As part of the BCSC Project 2000 plan 3 regions have been formed, and the South & East region met up to plan for the year ahead.
The region faces a problem in that every one of the 13 clubs has different requirements. Some are prepared to travel further than others. Some have enough riders for a 2nd team, others struggle for one. Some clubs are much stronger on the track than others, and unlike some sports, big predictable wins are not in the sport's interest.
However, amicable discussions attempted to solve all and it looks like the region will split into 2 divisions. These will run alongside the existing East Anglian league, for the Suffolk & Norfolk clubs, while another league is expected for London & Essex clubs. It sounds a little messy but it should enable clubs to select how much and what level of racing they require.
One rule the new region hopes to pioneer is to allow clubs to have stand-by reserves. This means that teams may have more than the usual 8 riders, and replace anyone with a stand-by reserve as they desire (a maximum of 3 times).
Regional Officer Terry Ashford will be assisted by Pete Ingram & Steve Harvie on the committee, while Brian Thompson (Fixtures), Mel Perkins (Treasurer) & Gary Brown (League Recorder) will also play vital roles.
18-11-98 New Team for 99?
There could be a new Suffolk team next year after Peter Ingram gave a talk on the sport to Ufford Youth Club members.
"The overall consenses of opinion was that they were all very interested and they have some land available on grass at present and also in the future there is a possibilty of a pukka track near the footy pitch. I have suggested that I go back in the spring, to set out a track and sort out some racing, and they will progress from there" reported Ingram.
31-8-98 Nice shirt wins
The new Somersham club shirts were given their debut at no less an event than the British Finals weekend, and what a great omen, with Richard Williamson winning the U-16 Final. The new yellow & red colour scheme (a combination from the Trimley & Somersham merged teams) was worn proudly by Williamson, who put some inconsistent performances behind him and his season right back on track.
15-4-98 Rain stops play
Neither of the first 2 EAL matches were completed as heavy rain during fixtures at Hethersett & Gt Blakenham rapidly turned conditions into something more suitable for boats rather bikes. The Suffolk Final was also called off, without the tapes having risen. But at least the bikes & bodies didn't need another bath!
04-3-98 Suffolk Clubs Join Forces
With riders in Suffolk short of top level league racing, local clubs are joining forces to enable their riders to race against alternative opposition. A 'Suffolk Select' will invite clubs of Eastern Counties League teams to participate in challenge matches on the same day as Gt. Blakenham compete in their ECL Combination matches. Instigators Paul Jay and Peter Ingram point out that it is not an amalgamation, and is purely to give keen Suffolk riders extra high level racing.
02-3-98 Kesgrave Cycle Speedway Club AGM