SUPPORTERS of the Coventry Bees speedway team are invited to attend an open public survey as part of the Coventry Observer’s ongoing campaign to ‘Save Our Bees’.
On Sunday, October 1, we will be asking residents living near to the speedway venue a handful of simple tickbox questions that will take seconds to answer.
And we’re inviting all speedway and stock car fans to join us and help collect as many answers as possible.
Similar to our gathering outside the stadium in March, we will meet outside the stadium’s main entrance.
Our survey will take place from 12.30pm until 2.30pm – though fans are invited to show their face in support of our campaign from midday.
Observer reporter Shaun Reynolds – who is leading the Save Our Bees campaign – said: “Please do not feel that if you come you must help us in asking questions.
“We only require a dozen volunteers to help ask key questions we want to know the answers to.
“I’d welcome all fans to attend on October 1 and would be interested to hear stories from years gone by about the Bees.
“All fans we met in March had a story to tell, it was wonderful to hear. But at the same time it was heartbreaking to know these memories will not, at the present time, be added to.”
Launched in February, our Save Our Bees campaign calls on all relevant institutions to support:
1. Getting the world-famous Coventry Bees back on track for the 2018 SGB Premiership season.
2. Ensuring a long-term plan is developed so the Bees can look forward to a bright future away from their Brandon home once a potential lease ends.
Earlier this year, it was revealed by the British Speedway Promoters Association that Bees’ 2017 SGB Premiership season was over before a wheel had been turned.
The news ended 88 years of speedway history in Coventry and broke the hearts of generations of fans who regularly attended the club’s Friday night fixtures at Coventry Stadium throughout the summer months.
The club has been home to some of the sport’s greatest ever riders including Ole Olsen, Tommy Knudsen, Greg Hancock, Chris Harris and the late Lee Richardson.
Nigel Boocock was another rider to have proudly sported the Coventry Bees jacket – his achievements at Coventry Stadium were highlighted at a special memorial service in January 2016.
Since forming, the Bees have won 36 major championships – including the Elite League, British League, Midland Cup, British League Knockout Cup, Craven Shield and more.
In 2010, the Bees won the Elite League Playoff Championship in dramatic style against the Poole Pirates – after spending much of that season positioned at the lower end of the Elite League table.
Tens of thousands of fans used to turn out each week to watch the still world-famous club in action, with crowds peaking at higher than 25,000 during the sport’s heyday in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Pictures: Chris Simpson and Jeff Davies.
