Wimbledon grand re-opening this Thursday.

With the summer weather finally upon us, a large crowd is expected to witness the grand re-opening of Wimbledon Speedway on Thursday evening when Wolverhampton are the visitors.

To celebrate the occasion, a trio of former Dons stars - Olle Nygren, Trevor Hedge and Bert Harkins have accepted invitiations to be guests of honour at the re-opening meeting.

With the summer weather finally upon us, a large crowd is expected to witness the grand re-opening of Wimbledon Speedway on Thursday evening when Wolverhampton are the visitors.

To celebrate the occasion, a trio of former Dons stars - Olle Nygren, Trevor Hedge and Bert Harkins have accepted invitiations to be guests of honour at the re-opening meeting.

Nygren, the "Grandfather of Swedish Speedway" captained the Dons between 1965-68 and led them to the first of their hat-trick of Knockout Cup successes. He was the first of the Swedish world class riders and reached numerous World Finals. For many years he has been associated with his riding school at King's Lynn.

Hedge rode for Wimbledon for ten seasons from 1965 to 1974 and is the second highest points scorer in Wimbledon history (only topped by Ronnie
Moore). His finest hour was victory in the prestigious 1969 Wills Internationale at a packed Plough Lane and this was followed twelve months later by an appearance in the 1970 World Final at Wroclaw.

Harkins, one of the most popular riders to have worn the famous red and yellow has also agreed to attend the opening meeting. "Bertola" had three seasons with the London side in the mid-seventies and also rode with distinction for Edinburgh, Coatbridge, Wembley, Sheffield and Milton Keynes as well as a short spell in the sunshine of Los Angeles.

The Fulham Brass Band will provide pre-meeting entertainment and play a series of household favourites culminating with the traditional "Blaze Away.." at 7.30pm.

Over 420 tonnes of shale will have been laid on the new 250 metre circuit by the time the tapes rise for the opening heat. This mammoth task has been
performed by respected trackman Colin Meredith who has worked alongside Wimbledon Speedway plc director Pete Gower in spending hour upon hour
getting the track ready for top class speedway.

Gower paid tribute to the expertise of Meredith: "Colin is a supreme professional and has worked tremendously hard in producing a top quality
circuit that should give all Dons fans a track to be proud of."

The Wimbledon management would also like to publicly thank Swindon Speedway for their support in allowing Colin Meredith to remain at Plough Lane this week, so ruling him out from similar duties at Blunsdon this thursday. The Swindon Sprockets can be sure of a warm welcome when they visit south west London in the coming months.

Application packs to purchase shares in Wimbledon Speedway plc will sent out to all interested parties this coming week. In this the first public rights
issue of shares involving a speedway club, shares are available in minimum lots of ?25 to all members of the Wimbledon Speedway Supporters Club (WSSC).

All speedway supporters are invited to join the WSSC this coming Thursday at the Track Shop situated on the first floor of the Main Grandstand where share application packs will also be made available for collection in person.

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