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| International Star | 3 | No
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| Feb 2012 | 13 years | |
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| May 2012 | Apr 2012 | LINK |
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Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking... |
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Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking... | |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 27039 | No
Team
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| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Aug 2005 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Sep 2017 | Sep 2017 | LINK |
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Quote London Trinity="London Trinity"Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking...'"
Thats the first time i have seen or heard of that cycle track, what a amazing photo, thanks very much. |
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Quote London Trinity="London Trinity"Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking...'"
Thats the first time i have seen or heard of that cycle track, what a amazing photo, thanks very much. | |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 15521 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Mar 2010 | 15 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| May 2020 | May 2020 | LINK |
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| Quote London Trinity="London Trinity"At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking...'"
Indeed - it's a pity that an organisation like, say, the RFL don't have a policy of preserving 'iconic' rugby league grounds that are at risk of being lost... |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 594 | No
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| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Jan 2012 | 13 years | |
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| Apr 2014 | Apr 2014 | LINK |
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First time for me as well viewing the cycle track.
Thanks for that.
A fully renovated Belle Vue would also be my first choice
But never mind , see you all at Newmarket.
What a tortuous wait.
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 14111 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2006 | 19 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jul 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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Quote London Trinity="London Trinity"Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking...'"
Wonderful images of the ground. Wish it still looked like that |
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Quote London Trinity="London Trinity"Hello there
I found these gems of Belle Vue a while back – hard to believe that there used to be a cycling track round the ground, which accounts for old the old sunken terracing at the front.
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... lleVue.jpg
This one is from the 1960’s I guess...
i180.photobucket.com/albums/x100 ... leVue1.jpg
I first attended Belle Vue in 1985 with my Dad and, having been handed my free programme (little realising that this equated to the desperate state the club was in), went through the turnstiles to the left of what seemed to be massive West Stand. I remember walking through the through the corridor at the back of it and also going under the stand. It was a match towards the end of the season and nobody seems to have been bothered. Apparently the stand used to have four chimneys at the rear.
When we came back for the start of the new season it was gone and the ground was even poorer for it.
The South Stand was already long gone with just the retaining wall there and I was told that it was because the houses behind weren’t getting enough light. I only found out the real reason years later. Wish I’d seen Belle Vue as the original four sided ground was.
At least we still have the oldest rugby league ground in the world (and doesn’t it show) and haven’t suffered the loss of a ground like at Halifax, Swinton or Oldham. I’d be happy just updating Belle Vue and have a 15,000 capacity with half standing, half seating, but that’s just me. Maybe the ground’s just in the wrong area for modern corporate needs with inadequate access and parking...'"
Wonderful images of the ground. Wish it still looked like that | |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Owner | 36156 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 21 years | |
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| Jun 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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| Quote BIGAL1="BIGAL1"Thats the first time i have seen or heard of that cycle track, what a amazing photo, thanks very much.'"
Yep. If you ever wondered why the east and west terrace is lower than the pitch? If so that's the answer. Those areas were the base of the track which was raised above it and thus the two stands were at pitch level - or something like that. |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 5084 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Jul 2009 | 16 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jul 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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| Quote M62 J30 TRINITY="M62 J30 TRINITY"Didn't we take down the west stand straight after the Bradford fire thinking it would be condemmed then only to realise after we could have kept it, not sure if true but thats the tale doing the rounds at the time and after the South bank carry on very believable. What about the floodlights we were told we had to replace them in late 80s for saftey reasons while other clubs close to us under the same council with floodlights in worse condition could keep theirs, is that true?'"
My step-dad was principal electrical engineer for WMDC at the time, and he was the one that insisted on the floodlights being pulled down..  ...however, he stated that the reason for it was that the steel piping tubes that the floodlights were mounted on were all full to the top with stagnant water which had gradually filled up over the years, and they were rotten to the core. Apparently when they took off the supporting guide wires, the floodlights virtually fell down of their own accord !!!!!
Back on topic, regarding old pictures of BV, does anyone have any pics of the massive old scoreboard that used to stand on the northern terrace ??? Me and a couple of mates were the scoreboard operators for a good few years in the 80's, and we definitely had the best FREE seat in the house up there, although it did get a bit bleak in winter   |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 15521 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Mar 2010 | 15 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| May 2020 | May 2020 | LINK |
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| Quote vastman="vastman"Yep. If you ever wondered why the east and west terrace is lower than the pitch? If so that's the answer. Those areas were the base of the track which was raised above it and thus the two stands were at pitch level - or something like that.'"
It's a pity something like that can't be reimagined at NM; we're missing a cycle track in Wakefield as far as I know, despite having a thriving triathlon club - I'm sure it would add to the offering of a community facility, given the increased popularity in cycling, thanks to the UK's various world/olympic champions. |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 18009 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Apr 2011 | 14 years | |
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| Jul 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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| Quote bren2k="bren2k"It's a pity something like that can't be reimagined at NM; we're missing a cycle track in Wakefield as far as I know, despite having a thriving triathlon club - I'm sure it would add to the offering of a community facility, given the increased popularity in cycling, thanks to the UK's various world/olympic champions.'"
I'm all in favour of cycling, but we want to be as close to the action as possible, not struggling to see the game (like Odsal  ) |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 15521 | Wakefield Trinity |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Mar 2010 | 15 years | |
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| May 2020 | May 2020 | LINK |
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| Quote wrencat1873="wrencat1873"I'm all in favour of cycling, but we want to be as close to the action as possible, not struggling to see the game (like Odsal
)'"
Aye, me too; would be better placed around the training pitch maybe - nothing like being close to the action. |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 81 | No
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Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Feb 2012 | 13 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| May 2012 | May 2012 | LINK |
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| Quote bren2k="bren2k"Indeed - it's a pity that an organisation like, say, the RFL don't have a policy of preserving 'iconic' rugby league grounds that are at risk of being lost...'"
thats what i was trying to suggest in my earlier post. just like fulham at craven cottage it would surely be a fantastic attraction to be an original old ground rejuvenated to its former glory as against all the new souless plastic stadiums. i'm sure with a little imagination and some help and co-ordination from the RFL it could be done. AND ALL KICK OFFS AT 3PM ON SATURDAY. |
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