Fans Forum overview

New Lakeside Hammers manager Will Pottinger was introduced to Hammers fans at a packed fans forum at the Thurrock Hotel this evening.

Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook started proceedings by introducing the new Hammers committee, Russell Keetch, Mark Sexton, Diane Allmark & Ian Smalley, who are working across a range of areas to improve as many aspects of the club as possible.

A summary of the main points from the committee and the Q&A with Jon and Will:

– Press and Practice will take place on Friday 23rd March. Due to H&S restrictions, this will be for invited press only, however a team photo opportunity will be provided for fans prior to the Lee Richardson Spring Trophy meeting that evening.

– A new Junior Hammers club is being launched (£10). A new section of the site will be launched within the next week with full details.

-The Thurrock Hotel is our preferred local hospitality Partner, and Hammers fans can use a discount rate (information will be provided soon)

-New commercial opportunities are progressing well.  (Sponsorship opportunities are still available!)

-The Hammers Community Programme, which has been running for 8 years, continues to go from strength to strength, with new initiatives being developed.

-A new Charity of the year will be announced soon.

-The club has developed an updated team badge, and minor re-branding.

-A range of posters and other assets will be available on the site as soon as possible after Press & Practice.

-All feedback previously submitted via the site is being evaluated and put in to action where possible.

-The club are always open to thoughts and ideas.  A feedback box will be added to the site.

-The club will continue to work closely with @Lakesidelive to push our social media & fan interaction

-New Merchandise via our partners ImageOn (samples on show tonight) will be available on the site in the next couple of weeks.

-Positive discussions have taken place with the new Raceway landlords regarding the future of the Hammers

-The Hammers are looking at ways of re-introducing the Academy track

-The Club captain will be confirmed in the next few weeks

-Season Ticket sales are positive to date.  The club will also look at season ticket vouchers for the 2019 season.

-Will has a good idea of the riding order (but is keeping it quiet!)

-Richard will be riding for the Hammers for the Good Friday fixtures

-Discussions are on-going with a number of riders for the Lee Richardson Memorial meeting #Rico.  We will begin to announce the line-up shortly.

-Junior Support Races will continue this season

-Any volunteers for a track working party, please get in touch (via the contact form on the Hammers Details page)

-We are always looking for track staff, again, please get in touch.

-The club will have a stall at the Celebration of Speedway event at the Paradise Wildlife park (Sunday 18th Feb)

-Nigel Pearson & Kelvin Tatum’s evening at the Paradise Wildlife Park (13th Feb) starts at 8pm (£10 on the door)

Our thanks go to all those who attended, and to the Thurrock Hotel for their hospitality.