Oaktree Arena
{{Short description|British speedway venue}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox stadium
| name = Oaktree Arena
| nickname =
| image = File:Oak Tree Arena, Edithmead (geograph 3854484).jpg
| location =
| coordinates = {{coord|51|13|49|N|2|57|21|W|}}
| opened = 2000
| renovated =
| expanded =
| closed = 2021
| owner =
| operator =
| surface = Speedway (shale)
| tenants = Somerset Rebels (2000–2019)
}}
The Oaktree Arena was a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England.Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. {{ISBN|0-7524-2210-3}} It is {{convert|300|m|yd}} in length, with banking around the edge for spectators and is built alongside the M5 motorway.{{cite web|title=Contact and how to find us|url=http://www.somersetrebels.co/contactus.php|publisher=Somerset Rebels|access-date=30 September 2016}} There is also a restaurant used for weddings and events.{{cite web|title=The Oaktree|url=http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/guide/oaktree.php|publisher=Burnham on Sea|access-date=30 September 2016}} It is also used for property auctions,{{cite web|title=Property & Land Auctions|url=http://www.tamlynsprofessional.co.uk/property-and-land-auctions|publisher=Tamlyns Professional|access-date=30 September 2016}} car boot sales,{{cite web|title=Oak Tree Arena Car Boot Sale|url=http://www.ukcarboot.co.uk/car_boot_sales/5-000225.php|publisher=UK Car Boots|access-date=30 September 2016}} a golf driving range and a boxing gym.{{cite web|title=The Oaktree|url=http://www.whatsonbristol.co.uk/Weddings/Wedding%20Venues/The%20Oaktree|publisher=What's On Bristol|access-date=30 September 2016}}
History
The speedway track, which was constructed in 1999 by Australian speedway rider Glyn Taylor, opened for speedway in time for the Somerset Rebels team to race in the Conference League.{{cite news |title=New opponents |work=Cambridge Daily News |date=14 April 1999 |access-date=16 May 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003740/19990414/035/0035 | via = British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription }}
The Somerset Rebels team were founded by promoter Andy Hewlett and entered the 2000 Speedway Conference League.
{{cite book | last = Lethbridge | first = T | title = Speedway in the South West | publisher = NPI Media Group | date = January 2004 | isbn = 0-7524-2915-9}} Hewlett had been searching for a venue in Somerset to host speedway for some time, when he was offered the site by a local farmer who had hosted banger meetings (cars) there a couple of times.{{cite web|title=Somerset: Dickson to Remain at Oak Tree Arena|url=http://www.speedwaygb.co/news.php?extend.2416.8|publisher=Speedway Great Britain|access-date=30 September 2016}}{{cite news|title=Hancock gains promoter's licence|url=http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/skittles-night-oak-tree/story-12304265-detail/story.html|access-date=30 September 2016|work=Somerset Live|date=26 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|title=Speedway's Newest Promoter - The Girl with a Track in her Back Garden|url=http://www.bdjracing.co.uk/bdjrarchive/news/2009/2009_february.html|access-date=30 September 2016}}
Prior to the 2009 speedway season, the Somerset rebels team was purchased by Bill Hancock the owner, of the Oaktree Arena.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/mobile/motorsport/motorbikes/speedway/7785475.stm |title=Rebels' future secured by Hancock |website=BBC Sport |access-date=18 May 2024}}
In 2021, following difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue was closed by the owners, the Hancock family.{{cite web |url=https://www.burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk/news/19212392.oaktree-highbridge-sold-hancock-family/ |title=The Oaktree in Highbridge to be sold by Hancock family |website=Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News |access-date=18 May 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.oaktreearena.com/ Oak Tree Arena official website]
{{coord|51|13|49|N|2|57|21|W|region:GB-LND_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}}
{{Motorcycle speedway tracks}}
Category:Defunct speedway venues in England
Category:Sports venues in Somerset
Category:Sports venues completed in 2000