BMX club 'open to all' as it celebrates 45 years

A BMX club hoped to encourage more people to join as it celebrated 45 years.

Ipswich BMX club, based in Landseer Road, Suffolk, was established in 1980 and has produced a number of talents who went on to represent Great Britain at national and global competitions.

The club operates as a not for profit charity and had previously built a new track and club house, but it now hoped to do even more.

Club secretary, Tracey Reeve, said she felt the club as a whole helped to benefit the local community.

"We would love to have a disabled strip in front of the fencing which would enable disabled people, or those with accessibility needs, to be able to stand and watch," Miss Reeve said.

"At the minute, the ground is very uneven and it gets a bit damp on the path.

"We're trying to get the kitchen finished off so we can sell our own food and drink as opposed to having to have vendors.

"We're also trying to work towards trying to get a national BMX race at our track."

Miss Reeve said the club hoped to host that race next year, but it required "a lot of groundwork" first.

The club also wanted to get more schools involved, Miss Reeve said.

"We have so many of the community's children here every day and every night who come to play on the track and ride," she continued.

"It's fantastic that they can do something and be with other children rather than being out on the streets."

The club relied on the local government to keep its facilities safe and fit for purpose.

Miss Reeve thanked the county councillors who used their facility pots to contribute to the development of their track and clubhouse and later went on to thank the Ipswich Borough Council who it leased the land from.

She said both councils had done "a really good job to help and support" them.

Anyone interested in trying the sport was encouraged to come to its taster event on Sunday between 13:00 GMT and 14:30.

It is open to everyone of all ages "whether they've got a bike or not", and the club is able to help with equipment.

The club also offers advanced development sessions for those with more experience.

Mark Steele, one of the club's coaches, revealed he "just wants to see the children grow in confidence" and they often helped him improve his own riding skills.

"We had possibly eight riders go to the world championships in Glasgow and that is the aim for every rider," he said.

He added that the sessions "keep the kids fit and healthy" while bringing "smiles for miles".

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