Founded 1889
Updated 04 December 2009
LATEST: Details of the official opening of Bettshanger 27 May 07 14-12-06 BETTSHANGER COLLIERY (Near Deal Kent) As some of you are aware a new cycle racing circuit is being planned on part of the old colliery land. There is a fund of around £18.8 million to finance the whole of the recreational area being developed. Cycling will play a major part in this project and is headed by Malcolm Whitehead VC Deal, who some of you know. The cycling part of the overall structure is under way, plans are more or less finalised for the circuit (I hope the plan I have can be reproduce for the DLN and Website ) It's configuration is basically a figure eight design giving options of about 6 different circuits(clockwise anti clockwise etc.).The smaller circuit is fairly well sheltered and the wooded area in the centre will be a conservation area and will be fenced off. The larger circuit is exposed and will certainly sort the men out from the boys. The total combined circuit is approximately 2 miles. I have ridden over the proposed circuit at the initial invitation site meeting for cyclist, but have no intentions of taking up circuit racing but hope to ride a few 10 mile TT's. Around the perimeter of the racing track will be a cycle path for leisure cycling, which will be shared with walkers. There will also be BMX, MTB and cyclo- cross areas/courses. For local residents it will provide a community centre and no doubt other facilities. A grandstand/ pavilion and a storage building for cycle equipment may require further funding, but it is envisaged that the track will be completed by the end of this year. This is a exciting and ambitious project and Malcolm Whitehead is to be congratulated for the time & effort that he is putting into it. He would appreciate constructive positive comments, observations, and in the near future, hands on assistance would be, no doubt, of great help to him. Whilst this circuit is situated in the depths of East Kent, it is not a million miles away. For some of you it would take no longer than getting to Eastways ( straight down the A2 / M2 turning off just before Dover -1 hour from Bexley). I feel that the De Laune should support this project - especially bearing in mind (attention all those who have ridden the Kent League) the current road racing situation. I went to a meeting just before Christmas, there were representatives from most of the East Kent clubs, plus Mick Cooper (Old Kent) and myself. We will all be kept up to date, by Malcolm, as the project progresses and I am willing to continue as our club's representative. However, having no experience of circuit racing, as time goes by, somebody else from our club could be of more use to Malcolm. I have mentioned this to Pete Harris and perhaps he, or Matt Goodes (1 hour to the meeting Matt!!) or a volunteer might wish to attend future meetings ( I can put them up for the night) Please contact me if you have any questions on Tele. 01227 373045. Malcolm Adams.
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