BIKE 71 - 15 years on

Minutes of the 15^th Anniversary AGM/Reunion 12 January 2015

(As usual Swinn agreed to write some drivel to mark the event but on this  occasion, following Martin’s comment about never being noted for his accuracy, would not offer apologies for the content or any offence caused).

Introduction: The meeting this year was held at a new venue: The Peking Court, Princess Street, Manchester – not far from UMIST. Following last year’s debacle when it was held in near arctic conditions in Dom Marco’s smokers’ lean-to, the Peking Court had been carefully researched by Roger who had established that a) the heating would be on, b) they had a round table which could seat a dozen or so comfortably c) for the avoidance of doubt the price of the meal was fixed at £9.99 for an all-you-can buffet.

Attendees: Roger, Mike M, Pete K, Martin, Chris, Steve, Ken, Peter L and Swinn. Martin and Ken had ridden to the meeting.

Apologies received from Eldon, Dave I, and Rob. Ken had made a special effort to encourage Rob to attend.

Sadly, invitations to Dave B and Phil D had not been taken up.

Roger had arranged seating for Mark and Terry, just in case.

Mike, who had recently retired was warmly welcomed and modelled the Club t-shirt for a photoshoot.

Ken queried arrangements for barring persistent non-attendees but it was noted that this was not covered in the Club’s Constitution.

The group met at about 1pm as arranged but there was an unusually long pre-amble, - catching-up, boasting and reminiscing and the meeting proper eventually commenced at about 2pm.

Minutes of the last meeting: one amendment was recorded in that Martin was said to have been acting as Secretary to his branch of the VMCC – whereas his role was actually Treasurer.

It was further noted that since his appointment the VMCC had suffered major financial problems – it was not clear whether this was the result of Martin’s meddling.  

Matters arising: Club badge: Ken again reported that the matter was in hand. The same response has been received at the last 3 meetings. If there is no progress on this, potentially lucrative, project in the next 12 months Ken will be asked to relinquish it.

Ailments and medication, annual update: Chris* (see footnote) – no change, but his pills had affected his balance and he felt cold – dreadfully cold. He was still unable to ride a motorcycle for these reasons. He added that he owned a bicycle but this was OK as it didn’t exceed 30mph. It was suggested that he should ride a Bantam which has a similar top speed.

Steve had been passed fit to fly for another year. Ken was now addicted to his pills. No change for Swinn. Peter L was taking painkillers and had been told he would need a shoulder replacement. For now he could still ride through the pain barrier. Roger was obviously still the fittest of the bunch and was therefore not availing himself of NHS services for the over 60’s, free prescriptions, eye tests and the like. Mike reported a number of problems and had retired as a result. Pete K was too busy making money to think about his health.

Employment status and benefits, annual update: much as last year with only Roger working full-time. Ken was still working on special projects with Dave I for one day a week (soon to be completed) and two days teaching. So he hadn’t really retired at all. He was also coy about whether or not he was paying income tax at the higher rate.

Chris would shortly be applying for his proper old-age pension. Mike was too young to claim a pension and was therefore being supported by his wife - a teacher.

No mention was made of the winter fuel allowance so it must be assumed that Roger is now receiving his and can’t grouse about it anymore.

Motorcycles owned and/or in use: No change for Pete L, Ken, Steve. Pete K had bought a Suzuki RG500 – shortly to be bored out to 580cc and a round-head Guzzi Le Mans, Swinn had bought another Commando in need of work and Roger an Austin 7 to do weddings when he eventually retires. Dave I still had Swinn’s K75S.

Mike owned far too many bikes to remember but they included a Pan ST1100 and Honda NTV, also a BMW trike. He will provide a list shortly. After 40 years he had also found Swinn’s Velo flywheels in his late father’s workshop and promised to return them shortly.

Events: A successful meeting at Cosford RAF Museum had been held mid-year and is reported separately.

Thanks: to Roger again for getting us together.

Future events: Possible trip to Beezumph or 1000 Bikes or to France/Portugal (when Dave I’s holiday home is finshed). Ken is also learning how to race (his Velo) so there may be spectator/photography/pit support opportunities in the coming year. However, if progress on getting his Velo in trim is similar to that of the Club Badge he will not be doing (m)any fast laps.

Footnote:

In previous years Chris had left early due to parking meter issues – leaving only the bare minimum sum that he thought would cover the cost of his meal. Invariably this had caused difficulties when the final bill arrived. Roger’s fixed price tactic was therefore effective, even though Chris didn’t contribute to the tip.