Coventry Bees Speedway - Brandon Stadium

Midland Red, Not Local, I bow to your knowledge, gentlemen.

On 12th July 1934 Brandon opened the season. There were also races on 19th July, 26th July and 2nd August. Per the CET.

Annewiggy, Brilliant. Thank you, that must have been on the 12th then. What a treat.

The first race at Brandon, on the old unfinished racing track, took place on Saturday 29th September 1928.

You're quite right, Anne. The dates I quoted were for "matches". In addition there were "open meetings", the first of which was, as you say, was on 12 July. A series of "Midland Daily Telegraph Cup Scratch Races" were held first, with Roy Dook the winner with three wins from his three starts. Bill Pitcher then won the "Brandon Open Handicap", beating Dook, Alec Statham and Stan Dell in the final.

I may have been there on that date. My daughter sent this to those who are interested.

Bees won 44-40 in a 14 heat match, and their scorers were: Bob Fletcher 9+1, Charlie New 1, Les Hewitt 8, Derrick Tailby 2, Johnnie Reason 9+1, Stan Williams 5+1, John Yates 7, Pete Brough 3+1. Riders in the second half included Wilf Plant, Alan Hailstone, Mick Blackburn and Pete Reason.

There is some sad news today, that former Bees rider Pete Gay has passed away in Auckland, New Zealand. He was seriously ill, having suffered severe burns in a house fire a few weeks ago, but succumbed to a chest infection in hospital yesterday. He was 81. RIP Pete

The Coventry Telegraph website reports yet another fire at Brandon. Not good.

Update - Response to owners' statement.

My humble opinion, for what it's worth, tells me the longer this issue is left the more damage and what comes with it (delinquents and the like) will take place and will invite trouble of every kind. If the public want a new Speedway area so be it. It was very popular before and at least it will be serving some purpose. It was a place of overwhelming enjoyment in my day. I can see it again with the rising population and what a grand opening to attend. Now in these turbulent times what more does the public need than something to lift spirits up, certainly not more high rises or student flats. I would like to know of the alternatives - when they finally make their minds up. Also in the building of, will it not create more work. I know this topic has been well discussed but I did say it was my humble opinion. Please don't hit me all at once. Methinks, there are too many greedy fingers in the pie.

Planning application LIVE - link. Anyone with an interest in the future of the stadium, please have a look at the link above

I have sent my letter of support to Rugby Council - you need to read the link to understand that this is a planning proposal to support the return of both Speedway and Stock Cars to Brandon.

This does look like the beginning of the end https://www.rugby.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/3499/download_the_agenda