The Premier Speedway Club recently held their end of season function where Life members and Officials gathered to reminisce on the season just passed.
The function is where the annual club awards are presented. This year three members were awarded Life Membership.
These included our long-standing lap scorers Debbie & Michael Ricketts and former General Manager David Mills.
Debbie and Michael Ricketts have been involved at Premier Speedway spanning across thirty years. It was at Premier Speedway where they met each other, later becoming husband and wife. The ‘Ricketts’ manage the role of lap scoring, a role handed down from Michael’s parents. It isn’t the electronic system they operate, it is the manual method that is still used as a back up to the electronic timing system.
As a husband and wife team they do a fantastic job, a role they reliably complete in a very professional manner.
Many would be familiar with the role and contribution David Mills has made to the Premier Speedway Club over his fifteen years as General Manager. However, many would likely not be aware of the amount of voluntary contribution he made outside of his employment with the club. It is this contribution that earned David Life Membership.
As club volunteers aged or moved on ‘Millsy’ would take on these roles, including tasks such as mowing grass or setting up the sprinklers and watering the grounds.
Even post his employment with the club ‘Millsy’ remains involved as an Official, often seen on the infield helping out the team in whatever way he can.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Premier Speedway Club Life Membership recipients and we look forward to your continued support and involvement with Premier Speedway for many years to come.
Club President Richard Parkinson awarded his annual President’s Award to the person who he believes has made a significant contribution to the club during the year. This year’s Presidents Award recipient is Kevin Thwaites.
‘Thwaitesy’ as he is affectionately known around the club spends countless hours at the venue. His main role is maintaining our pristine grass and hanging our flags however Thwaitesy does so much more to ensure we are prepared for the events. Whether it is preparing our rescue vehicles or doing maintenance he gets in and helps out.
Thank you Kevin, for your commitment and the hours you spend at Premier Speedway.