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AGM 2020

Minutes of the AGM held on Saturday 25 January 2020

For the second year running Swinn tried to take notes but, partly due to the uncomfortable position he had to adopt to put pen to paper, and mostly due to being unable to hear what was going on, the following is pure dross and fabrication. Hopefully, most readers will find a mention. It should be noted that each year these minutes are lengthier due to the increased numbers attending.

Usual cautions re: accuracy, misrepresentation, misunderstandings, offence caused etc.

The writer persists with minuting attendance only by first name and initial in recognition that this is a public document and that one our Social Worker members wished not to be identified by former clients.

Introduction: A return to the Bike Shed, Shoreditch this year - a comfortable venue with the opportunity to rub shoulders with fashionable young people who had no more experience of motorcycling than had been sold to them with their t-shirts, burgers, and chips. Due to waiter service, the variety of drinks ordered and the wide range of dishes chosen the ‘dining experience’ was particularly slow - such that commencement of the main meeting was delayed. The Chairman knew that the Secretary had to be away by 5pm.

After food, the group removed to a space reserved by Ken in the Shed’s main lounge. This was both noisier and less appropriate for a formal meeting than the bike park to which we had been exiled on our last visit. Furthermore, the soft furnishings and low seat heights were totally inappropriate for those of limited mobility. Ken chose the highest chair available leaving Swinn the lowest. George adopted a Zen-like posture throughout the proceedings.
Ken was appointed Chair and Swinn Secretary to the meeting.

Attendees: Roger S, Dave I, Ken N, Keith S, Peter L, Peter K, Mark E, George H, Arthur S, John J, Peter W, Roxy, John M, Eg B, Phil D.

Apologies: Steve W (orchestral) Martin J (family engagement), Eldon J (now living Cornwall - too far to come). As an aside Phil D pointed out that Fishguard is further than Cornwall but that had not put him off. No news from Chris B, Rob G, Mike M or Terry R.

With temperatures above freezing, a number had travelled to the meeting on two wheels notably John J on his K75s, Peter W with his camera-laden pillion Roxy on his VFR and Phil D on his R1200RT - having stayed with his daughter overnight and parked his bike in Tooting Bec fire station. 

Somewhat less impressive was the lack of co-ordination by those who travelled by rail from up north. Roger and Ken had travelled on the same train but in first class and second classes respectively. Similarly Peter L and Eg - as they had both travelled from Lincoln but at different times.

Ken welcomed Eg and presented him with a club badge. Phil D was clearly disappointed not to have received one too. 

Unfortunately, the badges, which were a free-issue limited edition of 25, had now all been distributed - including one to John Cooper on his recent encounter with Peter L at the Beezumph 2019. In view of a potential shortfall, should additional members be located, Ken appealed to those who had filched more than one in the initial distribution to return them. 

In the writer’s view everyone looked as fit and well as in 2019, also that the ruddy complexions enjoyed by those who rode every day were in sharp contrast to the pale and wan fair-weather riders who formed the majority.

As last year, Ken left the meeting to empty his bladder at regular intervals but, aware that his movements were being monitored, indicated to Swinn he was about to do so on each occasion. His absences were noticeably more frequent than in 2019
.
Minutes of the last meeting:
Two attendees niggled about items of particular interest to them: viz that current Brough engines are of French origin not Spanish and that John M’s machine was a Bonneville T120 not a Street Twin. In Swinn’s view these were trivial compared to the plethora of other inaccuracies and should be disregarded.

The minutes were therefore taken as read.

Matters arising:
No news of Swinn’s Velo flywheels. He proposed this should be a standing item either until the 50^th anniversary of their loss i.e 2022. or earlier if they are returned
.
Peter L’s experience with the soda blasting process had been very successful and the powdery residues had been removed in the family dishwasher. Unfortunately, the Trident’s oil leak persists.
.
In view of Ken’s previous FOMO protestations there had been no EGM 2 in 2019.

Report on EGM held in the South of France and Club Run in Portugal.
Mark’s detailed account of the journey has been described in his previously circulated epistle. Ken advised that the whole event had been entitled The Eliane Ezra Memorial Run to commemorate the passing of Mark’s wife (and soul-mate of some 50 years) in 2019. John M had been unable to partake due to a family bereavement.

i)             John J - the journey to Mark’s place:

This had been uneventful except that his stay with Dave’s Lithuanian Regina had proven to be less than satisfactory. She clearly remembered cooking for Dave, and fondly described him as her ‘hot rabbit’. Perhaps because her husband was home John was not so lucky and been told that if he wanted some food he should go and buy his own.

Peter L had travelled by car/caravan with his wife and dropped in to present Mark with a copy of the Club’s logo duly autographed by John Cooper.

ii)            Mark E- the journey to Portugal:

Mark was keen to point out that participating machines were all BMWs and that the older models had proven to be more reliable than the new. Ken’s car park mishap and, more seriously, his bike’s throttle body failure at high speed – are reported elsewhere.

John J had some problems with E10 fuel as his elderly bike could not cope with it. A consequence was that fuel continued to be pumped and circulated until temperatures in the petrol tank reached boiling point. He was considering discussing this phenomenon with BMW as yet another costly novelty for their GS and RT ranges – ball and knee warmers could be a very attractive ‘comfort pack’ option for those dissatisfied with run-of-the -mill heated grips and seat.

iii)           Dave I – the Club Run

Ken was unable to join as repairs to his bike were a priority. Dave therefore led a 60 mile run to the top of a local hill to proudly show off a host of marmite wind farm mills (after Wordsworth).

.iv) Ken – the return trip.

A scam had been conjured up by those returning on the Santander to Plymouth Ferry as two bikes rather than one were loaded on to Dave’s trailer. This enabled Ken to board as a reclining seat foot passenger at an extraordinarily low price*. He had stowed away in John J’s cabin. As minuted last year John J is not a good sailor and had spent most of the journey horizontal on his bunk. Ken observed that this had not stopped him getting to the bar for sustenance and rehydration on a number of occasions.

Upon his return, and with John J’s help, Ken was able to confront BMW reps about the throttle body issue at the NEC show. At first BMW blamed Ken for the failure saying that updated software would have been downloaded if the bike had been serviced in accordance with their schedule, Ken was not having any of this and managed to cajole them into refunding his costs – reputedly including sums for emotional distress and loss of earnings*. 

Trips, events and mileage in 2019
Eg had probably enjoyed most adventures in 2019 with continental trips and local runs organised by his club - the pemc (formerly Professional and Executive Motorcycle Club). He also organises runs for the Club.

Swinn had pottered about and taken part in a number of local runs on his Velos. His WD machine had been displayed at the Hooton Park military fair.

Phil D later advised that since he saw us last he had been on a Himalayan trip (18,500 feet) on an Enfield in 2017, also trips to France and the Shetlands on his RT. (apparently the distance from Fishguard to the Shetlands is similar to Manchester to Vaour)
.
The highest mileage award was hotly contested with an initial bid by Ken of 4000 miles, Eg had done 5000, John J 6000 – no additional points were awarded for taking his Brough to Austria. Phil D who had ridden every day until his retirement had done 7000 in all. Phil had previously won the cup and was asked to remove it from his wardrobe top and proudly display it in a more prominent place.

General update on bikes owned, in use and news since last year;
John M – no change. John J – no change, the K75s was still his favourite bike. He had travelled from Gaydon that morning achieving an average speed of 60mph including crossing Central London. Roger not particularly impressed as he had timed his West Coast Mainline train on the way down and its speed rarely dipped below 120. Dave I had sold his pile of tired Velo bits on ebay. Although lower than predicted last year he was satisfied with the price achieved. The 80 year-old purchaser had driven from the Wirral to Dave’s place – some 300 miles and returned with his load the same day. Dave currently has G650x and Serow. He was concerned that Ken was not progressing with the rebuild of his Maico scrambler.

Eg B - owns Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, Enfield bought in India and a Thruxton Velo. His K1200s had been sold since Swinn met him in March. Roger S had sold his R1100s and bought a Harley 883. This was worst bike he’d ever owned but he was happy pottering around at a slower pace. Mark presented him with a small bell used by Harley owners as a talisman to ward off evil breakdown spirits. Roger had also bought a very expensive electric mountain bike which was much more entertaining. Arthur no change but he expected to sell two of his bikes in 2020. Peter W no change but he’d borrowed Arthur’s gaffer tape (see 2019) to undertake a similar repair to VFR’s seat.

Swinn had bought a 650 Kawasaki twin to replace his Tracer as his legs were getting shorter. The change had been precipitated by him dropping the Tracer on his foot. The resultant fracture had concerned Mrs Swinn and she insisted he buy something lower and even lighter. The style of the Kawasaki is not to Swinn’s taste but it is comfortable and was cheap. George H no change. Peter K – no comment. Phil D has R1200rt, R1150 GS Adventurer and K1200lt in bits. In retirement he has become a blood biker (as was Eg formerly) and is also training others to ride for the organisation. He hoped to qualify as a travelling marshall for cycle races in the near future. Mark E had acquired another Ural outfit - an insurance write-off, for £200. No change for Ken and no progress on his Velo – despite him having borrowed ALL Swinn’s workshop manuals.

Ailments and operations
Swinn asked if there was anyone not taking medications. 3 attendees put up their hands and denied they were in denial. In Swinn’s experience some people will suffer in silence rather than declare pre-existing conditions when taking out Travel Insurance.

At this point John M rose to his feet and through a mixture of oratory and mime gave a detailed and lurid account of his treatment for prostate problems describing both surgical procedures and ensuing hormone treatment. The side effects of the latter included hot flushes, breast growth and poor performance in the bedroom department. On the upside he had a ready supply of little blue pills and was looking forward to fondling his own Double Dees.

Swinn thought that a baseline survey of those similarly afflicted could be developed. Dave I thought this was below the belt and he wouldn’t be taking part.

Proposals for adventures in 2020 and likely dates.
Mark was keen that everyone should attend the Festival of Speed event at Goodwood. The best day would be July 9. Tickets are not on public sale at the moment and attendees should look out for them on Goodwood’s website.

Phil D to investigate availability of accommodation at Fishguard for possible visit
.
Another trek down to Mark’s

Peter L keen that dates be confirmed ASAP as his diary was filling up fast.

Running of the Club
Peter W would research a more private means of communication. He would develop a pilot scheme and report back in 2021.

In view of the limited time available before he had to leave, Swinn presented Dave I with a jewel of office to mark his appointment as Honarary President. This was in recognition of him being a father-figure for Bike71 for many years. and also in recognition of his continuing custodianship of the Club’s battery charger.

The jewel comprised a hardly-used gearbox sprocket for a G650 BMW.

It should be noted that this was not a put-up job as, had there been sufficient time, Swinn would have nominated Dave for the honour, which in turn would have been seconded by Roger. The appointment would then have been voted through by a majority – i.e those that Swinn had been able to nobble beforehand.

There being no other nominees for Chairman and Secretary, Ken and Swinn to continue for the time being. Henceforth their roles will be entitled ‘Chairman and Events Co-ordinator’ and ‘Clerk and New Member Secretary’.

AOB
Thanks to Roxy for taking on the role of chief photographer,

Thanks to Ken for paying for the meal.**

Dave Draper a former member, 650 Norton owner and racer for some 29 years had been located the previous day but unable to attend due to other commitments. Swinn hoped to make further contact soon.

Swinn urged attendees to get checked for prostate issues at the first sign of any waterworks problems as this is a growing health threat to those in our age band. The experiences of John M, possibly Ken – and definitely Swinn should be sufficient warning. The number of us affected WILL grow.

Postscript

Peter W had managed to puff on his e-cigarette throughout the meeting – Shed staff being less observant than those at the Ace.

Assumed profit*

Since rescinded and an appeal for payment circulated.**

NB The writer had not been too offended that his offer of a contribution to the meal had been declined - especially in view of * above.

2020 AGM

Once again thanks to Ken for an exceptionally good meet up.

Distinguished Gentlemans Ride 2019

 
I've a couple of friends who are suffering from Prostate Cancer so pal Mark (one of our contemporaries and shared house with Dave B) and I joined the Chester Ride to help raise funds for research. Dapper dress and unfaired cafe racers/bobbers/cruisers/classic bikes were the order of the day. It was also about making a lot of noise .About 120 riders took part in the Chester Ride which has raised about £11k to date.

 I used my Viper for the run 

 and Mark used his Enfield cafe-racer

 There's still time to make a donation at:

 https://www.gentlemansride.com/rider/KeithSwinnerton329728

Cruisin'

Bike #73 - yawn

After a fabulous 5 days going to the Tandragee 100 in N Ireland I started to get a few warming signs of impending doom.
So reluctantly it was down the road.
Sigh
What to replace it with 'cause bike money is bike money.
One bike I have never owned sprang to mind.
It needs a bit of back conversation to standard, but I'm actually quite excited about it.

SOLD

From Robert

Rather quaint translation 

The chair will be good for my back.

Now that I'm retired I have all the time in the world to cross 140mph.

Big Singles

I've just bought this as a non runner.
5 minutes cleaning the plug and the points and hey presto.
You cannot beat a big lazy single.
1 HP @700rpm.
Weight 160kg.

Out of the wilderness

Yes, Edgar has been tracked down and, unbeknown to either of them, lives in the same village for retired oil magnates as Pete L. 

Still a keen motorcyclist, and member of a very posh motorcycle club, I met him for coffee in Whitchurch en-route to his lunchtime rendezvous at a lakeside Spa hotel in North Wales – from whence the Club would saunter down to Coalbrookdale for afternoon tea. A round trip of about 280 miles from Lincoln. Currently riding an Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, he also has BMW, Enfield and a Velo in his stable. He thinks he can locate some of his contemporaries so Ken might have to order some more badges.

Of particular interest is that he was also at Edale and ‘never been so cold in all my life’. Commitments permitting, he is keen to join the gang at Mark’s place in September. However, after the Edale experience and an international career in the oil industry,, and accustomed to its trappings,  he is  now a strictly 5*/en-suite man and has no intention of Bear Grylls camping on the way down.

Blogworthy?

Thanks Ken for fixing AGM. Great minutes too (although the new Brough Superior engine was in fact designed in France not Spain by Akira who do the Kawasaki WSB engines.)

 

Looking forward to September trip to Mark's and Dave's French and Portugese places!

 

John J

AGM

Minutes of the AGM held on Saturday 12 January 2019

Unusually, Swinn took notes but doodled a lot - such that he couldn’t read what he had written. As usual most of the following is pure dross and fabrication but readers can be assured there is a smidgen of truth in every item.

So, the usual cautions re: accuracy, misrepresentation, misunderstandings, attempts at humour and innuendo and the author’s deteriorating memory - and any resulting offence caused thereby.

Introduction: Another change of venue this year: The Ace Café, North Circular Road, Stonebridge Park. London. Ken had booked the venue in his drive for variety, equality and inclusion - and to encourage the expanding number of international travellers to attend. A table for 12 at 12am had been requested. 14 members turned up.

This legendary venue, selling mugs of tea for only £1 is the ideal place for older people to stay warm and eat hearty meals (everything with chips) and reminisce about their motorcycling exploits in pre-motorway days. The writer thought the Ace was smaller than he imagined – given its popularity and variety of events hosted.

Our meeting coincided with a gathering of a Scandanavian Car Club (SCC) gathering.As far as the writer could see, other than bar and kitchen staff, and the fleeting visit of Ken’s granddaughter, no one else on the premises was under the age of 60.

There was a distinct ‘atmosphere’ between ourselves and SCC who were conducting their own meeting on adjacent tables.

There having been at least two pedants amongst attendees who questioned whether a 12am start was actually possible (antemeridien ending just before 12) the meeting was delayed until 14.00hrs (24 hour clock) to be on the safe side.

Ken was appointed chair and Swinn secretary to the meeting.

Attendees: Roger S, Martin J, Steve W,  Dave I, Ken N, Keith S, Peter L, Mark E, George H, Arthur S, Simon S (part), John J, Peter W, John M.

Apologies: Eldon J (Tasmanian holiday) Mike M (wife unwell). Roxy (unwell). No news of Rob G, Chris B or Phil D. Peter K could be excused having attended the impromptu EGM 2.

Ken welcomed John M who had been a student at Manchester around 1971 and had the misfortune of owning an Ariel Arrow at that time. This had broken down on a UMIST motorcycle Club run and nobody had stopped to help him. He had not been seen since, presumed lost in Derbyshire. Exiled to France, and now owning a reliable Thai-Hinkley Street Twin he lived in the same area as Mark E and had met some members on their jaunt down to Mark’s Place last September. Ken presented John with a Club badge to mark his enrolment.

As last year, this was another well-attended gathering with numbers exceeding places booked. Following food, and general chit-chat, there was a period of upheaval as the Ace manager re-arranged tables for the formal meeting. Although noisy, the arrangement was reasonably effective considering the general loss of auditory faculties caused by wind noise over the years and the general ageing process. Attempts by Ken to smooth-talk SCC members proved unsuccessful.

Doubtless encouraged by the un-seasonably warm January weather, 5 members arrived on two wheels: George by bicycle, Arthur S on his Townmate, Peter L by BMW 1200, Peter W by Honda VFR and Steve W by ST1100 Honda.  Swinn, Martin, Ken, Roger and Dave had travelled by train. Roger had couch-surfed at Ken’s place to break the journey on the way down. The accommodation savings had enabled him to upgrade to First Class. Mark and John had flown in and stayed in a local hotel. Dave had couch-surfed with them - also to keep costs down.

John J arrived with his arm in a sling looking for the sympathy vote. Rather than as the result of a motorcycling accident his injury had been caused by a routine carpel tunnel operation and not deemed sufficiently heroic to qualify.

In the writer’s view Pete L and Steve W looked by far the youngest and least jaded amongst us.

Throughout the proceedings the chairman left the meeting to empty his bladder at roughly 15 minute intervals. He managed to sustain these interruptions by visiting the bar on each occasion to replenish his glass before returning.

Minutes of the last meeting:

Ken had thoughtfully distributed these beforehand and they were taken as read.

Matters arising:

No news of Swinn’s Velo flywheels.

Due to time constraints the award of the Edale ‘get you home kit’ Trophy had not been made in 2018. However, in the interim, Roger had revealed the correct answer but asked Swinn to ‘stick it somewhere safe’ (whatever he meant by that) until this year.

The Trophy included an historic map of the Edale Green Lanes route, a compass and what appeared to be a similar device to that used to transfer the petrol from one bike to another on that run. Roger advised that the original belonged to Mike M and it was his last one but, given the situation and in true Bike 71 tradition, he had (reluctantly) sacrificed it. Roger asked Swinn, the fabricator of said trophy if he had been embarrassed, as a pensioner, to buy another device to commemorate the original. Swinn confirmed that the item was a replica and the foil wrapping only contained a 25mm ‘O’ ring which, at Roger’s time of life, might prove more useful than the real thing. (For information: the xxxland chain of shops offers a pack of 12 for £1. They have a range of uses and, gladly, are now calibrated in eu litres rather than uk gallons).

Agenda:

EGM 1

There had been another very successful trip to see Mark last September. Those that made it were asked by Ken to make a short presentation on various aspects:

John J: The Brough Factory.

Being an owner of several ‘real’ Broughs he found the visit to the French enterprise to be interesting in that the new motorcycles were being made in the tradition of the originals. That is, an amalgam of bought-in parts with a number of in-house parts designed to enhance exclusivity. This obviously contributed to their very high price. He had ridden two models and been impressed with Spanish-made engine and transmission.

With the dearth of skilled panel beaters, the manufacture of the iconic petrol tank was of particular interest. The new tanks were sandcast alloy – and inevitably thicker than required. The castings were then CNC machined to the required profile and thickness.

He didn't think he would be buying one, either to ride or as an investment.

Dave I; Camping.

Dave had ridden down with Ken and camped on the way. Due it being the end of the season only a limited number of sites were open. On the second night, when they were desperate to find somewhere, Dave had a serendipitous encounter with a Lithuanian Regina. Our two travellers received a warm welcome and her attentions were much appreciated. She was keen to explain that her husband was the proud owner of a Reliant 3-wheeler and was familiar with the needs of old codgers on the site.

Peter L: Roads

Peter’s trip down had been uneventful and he commented on the traffic-free D roads. Official speed limits were low but the Gendarmerie was too busy dealing with Yellow Vests to bother enforcement. As an aside Steve W thought that a second Revolution was unlikely and that the present unrest had more of a Les Miserables atmosphere to it.

Mark E: Food

Mark commented that the locally cooked offerings were excellent and on occasions it was possible to dine out properly for the price of a sandwich. Memorable meals, and fine local wines had been enjoyed by his visitors on a number of occasions.

Ken: Drink

Ken spoke at length about local craft beers and in particular the Leffe. John M politely advised him that this beer was of Belgian origin.

EGM 2

Clearly distraught at a lack of communication about the event, Ken asked Swinn to explain.

This being a Select sub-committee to examine the availability of spares for European bikes in future he thought Ken's protestations were unwarranted. Anyway he would have been sunning himself in the South of France at that time.

However, he could report that he, Peter K and Martin discussed the matter over a very pleasant lunch in the Oulton Park restaurant, following which they had walked around the circuit comparing the facilities now to those in place during the Mike Hailwood era.

(Rob G, who is still working full-time, was also invited but had been unable to attend as, along with other Civil Servants, all leave had been cancelled before Brexit).

Scrap value

Other than Ken’s race-proven titanium denture there were no changes but, with metals prices exceeding inflation, scrap value was thought to be better than money in the bank. Roger hoped to get another knee replacement shortly to double his investment. John M reported corrosion in many areas and thought that he would have to pay someone to take him away.

In the writer’s view this item offers little scope for elaboration and his suggestion is that the previous Ailments item, which was only abandoned at the last meeting due to time constraints, be reinstated. 

This comment also applies to the Employment status section as there are worrying signs that certain members are seeking re-employment. Roger, for instance has been doing some delivery work. He claims that the money isn’t very good but has recently swapped his Porsche for a Jaguar.

Furthest distance travelled by motorcycle during the year:

Steve W claimed the prize having undertaken a round trip of some 4000 miles on his trusty Pan to the FIM rally in Lithuania.

General update on bikes owned, in use, news since last year;

Martin was riding less and less, partly due to his CB500 suffering extensive elemental separation but also as, what had been assumed to be vibration white finger, had been diagnosed as a trapped nerve in his neck brought about by the bike’s riding position. He was thinking of following Swinn’s example by buying a more upright bike.

John M had recently upgraded from a 900 Bonneville to a 1200 Street Twin. The immense torque of the 1200 made ‘progress’ a real pleasure.

George H kept a low profile throughout the meeting but confirmed he had found his D1 engine.

Roger S, having decided he would never ride round the world, had sold his bland 250 Honda trail bike. The replacement, a KTM enduro machine, was proving a headache as insurers felt that pensioners and hooligan bikes didn’t mix. He had managed to find a firm who would insure him on a 3^rd party only basis and spent the (comprehensive cover) balance on some matching ‘designer’ off-road gear. His future plans included the purchase of a Harley which he’d heard about ‘at the pub’. He had not seen the bike but his offer had already been accepted. (What happened to your R1100s?)

No change for Arthur and the Yamaha Townmate was still his favourite bike. His only repair this year was to apply another layer of Gaffer Tape to its seat.

Over the years Arthur’s bare-chested trips in freezing fog on his R69 have become legend and it was clear that he had many more tales to tell. Interestingly, he thought the ‘rally in the snow’ was at Great Yarmouth. There had been similar admiration for George’s remarkable night time escape from Edale on his D1 Bantam. This was on unlit, closed, snow- covered roads and against the advice of Mountain Rescue  - simply to fulfil a commitment the following day.

Perhaps a George and Arthur ‘ tale telling special’ next year?

No change for Steve and it was good to hear that his Pan was in such good fettle.

Mark, no change. He was looking forward to seeing everyone at his place again this year.

Peter L no change - and the Trident is currently being prepared for his next trip down to see Mark. The engine is part-dismantled to cure an oil leak from a pushrod oil seal. Roger thought he may have recently acquired a part that would fit and would be prepared to sell it. The Trident's barrels were currently being wet-soda blasted. The writer is keen to learn how successful this proves to be. Peter also confirmed that his pacemaker battery was good for another year.

Following Swinn’s successful sales on ebay Dave had, at long last, decided to sell his Velo (in bits). He claimed there are at least 11/2 bikes and he knows where everything is - but it is unclear whether the lucky purchaser will find himself with one complete bike and half of one as spares or two x three-quarters complete bikes with lots of difficult to find parts to source. Based on current ebay results he hopes to achieve at least £15,000.

In Roxy’s absence Peter W took on the role official photographer. (The excellent results have been posted elsewhere). He had abandoned his previously remarked upon Rizla papers in favour of a more modern e-cigarette and found the blackcurrent and raspberry flavour particularly pungent and to his liking. Unfortunately, it also produced an uncharacteristically large quantity of smoke which made discreet use an ongoing problem.

No change for John J. It had been a busy year with Brough related activites. In addition to the Diamond Jubilee owners club rally he had been responsible for taking well-heeled Brough Owners on various tours.

Ken had bought another BMW, this time a single cylinder 650 XCountry like Dave’s. Little progress had been made on his Stevens Velo as he had spent far too much time making special tools and stands to make it easier to work on. Even though he hadn’t.

Swinn had finished his Velo MOV and it was now parked in his conservatory in readiness for Spring. The Viper he used as a student is being resurrected for use on the road and should be ready for Ken’s planned Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2021. Swinn/Dave/Swinn’s k75s had been sold as he also found it too heavy for him now - but he still thought it the best bike he had ever owned. Bought as a non-runner the bike had been refurbished on a no-expense-spared basis for continued use. Despite at least 4 attendees having been aware of the intended sale there were no takers. John J in particular, and perhaps more familiar with the Dave’s usage of the machine, would only take it for spares and provided it was free. Swinn was therefore pleased that the ebay sale had exceeded expectations and was sufficient to cover his costs (and provide a small ‘profit’). Interestingly, the successful bidder came to view the bike but had not asked to hear it running. Swinn later questioned him about this as he thought it unusual. The purchaser replied that he had made his assessment purely on the appearance of the machine and the tidiness of the garden which he thought was also a reliable indicator (whereupon Mrs Swinn claimed half the proceeds). Presentation is everything.

At this point Martin left to catch his train. Also Peter L as he didn’t like riding in the dark. (Does anyone, anymore?).

AOB:

Another trip to see Mark in September was muted. Mark to confirm.

Mark’s idea for everyone to travel down to his place and then on to Portugal was met with limited enthusiasm as it added at least another 1000 miles to the trip.

An alternative would be to travel by sea to northern Spain and on to Portugal from there. John J said he would rather walk than have to sail across the Bay of Biscay again.

Ken reminded the meeting that 2021 was rapidly approaching which marked the 50^th anniversary of the inauguration of the UMIST Motorcycle Club. (In Swinn’s view and probably Peter L’s too the 50^th Anniversary is due next year as he knew the Club was already in place before the 1971 intake). A grand event was planned: accommodation at Chandos, Roger to ride up and down the staircase at UMIST from ground to archway level, lemonade in the students bar, everyone to come on their old bikes or ones of a similar age, period dress: waxed cotton, de rigeuer white Everoak Grand Prix helmet (mark 9 racing goggles optional), there would be entertainment, dancing in the streets……………the opportunities were endless. The event would be opened by John Cooper who he would invite when sending him a Club badge. His excitement was palpable and he intended to take it on as his personal long-term project.

Next meeting

To be arranged. If London again possibility to combine with trip to London Motorcycle Show at the Excel. Usually mid-February.

The meeting closed at about 3.30 and attendees posed for group photos in the car park.

Postscript:

For the first time, the food bill went undisputed as meals were ordered individually on a PAYG basis. Tips were also the responsibility of each diner.

Wib's photos. Click to view