CLUB NEWS: Police fund to boost Monarchs future

The Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway club have successfully gained funding from the Active Citizens Fund through the Police and Crime Commission and West Midlands Police (WMPCC). This will enable the club to carry out much needed work.

Committee members met with Sargeant Andy Holder of Perry Barr and Oscott Police last week to discuss the plans for the year.

Club secretary, Tracy Arkinstall, who was largely responsible for the hard work in obtaining the funding, spoke about her delight at the news: “It’s such a boost for the club and I’m really pleased.

“We recently became a Go-Ride club again with British Cycling so the future looks bright for the Birmingham Monarchs. The Active Citizen Fund are helping us to purchase a new container, toilets, generator, track shale and some new bikes to convert for our youngest riders”.

Club chairman Phil Widdas also spoke of ‘hard work coming to fruition’ by adding: “Two years of hard work behind the scenes has set the foundation for this good news. We welcome the link up with the Police who recognise our hard work by making a difference within our community”.

Parent to Jake and Connor, Michelle Steel commented: “What a boost for the club, with the help of the police grant we will be able to improve all aspects of the club, from the track to facilities and hopefully recruit some new members too. Things can only get better for 2017”.

Work has already started on the track, with new shale ordered and that has already started to be laid, whilst foundations for the lighting have been added ahead of a planned planning permission proposal that the club are awaiting news on. All the signs so far are that the interuption to the neighbourhood would be minimal.

Birmingham number one, Chris Timms, also spoke of the positive steps forward: “I’ve been a part of the Monarchs now for 20 years and I’ve seen some great times and poor times!

“Unfortunately in the past we have struggled with vandals and never seemed to get much help to tackle it. It’s excellent to see the police take an interest in us, as the sport is great and is open to all ages, gender and abilities.

“The sport has made me who i am today. It’s given me confidence and discipline, and had a huge impact on my lifestyle, as I’m both very healthy and physically fit, plus I have made many friends world wide.

“I think the police can help our club further promote our sport within the community and give back all the benefits the sport has to give.”

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Cover photo by Andy Whitehouse