Category: News

Below is the report published in the December 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in October 2024

Winter feels like it’s well on its way since the clocks went back.  However, it’s not all bad news as the Sunday ride-outs are back to normal with the return of our Runs Leader, Collin, fit again after a few weeks out of the saddle.  If only Collin’s bike was in such rude health.  A recent ride-out saw Collin’s bike refuse to start, but with 10 branch members on hand to offer “helpful” advice, he was soon running again.  All he needed was a jump, I know the feeling…

Looking forward through the coming months we have a few events planned and a couple of others in the pipeline.  Firstly, the Christmas Buffet, which will be held on the 19th December, normal venue/time but with delicious food and fabulous raffle prizes.

Next up there’s the annual Table Top Bring & Buy sale on the 16th January.  This is a great opportunity to unload some of those parts, accessories or items of clothing that you’ve been meaning to ditch, but also to buy even more to take home and surprise the other half with!  I’m sure they’ll agree what a bargain purchase you’d made.  Helpful tip: Get there early.

Finally, we have our Branch AGM on the 13th February.  We need more members on the committee, so why not get involved, you may have some good ideas to improve the branch for the membership.  So please, as they say in the good ole USA, “step up to the plate”.

Bibendum

And on the last page of Nacelle, in the 75th Anniversary Year Nacelle Front Cover Competition section was this photo, taken by Collin Fox at our September bike meet.

Below is the report published in the November 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in September 2024

With the arrival of September along came the wet stuff, then it rained and when you thought “surely it can’t continue to rain”, it turned to near monsoon conditions with thunder and lightning and the associated flooding.  However, throughout the month we still managed 5 Sunday ride-outs to Avebury, Popham, Petersfield, Bucklebury and Wycombe.  Further, a couple of mid-week trips, one being to Sammy Millers Museum.  Our runs coordinator, Collin, is a bit crook at the moment, so if there is anyone who would like to lead a ride-out please get in touch with Collin and I’m sure he’d help you to arrange.

So it was with trepidation that we approached the weekend of our Autumn Meet at the BCSA on the last Saturday of September, dreading what the weather might be.  But when the day arrived it was clear blue skies, dry(ish) roads and a warming sun; how the righteous are blessed.

We approximated that over 80 bikes visited with a dozen different manufacturers represented.  The BCSA clubhouse was serving drinks and Natalie’s Catering hot food.  This, apart from on-going Sunday ride-outs, was our last outdoor event of the season and our attention is now looking at Thursday evenings at the BCSA.  The first event being Bob’s Annual Quiz, to be held on 7th November and followed by the Christmas Buffet on 19th December.  In the new year we plan a Table-Top Swap meet, the date of which is yet to be arranged.

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the October 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in August 2024

August was a hectic month for the branch, commencing with the Popham Megameet held on the first weekend. It was a cold night there, but it soon warmed up on Sunday morning, with plenty of members visiting our stand and, as always, promoting the benefits of membership. It’s a great event with a large autojumble and always the opportunity to bump into old friends.

The following weekend, we attended the three-day BSB races at Thruxton.  Although dogged by rain when we set up, the races were never affected, and the sun was cracking the flags for the superbike races. The support races had Triumph ST765RS’s and Daytona 660’s in the SuperSport and Sportbike classes respectively, with excellent results in both.  It was a great weekend, which we hope to attend again next year.

For the Bank Holiday, our stand was at the Swallowfield Country Show.  This has a large contingent of classic vehicles on display.  For some obscure reason, our stand is always near the traction engines and I swear I can still smell the smoke from those coal fires that drifted constantly across our stand.  However, with arena processions for the bikes, our members were proud to “show what we brung”.

With ride outs on the Sundays in between the weekend events it was a full on month of Triumph.  Finally, a reminder that we have our Autumn Bike meet at the Burghfield CSA on Saturday September 28^th.

Bibendum

Below is the report published in the September 2024 issue of Nacelle, which covered Branch activities in July 2024

“In the summertime when the weather is high, …”, well we won’t be doing a ton or a ton twenty-five, but the Sunday branch ride-outs have been speeding along many a lane.  So if you’d like to ride with other enthusiasts get in touch with Collin, the Runs Coordinator.

Our summer barbecue took place in mid-July and thankfully we were blessed with a fine evening.  I hope everyone enjoyed the food, they seemed to as everything was consumed, I promise there’ll be more “long dogs” next year.  With great raffle prizes for a lucky few, the evening concluded with the Steve Butcher Trophy for Best Branch Member’s Bike.  Awarded to Brice Haines and his impressive 1938/39 5T Speed Twin, chosen by the current holder of the trophy, Jim Biggs. 

The last Saturday of July saw a few branch members cruising off to Calne, Wiltshire, for the “Largest free-to-attend motorcycle event in Europe”.  I had been to this event many years ago, but it’s huge and takes over the whole town (the last time I had seen a town taken over by bikes was the Guzzi centenary celebrations in Mandello Del Lario).  With bands performing, food vendors, trade and club stands dotted around the town it’s a fantastic event.  If you’ve never been put it on your bucket list for next year.

Finally, we’re having a bike-meet at the BCSA on Saturday 28^th September.  As usual, all marques and models will be most welcome.

Bibendum