had decided that we should make him a life member of the club. There were no objections from the floor.

The Secretary read out a brief précis of events during 2008 and informed the gathering that the committee will do their utmost to keep members informed of what is going on behind the scenes.

The Treasurer outlined the financial statement and pointed out that the big spend of the year was on a new tractor when we thought that speedway was only months from returning.

The Chairman then pointed out that the Membership Forms have a section asking for the opinions of the fans.

N.B. About half the fans completing a form added their opinions.

The Officers of the Club were elected En Bloc.

RIGHT - THAT IS THE BORING BIT OVER

David Short took over and informed the gathering that Manor Delta are going to run the Speedway. The plans are to get an agreement in place by May 2009 and start building in June 2009.
This is still subject to a satisfactory lease agreement.

Speedway should start up again at EASTER (In April) 2010.

There will be a Somerset style track with greater banking on the bends. There will be a half decent stadium as shelter is essential up on Haldon Hill.

Many thanks go to Allen Trump as without him we would never have obtained planning permission. He remains involved and is still in charge of securing the lease.

EASTER MONDAY 2010 WILL BE A DAYTIME MEETING.

Allen Trump and David Short are concerned about different issues so with two views acting on the outcome we may be able to bypass some of the issues concerning Allen.

There was an offer of help from the floor at this point. We have the offer of building services free gratis. David agreed to take details and keep the person informed of developments.

Current plans are to bring in a front line promoter with David Short and Allen Trump as co-promoters. Allen owns the licence and many riders.

THAT IS THE INFORMATION SECTION OVER

Gordon Ward pointed out that for years Falcons Fans got nothing when they joined the Supporters Club. This year we want to reward members with something. For the time being the 80th Anniversary shirts are only available to members of the club.

THERE WAS A TIME FOR COMPLETING FORMS AND BUYING SHIRTS.

The raffle saw a record number of tickets drawn for which no prize was claimed.

The floor voted for a 50/50 draw in future but we have to apply for a new Lottery Licence as the last one was allowed to lapse by the last administration.

BEN BARKER THEN TOOK THE MICROPHONE

I loved his honesty and you had to be there to get some of the best bits, but a brief summary follows .......

He has recently been riding in Ireland with a view to taking a GP there in the coming years.

Swindon look strong this year but he is looking forward to riding with Edward Kennett at Coventry.

Ben has 4 bikes for the season and would be pleased if Bodmin starts up.

His father and grandfather both rode grasstrack so he started his career in grasstrack, however, once Nigel Wagstaff asked him to try his hand at Conference League racing he never looked back.

You are never going to be a winner if you are afraid of riding through the fence. It is a part of the sport and although he has broken his arm and shattered his leg he accepts the risks.

He wants to be World Champion and this year has his sights set on the Under 21s as this is his last chance at that level.

He has a good deal in Poland this year, and it is easier because they provide the bikes and the engines. All he has to do is jump on and ride. Last year he struggled until he took the advice of Peter Karlsson who suggested "Do it your own way."

He has been in talks with Vastervik but cannot find a way to make it pay. That deal would cost too much money and he could not make it back.

He is friendly with Hans Andersen who once loaned him a bike and he could "feel the money" under him on that occasion.

Stoke was a good period of his career. They were kind enough to let him try equipment whenever he needed to.

Speedway has such stringent rules these days that when you but a £4000 bike ready to race you have to replace parts worth around £2500. Speedway has to find a way to reduce costs.

In the near future he will be training with team GB in Kings Lynn and has his sights set on the GPs within three years.

He believes there is too much pressure on Tai Woffinden and Lewis Bridger and he is happy to be out of the limelight.

BEN BARKER was great entertainment and we will be happy to have him as a special guest again in the future.

SUPPORTERS CLUB MEETING TUESDAY 9th SEPT

Report from Peregrinner
Photos here

It was a truly great evening and I made a few (few?) notes.

SUPPORTERS CLUB MEETING NOTES:
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN GORDON WARD
Exeter Falcons Fans are needed at LEE MILL next TUESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER as we have to thrash the Plymouth Devils fans at Skittles.
(N.B. Rob Doran is running a Minibus and there may be a few places left if you need a lift down there)
PLYMOUTH v. EXETER (Skittles) LEIGH MILL - 16th SEPTEMBER

END OF ANNOUNCEMENTS

The microphone was then handed who Allen Trump who seemed remarkably relaxed and happy. How could that possibly be?

As the news had been leaked to the press we were all confident.

"There are seventeen conditions attached to the planning permission".

1. We have to keep counting the Nightjars
2. We have to keep counting the Dartford Warblers
and fifteen others that should not be a problem

Fortunately we have two willing victims who will enjoy that job.

THIS WILL BE A NEW START FROM SCRATCH

Allen Trump made it clear that this is a new era with new rules and a new organisation.

THERE WILL BE A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Forms were handed out so people could add EMAIL ADDRESS
Also included on the form was a space for MOBILE PHONE

(Editorial Joke - This is so Allen can phone you on match days to ask if you are enjoying the meeting)

There is also a new Email address for the Falcons printed on cards which were available to the gathered crowd.

IT HAS BEEN A LONG AND ARDUOUS ROAD

Allen had his first meeting with the Jockey Club back in January 2006.

There ARE some eyes to cross and teas to dot but ......................

WE NOW HAVE FULL PLANNING PERMISSION

Problems:
Speedway will need its own Sewage Tank, Electric & Water

Good news:
The Jockey Club are serious about making money and they want us there.

THE TRACK

We are employing GLYN TAYLOR who was responsible for the tracks at SOMERSET, SCUNTHORPE and REDCAR.

There will be 3 feet of banking and the track will be in a bowl so the spectators will be standing above looking down on the action.

We have applied for the Premier League Licence to be taken OFF ICE and Terry Russell has been good to his word ......however.......
nothing is certain in speedway and we will not know for certain which league we will be racing in until the Promoters Meeting in November.

There is a move to limit the Premier League to 16 clubs.

The structure of the new club is as follows:

TONY LETHBRIDGE is PRESS & PUBLICITY
ALLEN TRUMP is the Promoter
Co-Promoters are DAVID SHORT and PETER OAKES

Peter Oakes has his heart in Exeter but is still involved at Coventry so we will have to wait and see whether he will be team manager.

THE TEAM WILL BE A COMPETITIVE ONE

Allen likes to win so no matter at what level we are riding the team will be competitive.

THE PEOPLE HERE AT THIS MEETING ARE THE CORE SUPPORT

Thanks are due to the attending crowd for keeping him going at times and it is up to us to let friends and family know that the team is back in action from spring 2009 (March or April depending).

THANKS TO THOSE RUNNING THE WEBSITE AND FORUM

A particular thanks to NEVS for representing the club on the main national Speedway Forum.

THANKS TO THE FANS HERE FOR YOUR SUPPORT

THANKS TO THE ESTATE OF COLIN HILL

At long last the money that Colin Hill wanted to go towards keeping the EXETER FALCONS flying will be made available to the new club.

(Sombre tone adopted for the next bit)
THERE IS AN ISSUE

We waited with baited breath (does that mean we took the bait?)

RACE NIGHT - Monday is not a good night now with SKY SPORTS showing Live Elite League racing.

He asked the fans what we would prefer.

TUESDAY EVENING or SUNDAY AFTERNOON with THURSDAY as off night.

General muttering followed .......
"SUNDAY is for the beach" "My Mrs wouldn't let me" and the clear over-riding argument "Many of us go to Grasstrack on a Sunday".

TUESDAY EVENING quickly became the clear favourite.

"It can get very cold up there of an evening" followed by "It cannot be any colder than Somerset".

TUESDAY EVENING remained firmly in first place.

THE SUPPORTERS CLUB will purchase a TRACTOR chosen by Simon Cann. Simon had recently found the perfect vehicle at a bargain price and arrangements have been made for its purchase.

A CHEQUE WAS PRESENTED TO SIMON CANN TO BUY THE TRACTOR

We were then informed that the rules of Speedway require that there be TWO TRACTORS at the track. We fans will need to raise the money for a second tractor.

(Note: Fans please organise social events and let the Supporters Club have the money noting that it must go towards the second tractor)

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR resulted in the following answers:

A start will be made on the track before the end of September.

The Grandstand will be known as the COLIN HILL STAND

There are going to be 4 hospitality suites but only one has a name so far: TONY SANDFORD SUITE

The track will be over 600 feet above sea level with superb views

REGISTER WITH THE CLUB AND YOU WILL BE KEPT INFORMED

There IS a requirement to provide CYCLE RACKS
A show of hands determined that few were prepared to ride up Haldon Hill.

THE TRACK WILL BE F.I.M. STANDARD IF AT ALL POSSIBLE
Allen will go away and check the standards and if tweaking is needed things will be tweaked.

CAR PARKING
Allen had no intention of charging for Car Parking.
The fans persuaded him that a pound is no penalty and will help contribute towards costs. It will pay more than half the rent.

CAR PARKING WILL COST ONE POUND

The plan is to complete the track and the grandstand but it is a very TOUGH ASK.

This should be a good partnership because
THE NATIONAL HUNT SEASON is in WINTER
THE SPEEDWAY SEASON is in SUMMER

DRAINAGE WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM
There is a pond near the track and trial holes have been dug

SEWERAGE IS A PROBLEM BUT IT WILL BE SOLVED

PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE

There will be a celebratory lunch, probably at the racecourse, and it will be within the next eight weeks.

The ground has been designed with a capacity of 3000.

We have a 25 year lease which should see out one or two people here.

We WILL be doing second halves at THERE IS NO CURFEW time.

RACE JACKETS - A new one will be designed
This should take the form of a competition - Get Designing - Allen wants to see a FALCON but much more HUMAN LOOKING. Think of the COVENTRY BEES design and work on a Falcon.

THE TEAM WILL WEAR GREEN AND WHITE RACE SUITS

SPONSORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

THE MASCOT WILL BE 11 YEAR OLD NATHAN STONEMAN

A BAR WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR FOOD AND DRINK IN THE CLUBHOUSE

THE BACK STRAIGHT WILL BE PROPERLY CATERED FOR

FLOODLIGHTING WILL BE SHIELDED BECAUSE OF LOW FLYING AIRCRAFT

THE FLOODLIGHTING WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR SKY CAMERAS

THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR WORKING PARTIES OF FANS
(Perhaps in the future when demountable fencing has to be taken down for the National Hunt season)

MANY THANKS TO TEIGNBRIDGE COUNCIL FOR THEIR HELP IN THIS

Exeter City Council offered absolutely no help whatsoever.

Allen brought champagne for everyone to sample and you can see some of us drinking it in that photograph in the Express & Echo.

THE EXETER FALCONS ARE BACK BUT THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE BEFORE WE RACE

How can you help?
Supporters Club Project 1: Second Tractor
Organise a social event and donate any funds to project 1.

Photos courtesy of Slawomir Drozdzalski

Allen & Peter Oaks
© Slawomir Drozdzalski

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

SUPPORTERS CLUB AGM MONDAY 4th FEB 2008

Report

“Peregrinner Pontificates!”

The AGM

The AGM was over in record time as Sir John Evans rattled through the agenda.

No new offers of help were forthcoming to serve on the committee.

Thanks were given to Robin Playsted for his role as Secretary and Treasurer.

Allen Trump

The latest information is as follows: -

The planning application did not go in December as originally planned.

This NEW planning application will be submitted within the month.

He met with the Jockey Club last week and they have given us the green light for the new position and they have reaffirmed their continuing support for the project.

No additional resistance from English Nature.

No additional resistance from the Highways Agency.

The track has had to be moved about 400 metres meaning this is a NEW application.

The track will now be approx 290 metres long.

We have kept the grandstand but have had to reduce the terracing on the 4th bend.

Our target remains March 2009 to resume racing.

We hope to join the Premier League.

Teignbridge will are treating the letters of support for the 1st application as letters and indications of support for the 2nd application.

The mood is positive but we have not crossed the line. Keep the faith and the battle continues.

Nick Simmons

A testimonial meeting for Nick Simmons will be held at Newport on Sunday 16^th March 2008.

Nick himself will not be riding but he has asked Jason Crump who will make a late decision.

Chris Harris, Chris Holder and Leigh Lanham will all be there.

The meeting will start at 1:00 p.m.

James Easter

James spoke well and had a lot to say – we must invite him back again next year.

He started watching speedway back in 1953 and his earliest memory is from Caister Road in Great Yarmouth where Cyril Crane went crashing through the fence.

He now lives in Ipswich and his early memories there include Goog Hoskin and Jack Unstead.

One man he had many rows with over the years was John Berry.

“He was the kind of man you hated as a person but admired as a businessman.”

He particularly remembers his times with John Louis and Tony Davy.

1972 was a great year when the first gate was 17,500 people and they averaged 8,500 over the Season.

There was much more beside these few notes and I hope others will add their memories on the Forum.

Report by Peregrinner.

Photos from the AGM

© Slawomir Drozdzalski
Nick Simmons

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

© Slawomir Drozdzalski

SUPPORTERS CLUB MEETING 4th DECEMBER

Mini Report
Another good supporters club evening with Allen again 100% emphasising his allegiance to Exeter and the supporters for the future outlining his plans.
Allen stated that he is hopeful of taking a major step forward in the club's bid to move to Exeter Racecourse this month and that the Falcons are aiming to submit their new planning application for a track at Haldon Hill to Teignbridge District Council some time in December.

He also told fans at the meeting that the topographical survey of the site had now been completed and that the application could be made in the next few weeks. We now know where and how we can put the stadium on the new site and we are ready to finish off drawing the plan of the track and grandstand.

It was also wonderful to see that he also has other backing and was presented with a cheque from Colin Hills Estate and as Allen said I hope Colin is looking down and smiling tonight - or words to that effect.

Peter Oakes was also very forthright in his views regarding young British development and had many thoughts to convey

Especially nice to see one of the most Exeter faithful families celebrating (The Herds-hope I spelt that right-If not I apologise [Nevs Words]) Their young lad, who used to be at every meeting years ago in reigns aged about 2, coming along and celebrating his 18th birthday tonight with everyone and three generations of the family there, How time flies-and shows how much Exeter speedway means to families over the years. Many happy returns young man and welcome to the adult world Neil. Apologies if I have the names wrong.

A very reassuring and very enjoyable evening all told.
Peregrinner's supplementary report.
Allen Trump on:-

Haldon Hill:-

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY IS COMPLETE
The survey has gone to the architect for the addition of the Grandstand & Track Layout. Hope is to get the planning application in by the end of December. “This has now become a crusade for me”

Promoters Conference:-

Have you seen TENKO or those Japanese War Films?
I would rather have been in a Jap POW camp than attend the promoters conference.

Peter Oakes:-

“Probably more Exeter than myself”

Peter Oakes on:-

Haldon:-

We have a brilliant opportunity here. We will make sure we do everything we can to get Speedway back in Exeter. (Editors note: like the use of the word we, he obviously still holds Exeter in great esteem).

On youth speedway:-

All the youth involved need help from all.

Team Great Britain :-

We need to have a strong international side if we are going to grow the sport at grass roots level!
I would have included Edward Kennet a year earlier.
I would have included Simon Stead a year sooner.
We had no chance of winning so we should have given the younger riders a chance.
Denmark had no chance a few years ago so gave their younger riders the opening. They lost, but look at them now.

Brilliant to be there live and listen to many of the comments.

Great Evening enjoyed by all.

Photos from the evening courtesy of Slawomir Drozdzalski
Guest Speaker Peter Oakes with Allen Trump.

© Slawomir Drozdzalski
Outgoing 2006 Beat the Starter Champion Phil Batho presenting 2007 Champion Rob Doran with the trophy.

© Slawomir Drozdzalski