CLUB NEWS: Wednesfield Aces and Dragons annual presentation evening
The 54th Wednesfield Aces and Dragons annual prize presentation evening was staged at a packed Gilberts Bar in Willenhall.
The theme of the night was “proud”, being proud of the club and its achievements over the years. A film show was presented to the packed room showing historic teams of the past, the club’s history and the pride in the achievements of the current riders and members.
Over two hundred riders and their families were in attendance as well as local councillors and sponsor of the club. Also invited were Lauren Hookway and Lukas Nowacki who along with Brandon Whetton each received their unofficial European Cycle Speedway champions jersey on behalf of Wednesfield Aces and Dash Trophies.
John Turner, director of club sponsor Linak Ltd, was presented with a framed replica of the new Aces shirt by club chairman Dave Jewkes.
Also presented with framed England shirts were Steve Vardon of Varlowe industries, sponsor of the England Cycle Speedway team for the 2017 Australian tour, and Neil Taylor of The Fox at Shipley who sponsors the Aces British Youth and Junior team, the Wednesfield Foxes.
The Aces riders were presented with replica trophies for their achievement of being crowned Midland league 1st Division winners, British Team winners and the last winners of the Knockout Cup.
The Wednesfield Dragons were unanimously voted as “team of the year “ having been led by team manager, Chris Jewkes to their best midland league finish since they were reformed; a great achievement from the days of always losing every match.
Roger Ellis was given a surprise presentation of the Brian Buck award by the Midland league for outstanding contribution to Midland Cycle Speedway, followed by Corey Burt receiving the Tuesday Club rider of the year award.
Club volunteer of the year awards were presented to Cindy Ellis and Craig “Burtie” Burt, who both work tirelessly behind the scenes and were well received by everyone on the night.
Most improved rider went to Lee Kemp, with Senior Rider of the Year awarded to British Champion Ben Mould. Junior European, British and BYJL champion Brandon Whetton was given a standing ovation when presented with the Wolverhampton city sports council merit award by Councillor Phil Bateman M.B.E, along with Tony Mullinder for his contribution to Wednesfield Aces.
Senior Club championship winners Lee Aris , Chris Jewkes , Brandon Whetton and vets winner Phil Hemmings were all presented with awards.
The Aces Lee Aris and Wayne Aris collected the Wolverhampton City’s Sports team of the year award, and finally, Wednesfield Legend Mark Griffiths collected the highest accolade the city awards, the H E Lloyd award for outstanding contribution to cycle speedway.
BYJL Coach Wayne Tipton proudly presented Georgia Burt with the Wednesfield Aces Young Rider of the year award. Georgia has raced in Division 3 , BYJL and Women’s league this season and is an ever present on training nights. Georgia, along with sister Megan and Adam Tipton, have taken on the role of mentor to the younger riders at the club.
Flowers were presented to Cindy, Jacque, Jess and Kerry for their hard work and hospitality given to the visitors of the club.
Thirty two Tuesday Club and British Youth and Junior League riders all received a trophy from club legend Roger Ellis along with the individual club Championship winners. Megan Burt is pictured below receiving her Under 12 club champions medal.
The presentation was followed by a second showing of the historic film show where the final slide is shown below with a message from all in the club to Paul Bodley founder of Wednesfield Aces.
