Smallbrook Stadium is not only back to normal but further improved thanks to the Share and Repair event held on Thursday following a series of break-ins at the sports and entertainment complex in Ryde.
As first reported by Island Echo, communication equipment, keys and other vital organisational equipment were stolen from Smallbrook Stadium on Friday night following a break-in. The heartbreak hit again when further damage was caused on Sunday night. A 17-year-old boy from Binstead and a 17-year-old girl from Newport have been arrested by Police.
Speaking about the event, Island Speedway (IOW) Ltd’s Chairman, Barry Bishop said:
“It’s now well documented the heartache the break-ins and damage caused throughout the community and my own personal sense of utter disbelief. However, I cannot contain my joy and appreciation of those who came to the Share and Repair event.
“Throughout the day, well over 50 people who had travelled from Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth and across the Isle of Wight, came along to Smallbrook to offer their time to fix the damage and repair the goodwill and support to the stadium from the Island and beyond. The support was not limited to speedway fans either, with a broad spectrum of stadium users and people from across the Island including a couple who had never previously been to Smallbrook Stadium, who in conversation seemed really overwhelmed with such a great facility on the Island.
“Even more of a welcome surprise was that workers were not limited to users of the Stadium but also sponsors of the Wightlink Warriors with Ryde Taxis MD Jodie Younie and Wightlink’s CEO Keith Greenfield both on hand to support the repair work.
“I am pleased to say that most the priority repairs were fixed by 2pm, and even after publicly saying the work was all but completed, people still came along because they wanted the stadium to be even better than before the break-in. Incredibly, the team continued with further painting and additional nice to have work as well as initial planning for more security fencing, improved wheelchair areas and more security lighting and cameras. All the hard work was rewarded in the Premier Lounge with a cold beer on the house.
“As a final word, I would like to thank everyone that came forward to support the Share and Repair event and to help fix Smallbrook. This along with the pledges of future support to continue to grow the acorn we planted has come as a total surprise and it really does show that we are always stronger together. Thank you.”
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