Club CH Archive 2004 - 2007
Club CH Annual General Meeting (Wed 21st Jan 2004)
The Annual General Meeting of Club CH will take place on Wednesday 21st January at Himley Cricket Club. Proceedings start at 8:00pm and all Heathens fans are welcome to attend. Club Cradley Heath was the organisation behind the Conference level Heathens team which operated between 1999 - 2001. For the last two seasons, members have reverted to a Supporters Club and coaches have been organised to a variety of speedway events across the country, including the British Grand Prix at Cardiff. Crucial decisions must now be made as to the future direction of the club, as fans face up to the first full year since Barratts began the redevelopment of the former Dudley Wood Stadium, and the eighth season without a professional league side. Meanwhile, the club and propsective promoters continue the so far fruitless search for a new home.
12th January 2004
BRUCE AND BOBBY AT TELFORD
Exclusively revealed to Cradley fans first yet again comes the announcement
that Bobby Schwartz will be joining his former Heathens and US team-mate
Bruce Penhall at the Telford Ice International meetings next
month. 'Boogaloo', who rode at Dudley Wood in 1979 but still ranks his
time with the club as one of the greatest parts of his 30-year career, will ride
in both main ice meetings, for the Rest of the World Select in the afternoon and
in the individual event during the evening.
Schwartz contacted the Telford promoters to express his desire to be a part of
what he anticipates will be 'an emotional night'. Penhall has revealed
that his appearance will be the last time he will ever ride again in Europe, and
both riders are eagerly looking forward to meeting up with many old Cradley
supporters.
22nd January 2004
DAN McCORMICK AT TELFORD TOO
Following hot on the heels of the announcement that both Bruce Penhall and
Bobby Schwartz would be riding at the Telford Ice International
events in 2004, comes the exciting news that another Cradley hero, former
promoter Dan McCormick, will also be appearing over the weekend.
McCormick will be present at the Question and Answer session, 'An Evening
with Bruce Penhall' at Telford's Moat House Hotel on Saturday 14th
February.
The flamboyant Scotsman retains pride of place in Heathens folklore as the man
who transformed the club into one of the most exciting and entertaining teams in
the British League. Responsible for bringing Penhall & Schwartz to Dudley
Wood, he also introduced Erik Gundersen and signed both Alan Grahame and Phil
Collins amongst many other signings. Never short of a story or three,
McCormick can still capture the attention and the imagination of any speedway
supporter and adds to what is now a truly fantastic weekend of nostalgia for
Cradley fans.
Tickets for Saturday nights event, priced at £10 each, can be obtained by
sending a SAE to World Indoor Ice, 27 Upper Chirk Bank, Chirk, Wrexham, LI14
5EB. Special hotel rates can also be obtained this way at £56 per double
room or £41 for a single. Bookings must be made through World Indoor Ice
(Tel: 01691 777051). Tickets for the Telford Ice Speedway on Sunday 15th
February can be obtained via the credit card hotline on (01952) 291511, or by
post at the above address. For more details email:
office@telfordice.freeserve.co.uk or see the website
www.telfordice.co.uk
Another exclusive announcement concerning Bruce Penhall will be available here
very soon. You won't want to miss it.
11th May 2004
Club CH Quiz Night (Wed 19th May 2004)
Club CH, now operating as a Cradley Heath Speedway Supporters Club, are holding a Quiz Night on Wednesday 19th May at regular venue, Himley Cricket Club. The event starts at 8pm and is open to all, members and non-members. Teams entering the quiz competition should consist of a maximum of five people, with a cost of £1.00 per person. Expect questions on General Knowledge, Music, Sport and who knows, maybe a little Speedway!
9th June 2004
BILLY HAMILL BIOGRAPHY
21st November 2004
END OF SEASON DISCO
23rd December 2004
VIDEO NIGHT
Wednesday 29th
December 2004: Video Night at The Swan, Foxoak Street, Cradley Heath.
Starts 8pm. Food available, plus new Cradley Heathens 2005 calendar on
sale
Don Prettijohn and Mark Steel
We are sad to report that
former Cradley rider Don Prettijohn passed away recently in his native
Australia. Prettijohn rode for the Heathens during the two seasons
of 1951 and 52, before the temporary closure of Dudley Wood, amassing 21
appearances in total. He began his career in 1948 and only hung up his
leathers for the final time 23 years later in 1971.
30th October 2005
'SPIRIT OF 95'
0/10/05
Last night, Club CH staged the 'Spirit of '95' evening at Dudley Sports and
Social Club. The event was a great success with all tickets being sold out
months in advance. It marked the 10th anniversary of the last ever
speedway action at Dudley Wood, the challenge match between Greg Hancock and
Billy Hamill Selects. As well as music from 1995 and a big screen DVD of the
best Heathens moments from the season, there was a special appearance from John
Wilson, the rider who made his Cradley debut in that year. Apologies were sent
from several other team members including Simon Cross, who is now based in
France, Jonathan Forsgren in Sweden and Scott Smith who was attending Berwick's
End of Season Presentation Night. Club CH would like to thank everyone who
attended for making a very enjoyable night.
Club CH AGM Report: Friday 13th January 2006
10th March 2006
CLUB CH QUIZ NIGHT : FRIDAY 17th MARCH
11th April 2006
CLUB CH DATES FOR 2006
Club CH Have announced dates for 2006,
the season started with a Quiz Night on 17th March which was a great success
with 10 teams taking part, Bob Edwards gave an update of the land search which
was well received. Another Quiz Night will be arranged later on in the year.
The following coach trips have been booked:
Monday 1st May - Rye House v Newport - depart 10,00am.
Sunday 2nd July - Mildenhall v Redcar - depart 11.00am.
Monday 28th August - Reading v Belle Vue - depart TBA.
Sunday 24th September - Sheffield, Premier League Riders Final - depart TBA
Coach fares remain at £12.00
adults, children/OAPs £6.00 any changes or updates of times can be found here
on the web-site.
Coach places for The British Grand Prix at the Millenium Stadium Cardiff are
still available at £15.00 adults and £10.00 for children.
The End of Season Disco will be at Cradley Heath Labour Club on Friday 17th
November at 8.00pm
5th March 2007
To kick off the New Year the
AGM will be held at Cradley Heath Labour Club, Graingers Lane, Cradley
Heath
on Thursday 8th March 2007 at 7.45pm. The first part of the evening will be
taken by the AGM, Club CH business then followed by a mini-quiz.
To be discussed at the AGM
-
Finance - membership fees, coach fees
Re-Election of Committee
Trips - ideas for coach trips with suggested dates so far - Good
Friday 6th April - Bank Holiday Monday 27th August, another one to be
decided upon when fixtures are known - End of Season Disco. Any
other business - Future of Club CH.
Once again we will be making our
annual coach trip to Cardiff for the British Grand Prix at the Millennium
Stadium on June 30th 2007.
For more information please contact Ian or Margaret
13th July 2006
DAVID NIX MEMORIAL TROPHY 'LINCS' UP WITH GOLD APPEAL
The
fourth David Nix Memorial Speedway meeting, to be held on Friday 29 September at
King’s Lynn’s Saddlebow Arena, will, this year, link up with local BBC Radio
Lincolnshire’s Gold Appeal. Committed to raising funds for children’s
charities, the organisers of the now annual event will donate all profits
towards the appeal, which will send siblings of disabled children and other
“young heroes” to see the real Father Christmas in Lapland.
Another
exciting line-up is in prospect with current holder and David’s cousin, Darren
Mallett (Boston Barracuda Braves), a confirmed rider. Other confirmed riders are
Adam Roynon (Buxton), Jonathan Bethell (Buxton), Richie Dennis (Scunthorpe),
Barry Burchatt (Rye House), James Purchase (Mildenhall), Karl Mason (Newport),
Karlis Ezergallis (Newport) and Ben Barker (Stoke).
To ensure maximum funds can be donated to BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Gold Appeal, sponsors are sought for each of the heats, the semi-final and final. Companies or individuals who wish to advertise in the programme, regarded as a collector’s item, are also welcome. For further information on sponsorship and/or advertising, please contact Patrick Nix on 07946 344096.
BBC
Radio Lincolnshire’s Gold Appeal is hoping to take 100 “Child Heroes” to
see the real Father Christmas.
Two years ago the station raised more than £100,000 and took 100
seriously ill and severely handicapped children to meet Santa in Lapland. When
the Trustees met the families of the children they realised that often they have
a sibling who can be overlooked because of all the care and attention that has
to be given to their sick brother or sister.
So
now the Gold Charity’s Trustees want to build on the success of the 2004
appeal and raise a similar amount to fly these children to Lapland, along with
other
“young heroes” – children who have been very brave or who care for a
parent or grandparent and deserve a special treat.
David Nix died while racing for King’s Lynn
at the home track on 1 May 2002 when he was just 25 years old. Born and raised
in Boston, he and his father Patrick were a familiar sight at Conference League
meetings across the country.
Patrick Nix still attends meetings regularly at King’s Lynn as an official for
Boston Barracuda Braves and on other occasions acting as mechanic for Carl
Wilkinson, one of this season’s most exciting Premier League riders and who
used to compete with David.
Since 2003 an individual challenge for invited Conference League speedway riders
has been held in David’s memory each season, with all profits benefiting a
children’s charity. To date, over £4,000 has been raised.
For
further information on the David Nix Memorial Fund contact Patrick
Nix on 07946 344096
21st August 2006
MORE DATES FROM CLUB CH
Club CH have again sponsored a heat in the David Nix Memorial Meeting on 29th September at Kings Lynn. David has a special place in the hearts of all Club CH supporters.
The Bank Holiday trip to Reading has been cancelled.
The next meeting to be arranged will be to Sheffield on 24th September 2006 for the Premier League Riders Championship, the time yet to be confirmed but subject to enough people traveling with the club the coach will leave Cradley Heath Labour Club four hours before the start of the meeting. Check with Ian - 01384 459316, Margaret - 01384 375934 or Butch for booking arrangements.
Finally the End of Season Disco will be held on Friday 17th November 2006 at Cradley Heath Labour Club at 8.00pm, there will be a light buffet. Entrance will be free (a raffle will be held towards cost).
Nathan Irwin, who rides for Boston, overcame a poor start to last Friday's David Nix Memorial Meeting to battle his way through to the final and win the coveted trophy in fine style at the Norfolk Arena in King’s Lynn.
The individual speedway meeting, held in memory of David Nix, lived up to its expectations and while most of the UK suffered tremendous storms and heavy rain, Norfolk Arena miraculously stayed dry and the enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a full evening of exciting racing. Nathan, who finished last in his first heat, put that disappointment behind him and made his way into the semi-final, which he won after two re-runs, and then sprinted away in the final to cross the line ahead of Mark Jones and James Birkinshaw who had both dominated the meeting up to then.
Last year’s
winner, Darren Mallett, nearly lost his chance to appear in the final. In the
first re-run of the semi he was leading well when the race was halted due to a
clash between Mark Thompson and Danny Betson. Thompson was excluded from the
second re-run and Mallett trailed in third with only the first two qualifying
for the final when, dramatically on the last bend, Betson’s machine failed and
Mallett flew past to take the last slot. However, the other three finalists were
too quick and Mallett had to be content with fourth place.
Full result:
Heat 1. D
Betson, B Burchatt, P Burnett, J Bethell (r) 65.1
Heat 2. D Mallett, A Bargh, K Ezergalis, N Irwin 63.2
Heat 3. M Thompson, B Compton, R Dennis, J Lamb 63.4
Heat 4. J Birkinshaw, M Jones, J Purchase, K Mason 63.3
Heat 5. M Thompson, A Bargh, J Bethell, K Mason 62.9
Heat 6. D Betson, J Birkinshaw, K Ezergalis, J Lamb 63.8
Heat 7. M Jones, D Mallett, P Burnett, R Dennis (f) 63.8
Heat 8. B Compton, N Irwin, B Burchatt, J Purchase 63.9
Heat 9. J Bethell, K Ezergalis, S Lambert (res), J Purchase 64.8
Heat 10. M Jones, D Betson, B Compton, A Bargh (r) 63.5
Heat 11. J Birkinshaw, N Irwin, M Thompson, P Burnett 63.7
Heat 12. D Mallett, B Burchatt, K Mason, J Lamb 64.8
Heat 13. J Burkinshaw, D Mallett, B Compton, J Bethell 64.3
Heat 14. N Irwin, D Betson, R Dennis, K Mason (r) 64.2
Heat 15. A Bargh, J Purchase, P Burnett, J Lamb 64.7
Heat 16. M Jones, K Ezergalis, B Burchatt, M Thompson 64.2
Heat 17. N Irwin, M Jones, J Bethell, J Lamb 64.8
Heat 18. M Thompson, D Betson, D Mallett, J Purchase 64.6
Heat 19. B Compton, K Ezergalis, K Mason, P Burnett 64.7
Heat 20. J Birkinshaw, R Dennis, A Bargh, W Dunworth (res) 65.3
Semi-Final. N
Irwin, D Mallett, D Betson (r), M Thompson (ex) 65.4
Final. N
Irwin, M Jones, J Birkinshaw, D Mallett 64.9
(r) = engine failure or retired, (f) = fell, (ex) = excluded, (res) = reserve rider
20th October 2006
The
2006 David Nix Memorial Speedway Meeting, held on 29 September at the King’s
Lynn Norfolk Arena, has raised over £1,400 for BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Gold
Appeal. Nearly 400 spectators enjoyed an evening of top class Conference League
Speedway with 16 riders vying for the coveted David Nix Trophy, won this year by
Nathan Irwin who rides for the Boston Barracuda Braves.
Since
David’s death, while riding at the Norfolk Arena in 2002, his father Patrick
has organised an annual memorial meeting raising funds for children’s
charities, this year benefiting the local radio station’s charitable trust,
set up to send children to see the real Father Christmas in Lapland.
Patrick
said: “I would like to thank all the riders that took part and everyone who
helped, either by sponsoring heats, giving their time, volunteering, spectating
or by donating prizes for the raffle, for making the evening yet another
success.”
CLUB CH NEWS FOR 2007
To kick off the New Year the
AGM will be held at Cradley Heath Labour Club, Graingers Lane, Cradley
Heath
on Thursday 8th March 2007 at 7.45pm. The first part of the evening will be
taken by the AGM, Club CH business then followed by a mini-quiz.
To be discussed at the AGM
-
Finance - membership fees, coach fees
Re-Election of Committee
Trips - ideas for coach trips with suggested dates so far - Good
Friday 6th April - Bank Holiday Monday 27th August, another one to be
decided upon when fixtures are known - End of Season Disco. Any
other business - Future of Club CH.
Once again we will be making our
annual coach trip to Cardiff for the British Grand Prix at the Millennium
Stadium on June 30th 2007.
For more information please contact Ian or Margaret
September 2007
Club CH have
announced plans for the remaining trips and events for the 2007 season. A coach
will run to the Premier League Riders Final at Swindon on 30th September, as
long as there are at least 25 people travelling. The coach will leave from
outside Cradley Heath Labour Club, Graingers Lane 3 hours prior to the meeting
start time. The official start time is as yet to be confirmed. Anyone wishing to
travel with the Heathens supporters coach should contact either Ian on 07988
479087 or Margaret on 01384 375934, no later than 15th September.
The club are also considering running a coach to the indoor meeting at Brighton
on Sunday 9th December2007. If there is enough interest the plan would be to
attend just the afternoon meeting. Departure time would be 9am and once again,
anyone wishing to join this trip should contact Ian on or Margaret to register
their interest.
The annual End of Season Disco has also been arranged. The date for your diaries
is Friday 23rd November at Cradley Heath Labour Club. From 8:00 til late, there
will be a light buffet, free admission and everyone is welcome.
1st July 2008
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR CLUB CH MEMBERS
Club CH Archive 1999 - 2000 Club CH Archive 2001 - 2003