CLUB NEWS: Hellingly score huge council grant

Hellingly Lions have recently been awarded a £4,000 grant from Wealden District Council community grants scheme.

This coincides with a number of off-track changes including the formation of a committee that has seen “Mr Hellingly” himself, George Hollebon, step down from the main roles at the club after 65 years involvement in the world’s oldest surviving cycle speedway club. The grant will enable the club to purchase a number of new bikes and equipment.

Team manager and rider of over 30 years, Martyn Hollebon said: “The club is in the process of purchasing up to twelve new bikes, these will range from junior to senior sizes, this will enable age ranges from 7 upwards to come and try the sport”.

Club Chairman, Barry Carpenter added: “We will very soon be in a position to offer our range of club activities to a larger number of participants. If there are any groups, youth clubs, cubs and scouts, brownies and guides or any other groups that are interested in coming and trying cycle speedway, we would welcome them over please contact us at hellinglylionscyclespeedway@btinternet.com.

“I would like to thank Michelle Gray and the team at Wealden for their help and assistance in securing this grant.”

More good news to be coming shortly, as the club is in the process of securing a long term (25 year) lease of our home track in conjunction with Hellingly Parish Council.

This provides the club the security of our home since 1951 and we have a number of projects that we will be working on in the near future to enhance our proud club.