Last-ditch deal for Berwick Bandits speedway club

Nov 17 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A NORTH speedway club which seemed destined for extinction has been saved at the last minute. A consortium came forward and completed a speedy deal to buy the Berwick Bandits from owner Peter Waite late on Saturday night.

The Northumberland club had appeared to be doomed after Mr Waite put it up for sale last month for personal reasons.

A deadline of midnight last Wednesday passed without any serious offers.

Mr Waite has spent the last few days at the British Speedway Promoters’ Association annual general meeting in Spain, where he had to tell the sport’s chiefs whether or not the club was to compete in the Premier League in 2009.

The Journal reported on Saturday how the Bandits’ promoter was planning to seek an extension in a last-ditch bid to find a saviour for the club.

But over the weekend, he was contacted by the consortium following which a deal was agreed in time to inform the association that Berwick will be competing next season.

The new promotional company is led by John Anderson, of Anderson’s Quality Butchers of North Berwick, and Lynda Waite, owner of the Cornhill Village Shop, Northumberland.

Both parties have been long-term sponsors and supporters of the Bandits.

Mr Anderson, who is based in Dunbar, will be joined as a promoter by sons Ryan and Cameron.

Last night, Mr Waite said: “Thankfully all has finally gone to plan. It has taken a mountain of work to pull the final strings together, but at last we’re there.

“It was really tough securing this deal, but the fans – and the town of Berwick – can rest assured that their speedway will continue in 2009.

“I cannot thank John Anderson and Lynda Waite and the rest of their consortium enough for coming along so enthusiastically with this deal.

“Their efforts must never be underestimated, especially as it was all a last-minute thing.”

The Bandits were founded in 1968 and have competed for 41 consecutive seasons, with Mr Waite taking over in 1999.

The new owners have taken charge of the Shielfield Park club with immediate effect.

The club’s new owners could not be contacted for comment yesterday.