CULT HEROES

Poole Pirates owner Matt Ford fulfilled a 'lifelong' ambition yesterday when he eventually met up with his favourite group The Cult in the U.S.A.

Ford, who was taking an advantage of a break in the Pirates' fixture schedule, headed for Florida to see the group perform for the upteemth time, but this occasion saw him actually get to meet Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury.

(picture shows l to r Billy Duffy, Matt Ford and Ian Astbury)

"We got talking in the pre-show 'meet and greet' and both Billy and Ian were aware of speedway and indeed both had good things to say about the sport. As a child Billy often went along to Belle Vue to enjoy the racing and when they learnt that I was the Promoter of Poole they instantly asked me to keep in touch with them about the club's fortunes. It is crazy really that I have seen The Cult so many times - the first time was way back in 1985 and I guess I have been to dozens of gigs ever since - but this was the first opportunity I had to meet the guys in person. They are fabulous guys and right now I feel as though I am walking on air having met my heroes. It just goes to show too that speedway is known out there in many circles. I will certainly be in regular contact with the lads now to let them know about the Pirates."

The chance meeting comes in the anniversary week of Ford's original involvement with Poole Speedway for it was 18 years ago when his then company, Hair Arena tied up a club sponsorship deal with the Pirates.