Happy New Year
Its been a while since we updated the site but plenty has been going on behind the scenes.
12.02.08
Premiers goes global
Redditch Premiers seems to be an International set up these days, not to mention attracting some big name riders. Check out new recruits Kelvin Batey, Dale Holmes and Liam Batey representing in the California sunshine, they know where its at.
and our own Greg Dunn reppin in Barcelona.
Funding success
We have made some considerable progress with funding. As things stand we have over half the money we need thanks to Redditch Borough Council, GKN and O2 'its your community' awards. Heres some of the news thats been in the local newspaper which will tell you more about this.(paper clippings) You can read more about our award from O2 and Community funding at www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk
Two Seasons Full Speed Jam
We also had the FULL SPEED JAM at Redditch Skatepark, our fundraising event back in October last year which was very generously sponsored by TWO SEASONS who provided plenty of prizes and prize money. There was a great turn out which helped raise some much needed funds for the Club. Some amazing riding went down. Most notable was Larry Lamoty's double whip over the volcano, Ollie Dale's tailwhip transfer from the vert to the adjacent quarter, and Ben Sutor's smooth riding style and ridiculously high hops which helped him take yet another highest hop contest and a pair of Vans shoes to boot, check this link to some great photos of the day thanks to Richard Robottom.
Whats Next?
The next steps in our quest for the track is getting planning permission, and putting together a service level agreement with RBC. This is probably the most important part of the whole process and can take time. There is alot to consider, and to get correct legally. Once we have past these obstacles and raised the remainder of the funds for the full project, work can finally begin on the track (we all hope) so be patient riders of Redditch and the Midlands, we will get there eventually.
Premiers at Peterborough
Here is one last pic of a few of us at Peterborough Winter Regional that took place last month, along with a race report of how Premiers riders faired.
Riders on the day were... Darcy Taylor who was ripping all day, that girl is getting fast and was getting the better of most of the boys 1st,2nd and 3rds in her motos and I think we had her 5th in her Final.
Harley Taylor riding up an age group or 2 had the gate dialled, taking 2 moto wins and a 2nd, one win from gate 8, come final time some how Harley had gate 8 again which didnt seem right, he didnt care though and proceeded to do what he had done in his moto, snap everyone and come across to the inside into second, unfortunaley he slipped his pedals before the first corner, but battled back well showing power down a ridiculously cut up and boggy last staright to take 5th.
onto Cruisers and Formula 1. Andy Taylor, Greg Dunn, and our very own 50+ man Factory Bri, Brian Thombs sporting his factory ONE race kit wearing the Batey shirt and on board his new ONE cruiser.
Greg was looking super strong on the power first straight at P'boro. Two 2nds, 3rd and a 5th saw him easily into the semis, Andy was having a little trouble with the gate or the start hill pad to be more accurte wheel spins were the order of a very wet day, but with his power and determination a 1st and a 2nd in two of his four motos saw him through aswell.
The semis were fairly evenly balanced, Andy in Semi one mid pack going into the second corner managed to consolidate 4th. Greg didnt quite manage the starts he'd been getting in his motos and got squeezed coming out of gate 6, that was enough to see him miss out.
Finals time and Big Bri lined up in the C final and was happy to be racing against some guys of his own ability coming 5th and NOT last. Having to settle for the B final Greg got 2nd just pipping my mate Miles Kirby at the line and if the finish line had been another 2 metres futher away Greg would have took the win. As the A final lined up I though Andy had a great
chance of taking it, really any one of 6 guys could take the win, but Andy yet again wheel span at the start and that was game over. He tried to rally a charge but had to settle for 7th. A great days racing at a very muddy Peterborough roll on the next race.
15.6.07
Open Evening.
We would like to invite you to our presentation evening to witness an exciting new development for Redditch young people. Due to the seven-year success of Redditch skatepark, the Redditch Wheels Project charity are expanding and developing an Olympic standard BMX racetrack to be included with the skatepark headed by Redditch Premiers BMX club as part of our five-year development plan.
You will have a chance to view the displays including BMX bikes and meet the people involved.
There will be a bar and buffet too!
The programme for the evening will be…
7pm Doors open – view presentation stands and BMX equipment.
7.30pm Welcome and introduction by the Mayor of Redditch Cllr David Hunt.
PowerPoint presentation, talk and videos.
The unveiling of the new BMX track design.
Guest Speakers- TBC
9pm Buffet an Bar and finish
Starts 7pm Wednesday 20th June 2007
The Civic Suite,
Redditch Borough Council,
Town Hall,
Walter Stranz Square,
Town Centre,
Redditch, B98 8AH
Email: info@redditchskatepark.co.uk
Telephone (01527) 524550
17. 4.07
Hi everyone,
We thought it was about time we updated you all on whats been happening with Redditch Premeirs BMX Club.
Summer is just around the corner and the various Summer BMX Series around the Country have already got under way. Round 1 of the Midland Regional Series was held at Rotherham 2 weeks ago, a big showing from James Day(Urban Air) was the highlight of a small Redditch Premiers contingent. He took the win and tops the Midland rankings in his age group at this early point in the season. Round 1 of the UK National series in Cheddar is two weeks away, the same weekend as the first Round of the European BMX Series.
With kind support(loan of the start gate) from the guys at Warwick University Mountainbike Club. Starting in May we will be holding gate practice at Leamington Spa's Campion Hills BMX Track, on a weekday evening (tbc) starting time will be around 7 o'clock. We plan to run this weekly throughout the Summer.
We are going to be using the old NPS 4x gate as used in the Leamington Winter series (www.leamington4x.co.uk).
The cost will be £1 for under 16's and £2 for 16's and over, all funds will go to the costs of running the Club nights and also show that the Club has a steady stream of income which helps to show we have sustainability as a Club. There will be a disclaimer form that you will need to sign before participating and anyone under 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign this, we will have at least one approved first aider present on the evenings. Riders participating must ensure they are wearing the required protective gear. For further enquiries or if you would like me to email a disclaimer form you can contact me electronically at batbmx25@yahoo.co.uk and check back here for confirmation of dates and times very soon.
Now to the part where you can help
Redditch Premiers have been working for 12 months now to get the old BMX track in Redditch re-built to a National standard. Both Redditch Borough Council, including many Councillors and our local MP, and Labour Cabinet Minister MP Jacqui Smith have shown tremdous support the facility and have continued to work very closely with the Club, as have British Cycling. We are in the process of applying for grants to fund the construction of the track and also to fund all the equipment required such as Air Ram system and start gate, storage containers, tools, fencing, bikes and helmets, and British Cycling coaching courses so beginners can get involved.
This has been a long process and we have worked hard over the last 12 months to get where we are now. Part of the application process requires us to evidence that the activity we are trying to fund is something that local people want, this obviously improves our chances of getting the funding.
So If you live in or around the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire, and a fully functional National BMX/Mountainbike facility, offering regular Club nights, coaching, and ocassional Regional and National events, all of which will promote worthwhile, fun and healthy activities for children and adults of all ages and gender, then please email or send your comments and support for the construction of the facility and funding for the equipment required to run successful Club nights and coaching sessions.
Include your name, age, area you live (i.e Redditch, Birmingham, Leamington etc) and a brief paragraph on why this would be a good facility for the community and for you personally, why would you use the facility? and how will it benefit the local community? All contact details are available on this site so you can write or email.
And finally for this update, after working with our British Cycling Regional Development Officer Nick Yarworth the Club has now been registered as a 'GO RIDE' Club and we are now working towards full accreditation. for more information on 'GO RIDE' go to www.britishcycling.org.uk .
Redditch Premiers BMX Club would like to wish everyone all the best for this Season.
Regards
Benn Thombs
Chairman
Redditch premiers BMX Club
1.11.06
Part 2 of the Kelvin Batey interview posted
18.10.06
New interview just posted, Kelvin Batey part 2 to follow next week.
22.8.06
We have just posted our first interview. Freshly back from the worlds with a W4 plate, Andy Shaw.
17.5.06
Club Launch
History: In the beginning England first experienced BMX in 1980 when Geoff Wiles was sent over to the USA by the Halford's head-office based in Redditch, near Birmingham. His mission was to check out and assess a new cycle sport called Bicycle Motocross - "BMX". He was, "Blown away" by what he saw and immediately on his return kick started operations to build a BMX track in Redditch to duplicate what he saw in the States and to set-up the first UK race.
Being the first official track to be built in the UK, Redditch was "The Blue Print" and hundreds of tracks soon appeared across the U.K.
Regional and National races soon followed and the Americans came over for the first international race meeting, called the "Anglo-American Cup". BMX legends such as Harry Leary, Stu Thompson, Clint Miller and a 15-year-old Gary Ellis raced against the British underdogs such as Andy Ruffell, Tim March and local boys Matt White, and Gary and Mark O'Conner. This day went down in history when top British rider Tim March won a head-to-head against BMX legend Harry Leary - becoming the first British rider ever to beat an American Pro!
April 2006: The Club has now reformed under the historic name of "REDDITCH PREMIERS". Notable names involved with the Club include, Scott Beaumont, Benn Thombs, Si Paton, Andy Shaw, Geth Shooter and many top old skool riders from around the West Midlands.
The main aim of the Club is to demonstrate to the local community that they can channel their energy and enthusiasm into a safe, exciting and low cost sport that can be enjoyed by all. A dedicated off road track facility for both BMX and Mountain bikes would organically encourage them to challenge themselves! Instant motivation to get off their backsides and off the street corners to develop their bike handling skills, personal fitness, making new friends and ultimately inputting value into their community and the numerous social benefits that brings.
The Club is Affiliated to British Cycling (BC) and is in the process of becoming a Go Ride Club with them which will then allow regular coaching sessions from qualified coaches and regular practise sessions. Redditch Premiers are currently in advanced talks with Redditch Borough Council, the local Redditch community and British Cycling to move forward together to provide a BMX track for all to enjoy.
FREE MEMBERSHIP: Redditch Premiers are currently offering free Membership to the Club for prospective riders. Being a British Cycling affiliated club you can apply for your British Cycling Membership and racing licence through Redditch Premiers and take advantage of all BC's offerings. We are also pleased to announce club members can receive discounts from local prominent cycle retails stores for both BMX and Mountain bikes, such as www.Descent-Gear.com.
To become a member of Redditch Premiers for free you will need to complete a membership form which is available by e-mailing batbmx25@yahoo.co.uk before August 31st 2006 to gain that valuable free membership.
See you down the track!
Best Regards.
Si Paton..
Si "Superfly" Paton.
www.Descent-Gear.com
www.Descent-World.co.uk
0121 422 1032
07968 229 359
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