LEOMINSTER CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE CLUB NEWSLETTER Website: www.lcmcc.uk Email: [email protected]

November 2017

WHO’S WHO

The “remaining” committee members.

From left to right

Mike (Bigfoot) Davis, Mike England – printer, Steve Hackett – membership secretary & web master, Dave (postman Pat) Peake – secretary.

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FROM THE EASY CHAIR

Thanks to all those of you who have sent me thoughtful messages about my accident; my broken wrist may be curtailing my activities at present but I hope to be back on the bike early December. The new club financial year has started already and the accounts show £2751 and £2593 for the current and savings accounts respectively. The chosen charity is now St Michael’s Hospice and, as you will read elsewhere, Macmillan Cancer Support will receive £1000 at the December Awards night. We also will be giving a further donation of £420 to Hereford MS Therapy Centre bringing their donation to £500 for the year in line with members’ wishes at the AGM. We have proposals to bring to members, hopefully in the Dec newsletter, regarding the number and mix of smaller charities to help us improve the effectiveness of our donations. Look out for these as we will be asking for you to choose what you feel is most appropriate for the club. The December raffle will have a Christmas hamper theme, i.e. one (or maybe two) larger, more substantial prizes rather than the ten smaller ones usually on offer. Consequently, we are asking members to donate seasonal items such as puds, fruit (not dozens of ‘Eat Me’ dates) wine, candles, gifts etc. but not the turkey! – you know the sort of thing. Helen Sims has kindly offered to assemble the hamper on the night as you bring in your items. We would also like to appeal for some ‘raffle babes’ (hairy legs optional) or ‘beaus’ to help sell tickets once or twice a year. Could you volunteer to do this? Strictly speaking, this should not be ‘from the easy chair’ as I stood down at the AGM to take on Membership to ensure we could secure the prime income stream for the club. Where this leaves us is rather uncertain at present but as membership renewal will, hopefully, be concentrated mainly in Dec & Jan clearly I must focus on that as a priority.

Steve Hackett

MAG (MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP) UPDATE MAG hails Home Office anti-moped crime talks ‘a promising start’ The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) welcomed the first meeting dedicated to dealing with the current moped-related crime epidemic as a promising start towards finding a multiagency solution to an escalating problem. The summit, held at Home Office headquarters in Westminster, was chaired by two Ministers – Sarah Newton MP and Nick Hurd MP – both of whom hold crime and policing responsibilities in the Government. MAG was represented by Colin Brown (who also attends the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group for the organisation), and Lembit Öpik, MAG’s Director of Communications & Public Affairs. Colin commented „the importance of the issue nationally was underlined by the people in attendance. Tony Campbell, the new chief of the Motorcycle Industry Association, was present, as were top brass from the police, Home Office and other interest groups including the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Community, as well as insurance companies. The figures for crimes involving mopeds are high, with 16,180 recorded crimes of this nature across the last 12 months.

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Four out of five of these crimes involved attempts at property theft and just about all of them involved stolen mopeds being driven illegally, for example on pavements. Riders are around 16 times more at risk of falling victim to bike theft in the West Midlands, versus car theft where bike theft is on the increase. Figures for the first 6 months of 2017 show that thefts have risen by 51% compared to the same period in 2016. The solutions discussed ranged from better motorcycle security from manufacturers to more secure parking options for riders, especially in urban areas. It was also noted that if the authorities don’t act then vigilantism will inevitably increase; a point noted by the ministers. MIB reports rise in claims from collisions involving uninsured drivers For the first time in more than a decade, the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) has reported an increase in the number of claims made following collisions involving uninsured drivers. Since 2004, the MIB says the number of claims against uninsured drivers has reduced by more than 50% - from around 25,000 per year to around 11,000. However, new figures published 29 August show that in the last 12 months MIB has seen claims against uninsured drivers rise by almost 10%. Survey uncovers biggest driver distractions A survey undertaken as part of a 'driver focus' event has revealed that sat-navs and in-car technology are the biggest distractions for motorists. On 25 August, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) joined colleagues from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services and officers from Highways England to talk to drivers at a number of service stations on the M1 motorway. Representatives of the Safer Roads Alliance, a partnership between NFRS, Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Highways, were also involved in the event. Of the drivers surveyed by the NFRS, 50 picked sat-nav or other in-car technology as the biggest culprit for distracting them from the road. A further 45 said stress, emotions, tiredness, daydreaming or road rage, while 41 said talking to passengers. Other distractions revealed by the event were looking at passengers/children in the back seat (39 drivers), eating, drinking, doing make-up/hair (35 drivers), and adjusting in-car controls (34 drivers). Nine people admitted being distracted as a result of using a handheld mobile phone when driving, while 26 said using their mobile on hands-free was a distraction. which compromise road safety.

Sue (Editor: [email protected]) BIGFOOTS MUSINGS ON ALL SORTS

The end of September and I was off on a VMCC run into Gwent. A really enjoyable run, the Aerial purred it’s way round, the scenery was good as was the company. Pete, who organises the runs, does an excellent job of putting on the sort of routes I love, lots of hills and valleys with big scenery. He seams to find good lunch stops which is getting harder these days with so many pubs closing.

The last Thursday in September we had a cracking walk from Luston. The sun shone showing the autumn tints off. We followed the course of an old canal that was never finished, had one muddy field, good views and one very wobbley stile.

The Memorial run has come and gone and with it the last Bigfoot run. With an appalling weather forecast of heavy rain, high winds and pestilence it did not look good. Well, they got it very wrong because 7 of us had a dry run. On the Saturday, I spent most of the day re jigging the route to avoid the worst of the mucky bits so we had a gentle ride to the New Strand for coffee then followed the Wye before going down the Golden Valley, Vale of Ewyas and the Dulas Valley to a very convivial lunch at the Crown Inn. We then trundled through the Black Mountains, Hay on Wye, along the Paincastle to Rhydspence, Drovers road and back to the New Strand for tea, coffee and cake. So that’s it, Bigfoot runs are over after 41 years. I have had a great time over the years and wanted to finish while I was still enjoying it. 3

We had a good day, it stayed dry, it was warm and the views were good. I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who have supported the Bigfoot rides over the years. The runs would have been nothing without you. Doing them has allowed me to indulge myself in doing what I enjoy most, ie riding motorcycles through glorious countryside in good company. Will I miss it? Probably, but I wanted to finish before it became a drudge, so once more, thank you all for the company over all the years, I’ve had a good time.

October 5th I led a walk over the Marcle Ridge, through the Hyde Valley, Woolhope and Sollers Hope where Dick Whittington was baptised. We had an almost perfect day that showed off Herefordshire at it autumnal best.

On a bright sparkley October 8th myself and the Arial were off on a Worcs VMCC run and what a great day we had. A mix of bikes from the late 20’s to the mid 70’s, a super route with big, big views. A mix of A B & C roads though the Clee Hills and into the Severn Valley followed by Sunday lunch and drink for £8.50, and it was good. The Ariel purred and growled its way around starting 1st kick every time. What more could one ask for?

At the AGM it was good to see a room full of people but I was disapointed that at the end of he meeting we still need a Chairman, Treasurer, Social Secretary and a couple of committee members. Please think about helping out, the club can’t run itself, the more of us there is the less each one has to do.

As I’m sure by now you will know Steve H has had a coming together with a tractor. Fortunately he came out of it not too badly with a factured wrist and a badly bent Blood Bikers BMW. Be careful out there, tractors are getting bigger, are hard to bend and we are in the season of apples, spuds and hedge cutting so……

Ride safe,

Bigfoot

MINUTES FROM THE AGM 1. APOLOGIES: Ron & Chris Moore, Barry Ruck, Helen Sims, Cliff Smith

2. MINUTES of 25th AGM October 2016 were approved.

3. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS: Chairman, Steve Hackett, summarised the various income and expenditure items for the year and invited questions from the floor. There were no queries and those members present agreed the accounts represented a fair record of the club’s activities during the year.

4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: The written report had been circulated to members prior to the meeting, the highlights being:  Management – in addition to the sad loss of Treasurer, Terry Bass, several key officers and committee members would be standing down at the end of the year which presented a major challenge to the Club  Membership – some 52 members had chosen not to renew their membership and, although replaced by new members, there was concern at identifying why this should be so. Suggestions from the floor included contacting them individually to seek answers. Postal cost would be significant (Steve Hackett), would it be recouped? Given inclusive ‘phone contracts these days (Ken Griffiths) would this not be a solution? Downside to this approach (Dave Peake) would be time required to complete the survey. It was agreed to make this a priority task for the incoming Membership Secretary as retention was considered a better strategy than constant recruitment.  Accounts – funds currently represented about two-year’s operating costs suggesting subscriptions need not be increased.  Charity – the charity fund was just shy of the £1000 mark and members were happy to round this up. There was discussion around charity giving generally with a consensus that small charities benefited greatly from donations in the hundreds whereas larger 4

charities required significantly more for similar benefit. Members were happy with the selected charities but favoured increasing the donation given to the small charity. It was decided to give a further donation to the Hereford MS Therapy Centre raising it to £500 and to review this each year for the chosen small charity. It was also proposed to consider looking at animal charities although some concerns were raised at those charities that sat on huge sums which would not resonate well with the broader membership. Further work to be done on this for 2018.

5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: there had been no response to the appeal for people to volunteer for officer positions so a novel approach was suggested given that, arguably the three most important positions for effective management were: Treasurer, Secretary & Membership Secretary.

Consequently, the contingency plan of out-sourcing the accounts to be managed by accountant Rachel Moffit (estimated to be towards the lower end of between £100-£200 pa) was put to the vote. This was agreed with the proviso that the arrangement be monitored regularly to ensure costs would not rise unexpectedly. Further stipulations made were to restrict access of the accounts to monitoring and recording only with no access to members’ personal details beyond a list of names.

Dave Peake indicated he would stand again as Secretary on the understanding that he would be unable to lead the Ancient to Modern Show in 2018. This was duly noted by members and he was unanimously supported for a further year.

Having received no nominations for Membership Secretary, Steve Hackett stood down as Chairman to fill this committee appointment as it was vital for the club whereas the chair was important but not essential. There was reluctance to accept this as a solution but the expediency was persuasive. The Chairman position was thus not filled.

Some discussion ensued but there were no practical solutions identified and it was agreed to report the outcome to the wider membership in the hope that some interest might be generated.

6. APPROVE CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION: given the officer vacancies it was necessary to ensure three valid signatories from which any two could act. The constitution would need to allow ordinary members as well as officers to become registered as signatories to reflect this. [Signatories are liable for any arrears or debt incurred by the club so this is not a position taken lightly, however small the risk]. It was agreed to amend rule 10 to:

10. Finance a. A bank account shall be held in the name of Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club. The authorised signatories shall be any two from three members including at least one of Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary

7. AGREE THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR 2018 (recommendation no change, i.e. £13 member, £6 family member at same address):

Debate around the subscription saw significant support for raising it to enable a greater number of funded opportunities for members. John Wilshaw proposed £15, seconded by Dave Iles; defeated 12 to 8. The recommendation for no change was carried 12 to 8.

8. PROPOSAL TO OPEN CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE TO NON-MEMBERS

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The benefit of including a wider audience was well received but sponsorship by an existing member was deemed expedient to help filter and control content. Steve Hackett proposed, Dave Peake seconded; passed unanimously.

9. A.O.B Dave Iles – suggested moving the emphasis from free food nights to include a broader range of activities. Keep December Awards night as free food but use funds for, say, Skittles or other Social events. Proposed Sue Moore, Seconded Dave Iles, carried unanimously.

Steve Hackett had produced an updated style logo for consideration, initial reaction was mixed and it was agreed to share it with the wider membership for further comment.

Bob Dean was joined by many in complimenting Sue Moore on the standard and professionalism of the newsletter with the ‘Terry Issue’ being particularly well received throughout the club.

10. THANKS WERE EXTENDED TO THE BUSH INN – for providing the venue for the AGM and all the club nights throughout the year.

None Ever Passed This Way More Bravely -A tribute to Wal Handley Wal Handley had retired from motorcycle racing in 1930, turning to car racing and his main passion of flying but, on Wednesday 30th of June 1937 he went to Brooklands for an evening motorcycle race meeting. He took a tweaked up BSA Empire Star and because of his reputation for a "meteoric riding style" the organisers insisted that he had a delayed start from the back of the grid. Wal set off and was doing laps of between 103 - 105mph on the banked Brooklands track, he quickly caught the pack, carved his way through it and went on to win at an average of over 100mph. That was the birth of the BSA Gold Star as he was awarded a Gold Star lapel pin for the achievement. Wal had been a keen pilot and on the declaration of war he joined the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes around for the RAF. His task on November 15th 1941 was to fly an Avro Anson from RAF Hanwarden, in Cheshire to RAF Kirkbride on the Scottish borders, returning with a Bell P39 Airacobra. The engine failed on the American Bell P39 shortly after take-off for the return journey and the pilot perished in the ensuing crash. Wals badly burnt body was repatriated to his home town of Birmingham and buried, with full honours in Yardley cemetery. A commemorative bench was put at Quarter Bridge, on the TT course with the inscription "In memory of Walter L Handley, maker of Tourist Trophy Race History. Killed serving his country 15th November 1941. None Ever Passed This Way More Bravely" Pre-World War 2 Stanley Woods was the most successful motorcycle racer, winning 10 TT races. Wal Handley only won 4, with 9 podiums but, he was arguably the quicker rider. In 1925 Wal Handley entered 3 of the solo class TT races, and he became the first man to win more than one TT in a week. Winning two of them, he also set the fastest lap in all three, and all three were lap records. But for me his most stunning race was the 1930 Senior TT. In 1930 Wal Handley became the first man to lap the Mountain Course in under 30 minutes. Consider that for a moment. The Mountain Course is 37 3/4 miles long, so a 30 minute lap means an average speed of 75 1/2 mph. Think about 6

the roads of 1930. Think about the machines of 1930, the suspension, the tyres, the brakes. A country mile in front of the opposition at the end of lap one did Wal Handley ease up? Not a bit of it, he went on to do two laps within the hour, and four laps within two hours. Wal Handley was a racer. None ever passed this way more bravely. Ken Griffiths

Relay Riders

This year the relay riders launched their 2017 relay in aid of Soldiers off the Street. For those of you unaware of what Relay Riders is; a mascot is passed from rider to rider over about a two week period. The mascot is taken from a start point, this year Scotland and carried around the UK to the final destination at Squires Motorcycle Cafe bar in Yorkshire near Leeds. This year the relay riders raised over £11000 for Soldiers off the Street with the cheque handover taking place at the Ponderosa Cafe in Wales on Saturday 21st October. Relay riders hope to beat this total next year however the selected charity is not yet decided. I have been involved with relay riders for about 3 years and an active member for the past 2 years, last year as a lead rider from Hereford to Ross on Wye and then on to Stroud, this year as a lead and support rider covering 4 legs. I had volunteered to lead 1 leg and support 3 others but nearer the time this changed, with people dropping out for varying reasons at the last minute. I enlisted my long suffering partner Emma d'Sylva, who took on a leg from Kilpeck Church to the bell inn at Tillington, through country roads that Bigfoot would be proud of and that tractors had used over the previous days leaving mud everywhere. Emma handed the mascots (2 teddies named Naffi and Hammy) over to me. It was dark and we had lost time on the mud strewn roads, I needed to meet Steve Hackett at the Bunch of Carrots. I navigated Emma to Hereford where we parted and I made my way to the Bunch of Carrots, probably breaking the occasional speed limit. I got to the Bunch of carrots to be greeted by Steve Hackett who advised me I was 10 minutes early. I could take a breath and stretch my legs. Steve was in his car (his bike was broken which now appears to be a regular occurrence) I handed the mascots over, we took some pictures (Well Steve did) and then made our way to Ledbury, I was getting low on fuel but as we approached Ledbury the fuel station was shut. So on to the handover point in the town centre. A few photos taken by Steve, mascots handed back, fuel onto reserve, I bid farewell to Steve and make my way to the Stagbourgh arms in Stourport. Luckily I found an open fuel station on my route. I arrive in Stourport slightly concerned that no one was here, I wait around and hear 2 bikes coming down the road, I flag them down, I mean who else in their right mind would be on their bike at nearly 0100 on a school night? Then more bikes turn up, a quick chat photos and handover of mascots and they were off into the night. I could go home satisfied my job was done for a week. A week later it’s nearly time for the final leg. A tour to Edale and a stop at Coppers Campsite with dinner and a few pints at the Nags Head ready to meet the rest tomorrow at Ladybower reservoir.

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I turn up at Ladybower the next day to a sea of bikes ranging from 125cc up to big 1300cc monsters about 500 in total. The ride to Squires Cafe was to be marshalled by Squires Bikers (this could of been better and lessons have been learnt) we all made it to the end pitched tents and exchanged tales at the after party (which I remember very little of) which was excellent. It cost £5 to take part per rider, it’s good fun for good worthy causes and worth every penny. Steve Johnson

Kindly supplied by Frank Edgar NEWS BITS

October Club Night raffle I would like to thank the following club members for the raffle prizes John Peters, Phil Ball, Dave Terrin, Chris Brewer. We raised £40.00. - Bob Dean.

Ideas are invited for trips out next year. Maybe look at places which are a bit too far or not bike friendly (who wants to bash up to London and back?) rather than local stuff such as, The Bike Shed in May 2018. The club 8

could organise a coach (subsidised travel) for members. Entry cost is £18 advance, £20 on day. http://thebikeshed.cc/bike-shed-london-2017/ alternatively, or as well as, we could have a trip to Sammy Miller's in Feb to get the year rolling. https://sammymiller.co.uk/ - Steve Hackett

FOR SALE

Piaggio Scooter – 2011. XEV0400 339cc 22,693km, Black with screen, topbox and Manual. £2,000. Enquiries to Julia Bramwell (Terrys daughter) 0787 6565 986

Herald Classic 250; Green - First reg Dec 2016 (66) 2500 miles. £2100 Heated grips, hand guards, fender extender, fork protectors.

Based on a 1980s Suzuki GN250, the Classic 250 is made in China and imported by the Herald Motor Company, Huntingdon, Cambs where they fit a hi flow oil filter, change the engine oil and brake fluid; the spark plug and cap; uprate the chain & sprockets, front and rear brake pads, battery, rear shocks and tyres. The idea being to replace any poor components with reputable and reliable ones.

This is a private sale but the bike can be viewed at STP Motorcycles, Unit 17b Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6JT. Tel 07768 847994 Steve Hackett, 01432 272244

MEMBERS SERVICES Eric Rees Motorcycles: (Run by club member Ray Griffiths) Discount MOTs for club members: General repairs & servicing on all bikes. Agent for Helite AirBag jackets. Phone 01432 266164. John Baber: Car components, service equipment, motorcycle batteries and car number plates discounted to club members. 07798 573337 or 01981 250004 Ian & Richard Logan: welding services 01886 888419. Lynda Wilshaw Classic Cakes. Homemade cakes baked for any occasion. Phone 01432 760540 RECOMMENDED BY MEMBERS: Andy Morgan is offering a 20% discount for members off his website prices for vapour blasting at ATM Vapour Blasting. Contact him at 07989 448418. He also has an ultrasonic cleaning tank. – recommended by Ken Griffiths Clothing alterations, repairs & tailoring (including) leather: Sew Bright 01432 352622 (Highly recommended by many members) Drive chain oiler. Tutoro, Lydney 01594 841097 (recommended by Bigfoot)

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Sheepskin seat covers, canvas bags, sheepskin slippers and boots (Local supplier) web site: http://www.yurtmatters.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel 07952 99832 or 01981 510271 (made comfy sheepskin seat cover for Bigfoots Ariel) Not strictly a recommendation but LCMCC club members are eligible for 10% discount on items purchased online at the Green Spark Plug Company. Enter the discount code CLUBMEM10 in the coupon code area of the checkout. website: http://www.gsparkplug.com/more detail here: http://lcmcc.uk/blog/2016/02/12/members-discount-at-green-spark-plug-company/ www.aidansweeney.co.uk/ . AidanSweeney, Traditional Gents Outfitters, 7-8 The Market Arcade Brecon Powys LD3 9DA - For anyone like me whose waistline has disappeared and finds it necessary to wear braces: It can be difficult finding a pair with decent clips that don't let go with a twang at critical moments, without resorting to the industrial type with crocodile clips. I can recommend these, not cheap but I have wasted (waisted) loads on supposed quality braces with inferior clips and Aidan is a smashing bloke to deal with. – Brian Johnson

Motorcycle leathers repaired, altered, patched and stitched. All leatherwork considered. Traditional quality shoe & boot repairs. Cobblers Cabin, Chepstow 01291 628528 – Sue Moore

OJR Motorcycle Service/Repairs Richard Powell, Outfall Road, Hereford, HR1 1XY. 07391 697166 email [email protected] – Bigfoot

Ross on Wye PC Repair, services range from Virus Removal, Hardware Upgrading, Memory Upgrading, Screen Replacements on Laptops and Notebooks, Hard Drive Upgrades, Anti-Virus Upgrades, Performance Tweaking, all covered under a No-Fix-No-Fee Policy(or if fault re occurs within 5 days), with No Inspection Fees. You pay only for the completed work and for any replacement parts. Luke Sutton Tel: 07973 993 049 Email: [email protected] – Sue Moore CLUB SHOP

Club shirts & other clothes etc.: Clubsport have set up an online shopping facility for us: www.clubsport.co.uk/index.php/clubshops/category/85-leominster-classic-motorcycle-club Or you can order at any of their shops: Leominster (South Street), Hereford (All Saints Court), Ledbury (Bye Street), Ludlow (Old Street), Newtown (Broad Street), Ross on Wye (High Street) and Kington (Church Street). Please note: The design for the club logo is held at the Clubsport base in Kington but any branch’s staff can find it amongst the local sports clubs listed on their in-house computer system. Badges, Stickers etc: Enamel lapel badges £1.00, Club stickers (small £1 large £1.50) all available from Bob Dean at club nights

Disclaimer: The Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club and committee cannot accept liability or be held responsible for any loss, accident, injury, death or loss of claims due to tips or suggestions given in this newsletter. The articles in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or club committee.

Note: Any information that Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club holds remains confidential. Your personal data is stored on digital media in accordance with the provisions and requirements of the Data Protection Act of 1988 and will only be used to contact you on club matters.

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MID-WEEK MEET – 15th November Venue: Nags Head, Peterchurch HR2 0SJ

Meet from 12.00 noon for lunch or just a drink and a natter

SKITTLES MATCH FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER Venue: MM&LCC, Link Way, Off Howsell Road, Malvern Link, Worcestershire, WR14 1UQ

Start: 7.30pm If everyone could bring a few plates of bites for a supper it would add to the evening.

WINTER MEET – 26th November

Venue: The New Inn, Pembridge HR6 9DS

Meet from 12.00 noon for lunch or just a drink and a natter

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2017

All Club events (including runs) should be organized through the Events Coordinator Sue Moore email [email protected] ,TEXT ONLY on 07857 250023 or PM through Facebook

(Events in italics are non-club events and advisory only, details should be checked) NOVEMEBER DECEMBER

Wed 1st Club Night Wed 6th Committee Meeting

Wed 8th Committee Meeting Wed 13th Club Night – Awards Night – Free Food Night

Wed 15th Mid-Week Meet Nags Head, Wed 20th Mid-Week Meet Rita’s Tea Room, Eardisland Peterchurch HR2 0SJ HR6 9BD

Friday 24th Skittles Match, LCMCC v MM&LCC, Tues 26th Boxing Day Meet- The Bells, Almeley HR3 WAC & Bromsgrove MCC 6LF Sun 26th Winter Meet -The New Inn, Sun 31st Tail-end run Pembridge HR6 9DS

(Longer term outlook can be found on the website)

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