Section History complete

The History of theSouth Wales Sectionof the Vintage Motor Cycle ClubFifty years of Vintage motorcycling written by the members of the sectionApril 2011 Twinned with

Editors Note.I am indebted to the members who have helped in providing photographs for scanning,without which this booklet would have been somewhat lacking. As the saying goes – aphotograph is worth a thousand words. Several members, including Pat Taylor, TerryHopes, Graham Gardiner and Rob Jones helped in this respect, along with DennisBailey, who provided access to the photographs that belonged to his late father Doug.Many of the other photographs come from my own collection and it must beremembered that digital photography has made it so much easier to take pictures sincethe 1990’s, so much so that it has been difficult to decide on what to include and whatto leave out for the later years. It was pleasing to be able to find so many earlyphotographs but disappointing that there were so few that covered the 1970’s and1980’s.I am also indebted to Terry for his proof reading of this document as it is amazing howone’s memory becomes hazy with age, and happenings, that seemed to take place onlya few years ago, were in actual fact a lot further back in time.From the tentative beginnings in 1961, The South Wales Section of the VMCC hasgrown to meet the needs of an enthusiastic group with a shared love for HistoricMotorcycles. Whilst, like all sections, we have had our ups and downs, the Sectionmembers have always been active riders, and today our locally organised events are asgood as can be found anywhere within the confines of the Vintage Motor Cyclemovement. The Section is certainly in a very healthy state and well able to meet thechallenges of the next fifty years.Do enjoy the read.Bill PhelpsIn memory of those section members who have passed the chequered flag of life:Doug Bailey Norman Stark Bryn Thomas Hugh DaviesRoger Smith Walter KempLes Cooper Mark Thompson Bryn Boulter Phil GriffithsJohn Wells Tom ActonJohn Isaacs Simon Mansfield Stan Sloman Eric Sparrow Colin Chambers Evan Morgan Bryn Jones Jim Mansfield

Vintage activity prior to the formation of the such as a 1919 American X were thrown on one side in order to get to the Triumph. Doug rebuiltSouth Wales Section the Triumph and entered it in the second Saundersfoot run in 1957 and completed the eventSections of the Western Region without mishap. In fact Doug was to be seen atCotswolds – formed 7th July 1954 as the Western every Saundersfoot event for the next 50 years.Section of the Midland Region. Name changed to 1956 - The 1911 Triumph, as found in Caerphilly.Western Region in January 1958 then toCotswolds Section in March 1962. The WesternRegion continued as an umbrella organisation toall the sections.Somerset – formed 10th March 1960South Wales – formed 26th March 1961.Bristol – formed 11th October 1961Stonehenge – formed 8th May 1963North Cotswolds – formed May 1964West South Wales – formed 7th February 1965,remained dormant until E.J. Williams called ameeting for 15th July 68 and the section wasresurrected. Section status officially grantedOctober 1969.Cornwall – formed 6th October 1965Devon – formed November 1965Weymouth group – formed 10th March 1966Dorset – formed 14th September 1967 - from theWeymouth group.South Hants – formed January 1968Swindon Moonraker – formed May 1970Torbay – formed 11th November 1971Gwent – formed February 1987South Cotswolds – formed September 1993Swansea & District – formed December 1993Early involvement with Vintage machines saw The fresh restoration of the 1911 Triumph in 1957.Doug Bailey as the main stay, with Graham Note the white sheet pinned on the garage doors toGardiner and then Terry Hopes joining. Although give a better outline of the Triumph.it may have been that Stan Sloman, who isrecorded as having ridden a 1923 Douglas in the1954 Banbury run, was the first South Walian toget involved in the Vintage movement. JoeO’Reilly and Tim Rhys-Roberts were alsoinvolved during the late 50’s. As was NormanStark and lastly Bill Phelps. The Early sixties sawmembership increase with Bryn Boulter, IeuanEvans, Pat Cravos and Roger and Janet Lee.Followed soon after by Bob Hill, Les Cooper, JohnWatkins, Simon Mansfield, Phil Griffiths, PeterBenger and Mark Thompson, to name just a few.Back to earlier times and Doug’s first machine was Doug receiving two trophies at the prize giving ona 1921 Velocette Ladies model bought in Llantwit the harbour front whilst on the 1957 SaundersfootMajor around 1954. He restored it and used it on run – Others in the photo, Peter Moffat in themany occasions but really wanted a Veteran. In deerstalker hat, Dave James behind and to the left1956 his 1911 Triumph was unearthed in a scrap of Doug, with Vic Morris in the crowd to the rightdealer’s garage horde in Caerphilly. Machines of Doug.2

This photo shows a very young Terry Hopes on A young Joe O’Reilly poses in the rear lane ofDoug Baileys 1921 Ladies Velocette, loaned for Ferndale Street where Doug operated his businessTerry to be able to compete in one of the 1958 as Bailey’s Two-strokes. Joe is shown holding theVMCC events as his 1920 Monarch was still 1911 Indian with Doug’s newly restored Triumphundergoing restoration. in the background after a trial fitting of the sidecar chassis.The Saturday morning start at Gloucester for the The 1911 Indian, as found after recovery from a1959 Saundersfoot Run weekend. Doug’s chicken coop in Canton, Cardiff. Along with theTriumph, BK574 is third along the line. The early Indian was a 1909 vee twin Premier that went toSaundersfoot runs all started in Gloucester and the Terry Hopes and the remains of a 1919 BSA thatroute basically followed the A40 to Saundersfoot went to Norman Stark for spares.on the Saturday, before returning home on theSunday.Terry Hopes newly restored 1920 Monarch, 269cc The Indian after it had been restored by Doug.Villiers engine, waiting in Gloucester for the start Photo taken at the time that it was sold to Billof the 1959 Saundersfoot run. Phelps in 1962. 3

The 1909 Premier – a vee twin that had it’s firing At the time of acquiring the bike Doug had no ideastrokes at 180 degrees. The crankshaft was a of its heritage and its crankcase numbers bore nocomplicated piece of engineering and despite many resemblance to any known Scott sequence – theattempts to straighten it and make it run true, Terry engine number being 27HLTT. Eventually iteventually parted with the bike before completing turned out to be the 1927 TT works entry machinethe restoration. for Harry Langman. Langman was one of the three works team entries along with Ernie Mainwaring and Eric Langton, he retired on lap two with engine trouble. Mainwaring managed to get onto lap 6 before float chamber problems put him out, leaving Langton only to retire with a split fuel tank a little later. The Scott ran well for Doug and it was sold in 1958 to help fund a house move from Canton to Dinas Powis. The bike disappeared into the Ward Brothers collection and did not reappear until 2009.The other side of the 1909 Premier. Note that the 1960 – VMCC membeship 1000cylinders are at 90 degrees. Somerset Section formed – 10th March Doug Bailey won the best Single Gear in the Cotswolds Road Trial and Levis Cup.The replica of a Milford (Mills and Fulford) 1960 South Wales members on the front atsidecar freshly fitted to the 1911 Triumph in 1958. Saundersfoot, L to R: - Doug & Eileen Bailey - 1911 Triumph and sidecarAnother of Doug’s bikes during the late 50’s was a Norman & Clevette Stark – 1919 BSA and sidecarScott. Terry Hopes – 1920 Monarch Dennis Bailey – 1922 Radco4 Joe O’Reilly – 1919 Triumph Tim Rhys-Roberts - 1923 Triumph

Terry’s 1920 Monarch parked on the harbour atSaundersfoot 1960 A youthful and slim line Terry with The 1920 Monarch at the 1959 Banbury run. Terry still has the Best Vintage Rosette that the Monarch won in 1960, but had to return the cup.The Monarch being given the once over for the 1961 – VMCC membership 1000Concours Judging by the Mayor and Vic Morris, 26th March was the date for the 7th Cotswoldson the harbour at Saundersfoot 1960. Vic kindly Road Trial. The new Team Award resulted inallowed his garage premises to be used for the teams from Southern, Turnford, Midland, Southovernight storage of the bikes Wales, Somerset, Western and North Birmingham. South Wales team members being, Doug Bailey – 1911 Triumph, Denis Bailey – 1922 Radco, Bill Phelps – 1923 Triumph. The South Wales team won the trophy but the organisers stated that as South Wales was not a section then the trophy couldn’t be awarded. The three members of the team met in the courtyard of the Andoversford hotel and immediately formed a section – they then requested the trophy from the organisers – it was duly awarded. Section officers were properly elected at a subsequent meeting and were, Joe O’Reilly - Secretary, Doug Bailey – Chairman, Norman Stark - Treasurer. 5

Many years later and during a conversation withPeter Moffat who had originally said that the TeamTrophy could not be awarded to any team otherthan one from a section, Peter admitted that thatwas not the case at all. He had decided that wewere ready to form a section and used theCotswolds team trophy as the ‘nudge’ to get usmoving.At the time the active Members were: - Two, as found, sidecars, with Bryn Boulter in theDoug Bailey -1911 Triumph/sidecar, 1911 Indian alloy bodied one that he reskinned and attached toDenis Bailey - 1922 Radco his 1928 16H Norton and the other an early 20’sJoe O’Reilly – 1919 Triumph Watsonian Featherweight that was acquired fromTim Rhys-Roberts – 1922 Hazlewoods & sidecar, the same place in Caerphilly that supplied Doug1928 Ariel Bailey’s 1911 Triumph. It was removed from aTerry Hopes – 1920 Monarch, 1909 Premier 1923 Cotton and bought for £1.10s by Bill PhelpsGraham Gardiner – 1929 Scott to attach to his 1923 Triumph after surprisinglyNorman Stark – 1919 BSA & sidecar very little work.Bill Phelps – 1923 Triumph & sidecarBryn Boulter – 1928 Norton & sidecarRon Gethin – 1923 Beardmore Precision 1927 AJSNon-active members: -Stan Sloman – Brough SuperiorJ.R.Brearley – 1926 Sunbeam, 1927 SunbeamE.J.Cowling – 1930 VelocetteLenny Matthews – 1929 ScottG.J.Pearce – Royal Enfield 2 3/4hpW.C.Pollard – 1913 Stevens PrecisionPeter Wiseman – 1930 Rudge 1929 Sunbeam,1927 SunbeamDuring 1961, meetings were held every Sunday Doug demonstrating how easy it was to lift theafternoon at the Chairman’s house for social rides sidecar wheel on the back road across Cowbridgefrom Dinas Powis to Cowbridge Common. 50 common.years ago the small café on the Common was notfrequented by motorcyclists as it is today Western Mail event in Llandaff Fields in 19586

Left to right – Doug Bailey, unknown, Bill Phelps, Unknown, Sandra Smith in sidecar, BrynBoulter, Jeanette Boulter in sidecar, Roger Lee, Graham Gardiner, Joe O’Reilly and Terry Hopes.South Wales Echo Photograph 1962Graham Gardiner’s 1927 Scott, now owned and 1962 – VMCC membership 1200loved by Bob Hill. Photo taken in 1962 during a Our first organised meeting place was decided asrun to Cowbridge Common. the Cardiff Eagles Clubroom at the Cross Inn, North Road, Cardiff. Meetings were held on the first Tuesday of the month with the first official meeting at the Cross Inn on 6th March. And our first official magazine notes appearing in the April Journal. At the Cotswolds Road Trial in April we won the team award for a second time and the Cotswolds section handed over the running of the seventh Saundersfoot run to us. Mrs Clevette Stark was to be the Secretary of the meeting for the 1962 Saundersfoot run. The First Chairman’s Run took place on the 30th September and visited the Wye Valley. 7

At one point we had a run to Cowbridge Commonand had seven vintage sidecar outfits all in line –they were: Bill Phelps – 1923 Triumph – taken near Crosshands on the return journey from Saundersfoot – 1962Doug Bailey – 1911 Triumph – taken atCowbridge Common – 1962 Tim Rhys-Roberts – 1922 Hazlewood – taken on the harbour front during the Saundersfoot weekend - 1962Bryn Boulter – 1928 Norton 16H – taken atCowbridge Common – 1962. This was a first runout for the sidecar which had been re-skinned inaluminium by Bryn.Norman Stark – 1919 BSA – taken at Port Talbot Graham Gardiners Scott and sidecar.steel works open day – 1961. We were invited toattend and put on a show of machines The other sidecar outfit was Ieuan Evans riding his 1914 Clyno. Sadly, a photo of the outfit has not8 come to light.

Doug’s 1922 Radco, model No 2, that was used as The 1924 Fiat under restoration in Doug’s garageback and fore to work transport in the 1960’s. in Dinas Powis. It was never finished and wasPhoto taken on Cowbridge Common during 1962. eventually cut up.The bike is still in South Wales and owned byJohn Watkins.We weren’t just interested in old motorcycles: -Tim Rhys-Roberts and Joe O’Reilly inspecting Bill Phelps acquired a 1924 Bullnose MorrisTim’s latest acquisition, a 1929 Austin 12/4 – and Cowley in 1963 for daily transport back and forebelieve it or not, it was on the road when the photo to work.was taken.Doug Baileys 1934 Austin 12/4, bought for 12/6d Doug sure wouldn’t thank us for publishing thison the road, including the road fund licence. That photo – left to right, Dennis, Graham Gardiner,really was a bargain. Doug in the shorts, Eileen and Joe O’Reilly, complete with pipe. Photo taken on a camping holiday in the New Forest. Transport was provided by Doug’s Jowett Bradford van that covered many a mile over the years to VMCC events. 9

1963 – VMCC membership 1500Meeting nights were changed to the last Tuesdayof the month from the May meeting. Roger Leetook over as Secretary halfway through the year.The eighth Saundersfoot run was organised by thesection - Bill Phelps was secretary of the meeting.Terry Hopes recovered a 1921 BeardmorePrecision fitted with a Barr & Stroud sleeve valveengine after the floods in the Rhondda uncovered itfollowing the collapse of a garage into theriver. Bill Phelps 1923 Triumph at the Colwyn Bay rally in May – ridden all the way there and back in one day.The 1922 Radco at the Cotswolds Road Trial inApril 1963. Two speed and fitted with a 247ccUnion Engine. Roger Lee’s 1927 NUT in Sennybridge on the way to Saundersfoot. Roger won the Meritorious Award for completing the run after the oil pump packed up – hand oiling all the way.Graham checking his Scott while John Poulsonlooks on. Hugh Davies is studying Terry’sBeardmores front suspension.A young lady trying out the saddle of Tim’s Roger at the finish at SaundersfootHazelwood10

Graham Gardiner and his 1929 Scott at the finishof the Saundersfoot runWe couldn’t give this mid 20’s RE away.Photo taken on the Harbour front at Saundersfoot 1963 11

A South Wales Echo Photograph taken on the frontage of the Echo Offices in Cardiff in 1963.L to R: Graham Gardiner - 1925 Scott, Pat Cravos – 1924 Douglas, Phil Griffiths – 1925 Sunbeam, Phil’sbrother-in-law on a Scott borrowed from Graham, Bryn and Jeanette Boulter – 1928 Norton and sidecar.Another South Wales Echo publicity photo taken outside the Echo Offices in late 196312

1964 – VMCC membership 1500 The hill was marked out into two sections and theMeetings were changed back to the first Tuesday competitors had to ride as slow as possible overof the month. Whilst the club at large started to the first section, then as fast as possible over thedebate the introduction of post vintage motorcycles second section, all in the same gear. Divide the fastup to 1940, our section announced that we had our time into the slow time for bonus marks. Thisown clubroom from July and that it was in a loft photo shows Doug and the Triumph flat out on theabove a garage - next door to the London Style pub very corner where the line was that started the fastin Havelock Street, Grangetown, Cardiff. The section. Don’t cars always appear when you don’twhole room had to be cleaned out and painted and want them?a false ceiling was hung. This was all completedby August when it was announced that meetings Continuing up the fast section of the test hill.would be weekly on Tuesdays. Terry Hopes andGraham Gardiner uncovered the wooden patternsfor the Lewis Crankless Two-stroke, which wasmade in Penygraig, Rhondda. Cams drove thepiston and it was reputed to burn little or no oil.Graham Gardiner’s Scott managed to breakdownwhilst on the Banbury run and was towed home,all 140 miles; behind the Ariel square fourcombination of Terry Hopes, which also carried,on the sidecar chassis, the 1920 Monarch.The Section again organised the Saundersfoot withBill Phelps as Secretary of the meeting.Doug and the Triumph at the lunch stop in Ludlow Bill Phelps acquired the 1902 Clement Garrardon the Levis Cup Trial in 1964. This year Doug from Terry Hopes and eventually finished themanaged to ride a clear round without stopping on restoration in 1971 as seen below.any of the hills. Best Single Gear performance.The Levis Cup Trial flexibility test. 13

A camping weekend was held at Rhayader and on Terry had tyre problems at Aberystwyth on a daythe way Graham had a few problems with his out, while Bryn’s sidecar chassis broke and wasScott. ferried home on the back of Bills Bullnose Morris. Graham, Dominic, Jeanette and Terry on the banks of the river Wye.14

1965 – VMCC membership 1800January 15th saw the annual dinner held at the Foxand Hounds, Penlline, Nr Cowbridge. Severalmembers attended the Dragon Rally in NorthWales in February. Meetings continued on aweekly basis in the clubroom. The first Vale ofGlamorgan road trial was announced for 25th Julywith Terry Hopes as Secretary of the meeting,whilst Bill Phelps again organised theSaundersfoot run. Due to lack of support the Valeof Glamorgan Road Trial was cancelled. BillPhelps took on the job of Triumph MarqueSpecialist for the VMCC register.Joe and Terry try out Joe’s Penny Farthing. 15

Bill Phelps 1924 Morris Cowley followed by Restoration was completed in three months flat,Graham Blatchley’s 1929 Morris Cowley crossing before another Triumph turned up, this time it wasthe Clifton Suspension Bridge on the second South a 1919 Model H.West Coast run. Both cars were driven aroundGloucester to get there as the Severn Bridge didnot open for another year.Graham Gardiners pretty 1925 two speed Scott on The bike was a ‘Renovated’ machine. Triumpha visit to Peter Wiseman. used to provide the War Department with machines during the 1914-1918 war and after the war there was a shortage of motorcycles for public use. So Triumph bought back all of the machines that they could from the War Department. The frame and cycle parts were repainted and a new engine was fitted. The fuel tank then had a new transfer affixed that had the word RENOVATED across the centre.This 1919 Baby Triumph was found inPembrokeshire by Bill Phelps and was in excellentcondition for £20. All that was missing was thefinal drive belt pulley and a new one was soonmade.16

1966 – VMCC membership 1800 Joe O’Reilly pedalling the Clement into the showThe Annual dinner was organised for the 7th – it won the Best Relic class.January at the Barry Hotel, Barry at a cost of 16/6dper head. 35 attended. At the VMCC AGM it wasvoted in that the club will cater for machines thatare 25 years old. Weekly Section meetingscontinued. The Vale of Glamorgan Road trial wasset for the 27th February, the last possible datebefore the new ‘Control of Motor Rallies’ lawscame into effect. There were 25 entrants with onlytwo being Veterans – both Triumphs, DougBailey’s 1911 and Les Hurrell’s 1914 model. BobPerrin was secretary of the meeting. Bill Phelpswas elected as Chairman for the Western Regionand continued to organise the Saundersfoot run.The West South Wales members were still tryingto get their section off the ground whilstWeymouth members were thinking also offorming a section. In June the Council slapped acompulsory purchase order on the clubroom inorder to demolish it. Terry Hopes won the Sheldontrophy at the Banbury Run. The Section supportedthe Tenovus Veteran and Vintage Cavalcade,which started with a road run and ended with ashow in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Some of our bikes on show at Sophia Gardens.Bob Hill (Scott) leading Phil Griffiths (Sunbeam) Phil Griffiths sampling Graham’s two-speeder.and Graham Gardiner (Scott), with Bill Phelps(Triumph) behind the car. In the procession for theTenovus rally that was turning from CathedralRoad into Sophia Gardens.Doug Bailey completed a non-stop ride on his1911 Triumph from John-o-Groats to Lands End in42hrs 48mins. Doug was proposed by ColinMissen for the effort and was consequentlyawarded the Harry Knight Trophy for anoutstanding performance on a Veteran by theVMCC at the following years AGM.In December we were given a stay of execution forthe clubrooms demolishment. 17

Frank Hennessey from the Munster Motor Club presenting Terry with the Best Vintage Concours award at the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial, While Graham Gardiner and Colin Chambers look on. Bob Hills girl, Hilary, trying out the Scott Sprint Special for size. Pat Cravos preparing his 1923 Ariel 250cc at the start of the Vale of Glamorgan. The bike now belongs to Bill Toppin who uses it regularly.18

More photos from the Vale of Glam road trial.The start at the Colcot ArmsTerry fettling the 1922 Radco Terry gets a push from Phil Griffiths while George Smith watches.Doug Lewis about to set off on the RadcoA Dirt track Douglas outfit pushes off at the start. Graham and Bob discussing the route, somewhere in the Vale 19

Bryn Boulter – 1928 Norton on Garth hill Alan King – AJSJohn Kenefick – on Bill Phelps1919 Triumph About to enter the ford observed sectionBob Hill – Scott Bob Derrick leading the way on his Royal EnfieldGraham on the 1925 Two-speeder Terry about to move off from a time check20

1966 was the year that Doug attempted to ride his Doug’s belt and they continued. Perth was reached1911 Triumph non-stop from John-o-Groats to at 12.55 and an all-night garage stood the travellersLands End and the following was printed in the a cup of tea. It rained ceaselessly all through theVMCC journal. night. At 5.43 a.m. the Triumph was stopped by the police for not having any lights to the rear. But was THE END TO END ON A VETERAN let off with a caution. The run from John O’Groats to Lands Endwas quite popular before 1911, record times were They crossed the border into England atset up for sidecar machines and for solos. The last 6.10 a.m. Upon reaching Shap at 7.25 a.m. — 418record was made by a Welsh schoolmaster, Ivan miles from John O’Groats — the second exhaustHart-Davies, who took a 1911 Triumph 3 1/2 h.p. over valve snapped.the route in 29 hours 12 minutes. The R.A.C. thendecided that these feats were becoming dangerous The only garage with a machine shop wouldto the public, and so declared that they would not not be open until 9 a.m. So a wait of an hour and arecognise any further attempts to bring down the half was called for and a good feed. The mechanicrecord. turned up and promptly stated that he hadn’t any For the past few years some members of valves for a 1911 Triumph Motor Cycle.the South Wales Section of the Vintage MotorCycle Club have been discussing a non-stop run from However, after much persuasion and bribing,end to end. a valve of the same stem diameter was found and This year Doug Bailey arranged to attempt the head ground down to size, the stem cut tothe run on his 1911 3+1/2 h.p. Triumph, identical to length and a slot drilled in the stem. The valve wasthe machine Ivan Hart-Davies used. So Sunday, fitted and the Triumph took the road again at 10.35August 28th, saw a Morris 1000 van leave Cardiff a.m., having lost some three hours.for John O’Groats with Doug Bailey, GrahamGardiner, Doug’s son Denis and the Triumph aboard. Another 48 miles and the Triumph was atThe van was to “shadow” Doug on his non-stop run, the first service centre on the M6 for petrol, oilkeeping a log and supplying petrol when needed. The and a five minutes rest. Good time was made downtwo drivers taking shifts at driving. Good time was the motorway — 35 to 40 m.p.h. all the way. At 3.27made to John O’Groats with an over night stop in p.m. the Triumph was in Wolverhampton havingAyr on Sunday. covered 577 miles. The traffic was solid and barely The run started on Tuesday morning, August moving, so Doug pushed the machine along the30th, 1966, at 8.18 a.m. It was misty and raining. 25 pavement, leaving his escort in the van to battlemiles out the engine of the Triumph seized. A big their way through.end. Retracing steps to Wick an engineering firmkindly obliged to repair the big end. Six hours After the van got out of Wolverhamptoncleaning the crank pin and making a new bush using they were delayed even further with a puncture,the metal out of the old bush. Cost 3/-. which put the Triumph about one hour ahead of A great deal of time had been lost so it was them.decided to return to The Groats and restart.Tuesday afternoon at 4.06 p.m. the Triumph once The Triumph, on the M5 now, was running lowagain set off, travelling slowly at first, to ease in on oil, so turned off to Worcester, as the escortthe big end bush. 6.24 p.m. and 76 miles gone Doug still had not caught up. Back on to the M5 and bywas fed some rolls and tea from the van. All meals the time the Kenning Service Centre was reached atwere taken this way throughout the whole journey. 5.40 p.m. — some 622 miles from John O’Groats — At 7.08 p.m., just after a steep climb and 99 the escort had caught up with the bike.miles from the start, an exhaust valve snapped onthe Triumph. This was replaced with a spare in eight By now the veteran saddle was beginning tominutes and the journey continued. Visibility was tell on Doug and his right foot and leg began to swelldown to 20 yards at times. after being numb for some 100 miles or so. The Kessock ferry was reached and crossedby 8.30 p.m. Dark was falling and the electric lights The bike passed through Tewkesbury andwhich had been rigged on the bike had long since Gloucester doing well. Bristol was reached by 8.0shaken adrift. So a pedal cycle lamp was strapped to p.m. on the Wednesday, having covered 676 miles. Here the front brake cable snapped during an emergency stop. The escort had to push the Triumph off, as Doug by this time, couldn’t place his right leg on the ground. Bridgewater was made by 9.11 p.m. and a blanket tied around the Triumph saddle to give a softer ride. At Taunton by 9.35 p.m., having covered 720 miles, it started to rain once more. 21

Launceston was reached by 1.00 a.m. and Out on the road somewherewith only 80 miles to go, it was decided to rest asthe van escort was beginning to wander over theroad. Re-started again at 7.32 a.m., having stoppedfor six-and-a-half hours. Three miles further on and the belt snapped— a new one was fitted and the Triumph continued.Nine more miles and a link was removed from thebelt, and another link after another five miles. The belt then settled and Redruth wasreached at 9.45 a.m., with only 27 miles to cover. Lands End was reached at 10.54 a.m. onThursday, the first of September, having covered880 miles in 42 hours 48 minutes — stoppages werearound 10 hours altogether — so the distance wascovered in 32 hours 48 minutes, averaging 27 m.p.h.on the road. Quite a feat for a 55-year-old singlegear machine and a 43-year-old driver. The total cost of the venture was around£57, and members of the section are now planning amore efficient run next year. W.P. Waiting for the garage to open at Shap in order to source a replacement exhaust valve. Eventually sorted by modifying a modern valve so that the run could continue, which it did at 10.35am.The start at John O’GroatsOne big end gone after only a few miles Lands End Hotel with Doug looking pretty worn22 out after his 42 hour end to end run.

Later in 1966 we had a social run around the Vale 1967 – VMCC membership 2000 In this the VMCC’s 21st birthday year, DougTydir James on his Beardmore Precision Bailey was awarded, by the VMCC, the Harry Knight Trophy for an outstanding achievement onBill Phelps tackling the water splash near Fonmon a Veteran machine. Our annual dinner/dance was– and the bike came out alive, would you believe held at the Queens Hotel, Cardiff, on the 25th February and the event was also used as the presentation of the Western Region awards. Tickets cost £1.1.0 and the guest of honour was Charlie Sgonina. The Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial, run by Terry Hopes was held on the 9th April, the day after Bob Perrin was running a vintage race meeting at Llandow. Bill Phelps resigned as Treasurer later in the year. Terry Hopes took on the job of organising the Saundersfoot run, which was also to be the third Windmill Rally for this year. The South Wales team won the Windmill Trophy. The team consisted of Pat Cravos – 1924 Douglas, Graham Gardiner – 1925 Scott, Phil Griffiths - 1925 Sunbeam, Bryn Boulter – 1928 Norton and sidecar, Colin Chambers – 1936 Scott, Bob Perrin – 1941 Harley Davidson. Due to the loss of the clubroom in Grangetown a new clubroom was found in the cellars of the Great Western Hotel at the bottom end of St Mary Street. In return for the use of the premises the section provided, on loan, for three months at a time, a vintage motorcycle. The hotel displayed the machine behind a large glass window in the entrance hall to the Automobilia bar. Graham Gardiner made some buttoned seating for the new clubroom.Even Graham’s two-speeder ran after this soaking.Terry found the deepest part to stop. Vale of Glamorgan road trial 23

1968 – VMCC membership 2000Preparing for Saundersfoot – another South Wales The Section dinner/dance was set for the 9thEcho Photograph. Note the Trolley bus in the February in the Queens Hotel, Cardiff, cost perbackground. That ages the picture. head 22/6d, however, the dinner was cancelled due to a poor response. Attendance at meetings became very poor and the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial was cancelled. Three of the section committee threatened to resign and Joe O’Reilly appealed in the magazine for support for the section, luckily it came and meeting attendances improved. The Charlie Sgonina story appeared in the April and May magazines. Several members took machines to Newport Speedway on the 31st May and had a ride around the track during the Newport Wasps race meeting. The Saundersfoot run was organised by the section secretary, Joe O’Reilly. October saw the section put on a stand at the first South Wales Motor Show, which was staged in the market hall in Abergavenny.Mark Thompson with his Scott heading forSaundersfoot – just a few problems!Llancarfan ford during the Vale of Glamorgan Les Coopers pretty 1932 350cc BSA at Newport’sroad trial. Somerton Park Speedway after a ride around the track.24

Graham and Mark loading the two-speed Scott Graham with one of his Scotts in the centre ofback into Grahams van after the visit to Newport Bristol on the South West Coast run in May 1968.Speedway.Mark Thompsons Two-speed Scott at Newport Trouble on the way to Saundersfoot for the LadiesSpeedway. The bike is now owned by Graham model IVY on loan from George Smith.Gardiner. Trying out the Sunbeam of George Smith outsideFrom the South West Coast run. Graham on a the Kilgetty Post Office on the way toScott, of course, about to leave Portishead. Saundersfoot. 25

Simon Mansfield’s 1929 Ivory Calthorpe with his twin brother James posing for the camera.1969 – VMCC membership 2000 The Section stand at the Abergavenny motor showThe Dinner/dance was organised for the 7th Feb inthe Victoriana room of the New ContinentalRestaurant at 25/- per head.Bill Phelps again took up the job of organising theSaundersfoot run with the overnight stay based atthe Gower Hotel in Saundersfoot.Abergavenny once more hosted the South WalesMotor Show on the 25th October in the MarketHall and the section put on a display of machinesfor the second year running.26

At the second and final Abergavenny motor show, Tydir James on his Beardmore Precisionwe had Three Scotts as well as an ABCSkootamota, three Triumphs, Bryn Thomas’sMonarch, a BSA, Royal Enfield and Two Nortons,not a bad exhibition at all.Part of our Section display at the motor show inthe Market Hall, Abergavenny, showing Grahamssectioned Scott engine and his cased collection ofspark plugs. Graham sectioned and built a Scott engine from scrap parts.Vale of Glamorgan Road trial – Bryn and Jeanette 1970 – VMCC membership 2500Boulter 1928 Norton 16H coming into the Sea This year the Western Region instigated their RoadLawns Hotel in Ogmore for the Lunch stop. Trial Championship. The section dinner/dance went off very well on the 30th January. Bill Phelps was the organiser of the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial on the 24th May, whilst Joe O’Reilly organised two successful film shows in January and April. Organisation of the Saundersfoot run was handed over to the West South Wales Section at one of their meetings in Carmarthen. They then decided to make the event competitive and changed the start to Llandovery. We held a social run in March and, yes, it was snowy - 27

The start from the Bluebell Inn, St Mellons Vale of Glam trial – Les Cooper 1924 NortonStop at the Three Blackbirds, Llantarnum Vale of Glam trial – Pete Benger 1923 TriumphBryn on his 1927 Sunbeam Vale of Glam trial - Graham and Bob – with – what else but a pair of ScottsVale of Glam trial – Bryn Boulter 1927 Sunbeam28 1971 – VMCC membership 3000 We continued with weekly meetings at the Great Western Hotel and scheduled the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial for the 25th April. The West South Wales Section included Gwernogle hill in the route for the Saundersfoot and all Veteran and Vintage machines had problems climbing the one in five hill. Several section members attended the Llantwit Major carnival to “wave the flag”. By the end of the year attendances at club nights had improved from the low of the previous winter.

The following five photos were taken in theclubroom under the Great Western Hotel at thebottom end of St Mary Street in Cardiff. Pat and Hilary making teaBob Hill, Graham Gardiner and Stan SlomanBill Phelps, Peter Benger and John Watkins L to R: Stan Sloman, Doug Bailey, Jean Phelps, Bill Phelps, Peter Benger, Rosie Cooper, John Watkins, Graham Gardiner, Bob and Hilary Hill and Les Cooper – photo by Pat Taylor Outside Cardiff prison on a club run 29

Heading for Saundersfoot 1971, along the A40, Section members stop on the way to Saundersfootsomewhere in the Brecon Beacons in September 1972.1972 – VMCC membership 3500 1973 – VMCC membership 4000The Annual Dinner was held in the New The Sections annual dinner/dance was held on theContinental Restaurant on the 11th January. 27th January at the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge at aMonthly Sunday runs were held. Bryn Boulterannounced that he and Jeanette were emigrating to cost of £1.50(decimalisation was here) per head.Canada – and taking the 1927 flat tank Sunbeamand 1928 Vee-twin Zenith machines with them. We were given notice to quit our clubroom byVale of Glamorgan Road Trial took place on the14th May – organised by Peter Benger and Bill Welsh Brewers the owners of the premises, so, onPhelps. A Steam Fayre was held at Leckwith in 24th February all our furniture etc. was moved out.Cardiff and attendance money was paid – so thesection funds were boosted a bit by those members The Section continued to meet in the “Age ofwho went. It was noted that there were over 120eligible machines in the section but many were Steam” lounge of the Great Western Hotel. Thenever seen. VMCC had decided that Regions were to disappear and that there would only be sections of the club. This was due to the fact that the Cheshire and North Wales Region, which was basically a section, would not change its status. The Vale of Glamorgan took place on the 20th May, ably organise by Peter Kellie and starting from Sully, whilst, from the 1st June the wearing of crash helmets became compulsory. The Penarth Concours was again held and the section put on a good display of machines. October saw the section meetings back at the Cardiff Eagles Clubroom at the rear of the Cross Inn and the meeting night was changed to Wednesdays for the first time. A second Dinner/dance was held at the Queens Hotel on 28th December.Terry Hopes admiring Joe O’Reilly’s 1938 250cc 1974 – VMCC membership 4000Sunbeam on the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial. The meetings continued on a weekly basis on Wednesdays at the Cardiff Eagles clubroomThe Sections annual programme included a trip to behind the Cross Inn, Gabalfa. The three-dayBeaulieu in September, a quiz, an “antique” night, working week hit the country and the magazineand a talk on Scotts along with two film nights. production suffered a bit from February, and thenThe “base” hotel for the Saundersfoot run was the picked up to normality again in May. NationalPark House. Members attended an “inter Section” membership fees were set at £3.50p. Bill Phelpsconker match in Bristol. won the Omyga trophy in the Levis Cup Trial on his 1938 Norton ES2. The Vale of Glamorgan was30 run on the 19th May under the leadership of Peter Benger.

Support for the section began to wane towards the The 21st May was the date for the Vale ofend of the year and there were only a few stalwarts Glamorgan Road Trial again run by Bill Phelps,still trying to keep the section together. however the event had to be postponed to the 1st October, due to the VMCC calendar becoming1975 – VMCC membership 4000 rather crowded in May. Denis Prydie took on theMeetings transferred to the Taffs Well AFC job of Ivy Marque specialist. Xmas party at Billclubroom in July, due to the Cardiff Eagles and Jeans house to decide on a possible futureclubroom being demolished to make way for a meeting venue.roundabout. Phil Griffiths, a section member, diedin June at the young age of 32. Peter Bengerresigned as secretary due to having to move houseto Bristol, where he worked. Bill Phelps ran theVale of Glamorgan Road Trial on the 18th May.Section members attended two charity events, thefirst at Llanfrechfa Grange and the second at theSoutherndown Home for the Blind. Unfortunatelyat the latter event quite a number of machines weredamaged due to a youngster pushing over themachine on the end of the line, which had adomino effect on all the other bikes on show.1976 – VMCC membership 4000 Doug acquired this 1919 FN single from NormanJoint meetings with the Cardiff Eagles members Stark and set about its restoration whilst Pat’scontinued at the Taffs Well AFC clubhouse on Bantam below, is tried for size by two youngsters.Wednesdays, however, support waned to an alltime low with only one person turning up towardsthe end. At an EGM held at the home of Bill andJean Phelps in Creigiau, it was soon decided thatthe venue was not suitable and meetings returnedto the “Age of Steam“ lounge of the Great WesternHotel in April, although they were now monthlyon the last Monday of the month. By the end of theyear attendances had improved.The Vale of Glamorgan held on the 23rd May wasorganised by Pat Taylor. A Welsh Motorcycleshow was held in Sophia Gardens Pavilion duringMarch. The section displayed seven machines andhad a visit from Bob Currie who spent quite sometime on the Section’s stand talking to ourmembers.1977 – VMCC membership 5000 1979 – VMCC membership 5000Monthly meetings in the Great Western Hotel – St Meetings continued at the Great Western Hotel onMary Street. the last Wednesday of each month. The SectionRoger Sheppard, section Treasurer moved to East supported the Historic Commercial Vehicle ClubAnglia and John Phelps, a recent new member at their Cardiff Rally held on 24th June. Over 25moved to Swindon. machines were entered. Terry Hopes left our area22nd May – Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial and headed to West Wales where he stayed fororganised by Bill Phelps. seven years.1978 – VMCC membership 5000 31On the 17th March the DVLC went “live” and thelast local vehicle licensing office closed.

Pat Taylor ran the Vale of Glamorgan road trial onThe 30th September. Members displayed elevenmachines at the Rhoose carnival. In November itwas announced that future meetings would be heldat Bill and Jeans house on the first and thirdTuesdays of each month until a suitable venuecould be found. It was decided that fromDecember, meetings would be held in the upstairsroom of the Cross Inn at Gabalfa.1980 – VMCC membership 6000 Pat Taylor ran the Vale of Glamorgan Road TrialNational subs were increased to £15. The new from the start at Sully on the 27th September.meeting venue, in the upstairs room of the Cross Displays were again put on at Tredegar House, theInn proved to be popular as attendances were Rhoose carnival and the event organised at theimproving month by month. There was a good civic centre in Cardiff. The Windmill Rally wasturnout of bikes, in April, for the Rover P4 club’s incorporated into the Saundersfoot weekend for therally at Tredegar House. Pat Taylor ran the Vale of second time.Glamorgan on the 28th September, again startingfrom the BP Sports Club in Sully. Bill Phelpsresigned as Triumph Marque Specialist inDecember after doing the job for fifteen years.Doug taking a breather with the FN, somewhere inthe Vale of Glamorgan.1981 – VMCC membership 6000 Tim Rhys-Roberts and Joe O’Reilly start out onSection meetings moved to the Three Horseshoes the Vale of Glamorgan road trial from Sully.pub in Peterston-super-ely from April and werestill held on the first and third Tuesdays of each 1982 – VMCC membership 4500month. Nationally the club became a limited The Section supported the Motorcycle show incompany with its assets held in trust. It was noted Caerleon and put on a display in Romilly Parkthat the real number of VMCC members was 4700 during Barry carnival week. Meetings were fairlyand not the over 6000 as claimed on the magazine well supported at the Three Horseshoes. Kencover. As a fund raising exercise the club decided Baxter organised a film show as a joint ventureto raffle a motorcycle to see if funds could be with the Ponthir Motorcycle club. John Daviestopped up by this type of enterprise. So, the first organised a treasure hunt in June, the same monthraffle took place in June and the AJS was won by that Evan Morgan passed away. The event wasGraham Gardiner and presented to him in June poorly attended with only three taking part. Patwith a picture of the presentation on the front Taylor again ran the Vale of Glamorgan Roadcover of the August issue of the journal. Graham Trial, this year on the 26th September.was well pleased with the win but soon partedcompany with the bike as he was very much aScott man and not interested in four strokes.32

1983 – VMCC membership 4500Meetings continued in Peterston-super-ely. Twodisplays were supported, one in June outside theCity Hall and the other in the grounds of CardiffCastle in July. Two social runs were organised byTom Acton and Paul Brindley, one evening run onthe 7th June and the other on Sunday 10th July. PatTaylor again organised the Vale of GlamorganRoad Trial, which started from Sully on the 25thSeptember. The Lunch stop at the Pelican, Ogmore, during the Vale of Glamorgan road trial.Rob Jones and his Velo MAC about to leave The section stand at the Ponthir club show.Llandovery for Saundersfoot Membership attendance at meetings in the Caesars1984 – VMCC membership 5000 Arms continued to grow and to say that it was aThe DVLC closed their computer records to any busy year for the section is an understatement.more additions on the 10th January. The meetingon the 7th February was held at RAF St Athan and 1986 – VMCC membership 5200took the form of a video show, otherwise meetings This year was the 40th anniversary of the formingcontinued at the Three Horse Shoes, Peterston- of the VMCC and the club journal was producedsuper-ely. The section put on a display of with a different cover design to mark the fact. Themachines at Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil on Caesars Arms was proving to be a popular meetingthe 17th March during the British round of the place with attendances improving month byWorld Trials Championship. From April, meetings month. The newly formed South Wales Sunbeamtook place at the Caesars Arms, Creigiau, on a Motor Cycle Club also met there on a fortnightlyfortnightly basis instead of twice each month. A basis on alternate Mondays. Dick Scott ran thesection run took place on the 20th May to the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial this year on the 21stHistoric Aircraft Collection at RAF St Athan, September and whilst the event went off fairlyorganised by Paul Brindley. Pat Taylor ran the well, no results were produced.Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial on the 30thSeptember.1985 – VMCC membership 5200 The lunch stop at the Pelican, Ogmore during theJohn Isaacs held his first Good neighbours run Vale of Glamorgan road trial.although it was called the Penderyn Run. TheVintage and Veteran show at Abergavenny was 33supported by members, as was the South WalesPolice Open day. The Historic MotoringFederation organised a cavalcade on the 15th June,which consisted of a road run out into the Vale ofGlamorgan and was supported by severalmembers. Pat Taylor again ran the Vale ofGlamorgan Road Trial in September.

Saundersfoot run and Bill Phelps won Best Veteran on the 1902 Clement Garrard and his son Richard had the youngest rider award on a 1952 Corgi, whilst the team of Bill, Rob Jones and Ian Bone won the team award. Bruce Grant started the Section Newsletter. A visit to the RAF Museum at St Athan took place in October.Hugh Davies on right, and John Humphreyslooking after the section bikes at the Ponthir clubannual show in Caerleon.A film show was held at the Pentyrch Scout Hallin December and had a good-sized audience. TerryHopes moved back to our area.1987 – VMCC membership 6000 A young Rob Jones with Norman Price at theJohn Davies organised a quiz night in February Merthyr Sprint.before he rode Bill Phelps 1902 Clement Garrardin the Pioneer run. For the first time a calendar of 1989 – VMCC membership 7000events was put together by John Davies and Rob The Section supported the 1st South Wales ClassicJones as Chairman and Vice Chairman Bike Show by entering 17 machines. The Southrespectively. Club nights were organised into Wales Sunbeam Motorcycle Club on the 15th/16thalternate noggin and natter evenings and activity held the Show at Llanishen High school in April.evenings. The idea being to have one evening a Paul St Mard and Emile Materne attended themonth that was a quiz, film show, talk, etc. The show and made contact with John Norris who wascalendar also included weekend runs like the manning the section stand and owned the RatierChairman’s run the Priory run etc. Attendances at that was on display. Bruce Grant launched themeetings were still growing slowly. For the first VMCC Riders Mutual Aid Scheme, which wastime in the club’s history an office was opened in intended to help other members with problemsBurton-on-Trent at 138 Derby Road in September. away from home. The first South Wales SeasideThe new National Secretary, Gaye Milton, manned Run, ably organised by Bruce Grant, was held onit. The 27th September saw Pat Taylor again the 21st May from the Barons Court, Penarth, withorganise the Vale of Glamorgan road trial. The 107 entries. Film nights were held in February andevent started from the same venue as the previous October at the Scout Hall in Pentyrch. There was ayear, the Barry Leisure Centre. coach trip to George Yeomans in April, a quiz night and another coach trip to Founders day plus1988 – VMCC membership 6000 basically a full calendar. For the second year in aA fairly full calendar was mapped out with runs row a display was put on at the Aberdare Park roadincluding the Chairman’s run, the Good races. Pat Taylor, yet again, ran the Vale ofNeighbours run, Ladies Run and the Merthyr Glamorgan Road Trial on 24th September startingSprints with a visit to the Aberdare Park races in from a new venue on the front of Barry Island.June. Tom Swallow gave the section a talk on his There was a record entry of 48.wartime exploits and recent book ‘Flywheel’. PatTaylor ran the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial onthe 25th September. Due to torrential rain it wascurtailed at lunchtime. Bruce Grant penned a two-page article on the Vale Of Glamorgan Road Trial,which was printed in the December club Journal.The Top Gear Television team covered the34

On December 3rd the VMCC President, Peter Road Races, we had 64 machines there. DuringBeaney, attended the section and presented Pat June the Secretarial staff of the VMCC moved intoTaylor with a biscuit barrel for all her efforts. Allen House the first club owned HQ. Official opening took place on the 20th October. We again1990 – VMCC membership 8500 supported the Ponthir and South Wales SunbeamMeetings continued at the Caesars Arms and were clubs shows. Pat Taylor ran the Vale of Glamorganwell supported, but in February, due to new on the 29th September.landlords at the Caesars and building works, wemoved to the Red Lion Pub in Pendoylan for two 1992 – VMCC membership 11000meetings. The section held its first Charity Auction We had to change our usual Tuesday club night tonight in February and raised £206. Gaye Milton Mondays at the Red Lion in Pendoylan. Philliparesigned as National Secretary and Ann Davy took Wheeler gave an interesting talk in April on WW2over the post. Bob Derrick gave a talk on transfers, aircraft crash sites. We supported the Sunbeamwhich was followed by a talk by Mike Llanishen show in April with John Norris’ RatierWorthington-Williams and in October we had a getting the ‘most original’ prize. During the samedemonstration by Dave Pritchard on home casting. month the Wye valley run was successful. MayAll this was followed by a talk and slide show by saw Cliff Washington give a talk on BMW and wePhilip Tooth the editor of the Classic Motorcycle celebrated Les Coopers 77th Birthday with a largemagazine. The second Seaside run was held on the cake. The forth Seaside Run in May saw another20th May with an entry total of 106. John Norris increase in entries to 121 from the 114 thewas persuaded to enter the Belgian 9-Provinces previous year. A contingent of 14 machinesevent in June. Howard and Carol Jayne held their attended from Belgium and the CMB club. Sectionfirst ‘Bring a bike’ night and another first was the members who rode the Belgian 9-Provinces runBar-be-que held at Bill and Jean Phelps house. In were, Bruce and Dianne Grant/BSA, BrianAugust the meeting venue was permanently moved Gray/Triumph, Gordon and Josie Suddery, Billto the Red Lion at Pendoylan. Richard Phelps rode and Jean Phelps/Triumph, Richard and Jackiehis fathers 1902 Clement Garrard in the Phelps/Triumph and John Norris/BSA. The annualSaundersfoot run and his sister, Jacqueline, won Bar-b-que was held as was the bring-a-bike nightthe youngest rider award by completing the whole and a trip to the Aberdare races to show off ourrun on a 1952 single speed Corgi. Pat Taylor ran machines. July saw a very successful Chairman’sthe Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial on the 30th Run, followed by the Three Castles run, organisedSeptember. by Ian Bone. The 27th September was the date for the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial, organised by1991 – VMCC membership 10000 Pat Taylor.The Flat Tank section was formed in the Bristol 1993 – VMCC membership 11500area, whilst we continued to meet at the Red Lion The Sunbeam clubs Llanishen show was held oncePub. Our 30th birthday was held on the 2nd April again and the section displayed a few machines.club night. Meetings were well attended by well Bruce and Diane Grant ran the fifth Seaside run onover 50 members, whilst Bruce Grant prepared a the 23rd May with over 100 entrants. Ian and Annefull calendar. Included was a coach trip to Sammy Bone left South Wales for East Anglia and tookMillers museum in April, whilst a group, enthused their Panther outfit with them. A coach trip tookby John Norris account of the Belgian 9-Provinces place in May and went to the National Motorcycleevent decided to cross the water in June. John Museum. It was decided to have informal runs toNorris/BSA, Bruce and Diane Grant/BSA, Bill and Cowbridge Common on the first Sunday of eachJean Phelps/Triumph, Gordon Suddery/Norton, month. Bruce Grant finished producing the SectionBrian Gray/Triumph and finally Andy newsletter and Bill Phelps took on the task. ACollard/Sunbeam all made it. The section was large contingent attended the Belgian 9-Provincestwinned with the CMB club at the event. On event at the end of June, they were: - Bruce andreturn, Brian Gray had a blowout on his front Dianne Grant/BSA, Brian Gray/Triumph, Johnwheel and luckily was picked up by Bill and Jean Norris/BSA, Bill and Jean Phelps, Gordon andPhelps who were the only ones with a trailer. Josie Suddery/Norton, Simon and MargaretFifteen members went to Gilfach to have a quiz Pritchard/Velocette, Bryn Tipples/Triumph, Dougwith the Gilfach Triangle motorcycle club in Gwilliam/Triumph, John Vanringlenstein/BSA andAugust. Demonstration ride at the Aberdare Park John Phelps/Velocette. 35

Denis Prydie and his Ivy on the Dragon Tour.Margaret Pritchard and Diane Grant in Belgium. Rob Jones and daughter Bethan – Does Rob really like Velocettes? You’d never guess.The South Wales contingent at the Saturday Pat Taylor ran the Vale of Glamorgan Road trialmorning coffee stop, somewhere in Belgium. from Barry Island on the 26th September. For the first time the section held a Charity Auction andThe Dragon Tour was born on 21st/22nd August, raised £240, which was donated to Ty Hafren.organised by Bill and Jean Phelps. A weekendevent, it started at the Welsh Water offices in 1994 – VMCC membership 12000Nelson and ran up to Aberystwyth where the The Section, still meeting at the Red Lion had acontingent all stayed in the University halls of full calendar for the year. Bruce and Diane alongresidence, before travelling back on the Sunday. with Brian Gray and Rob Jones went to the Dragon Rally in January. A smaller number attended the Belgian 9-Provinces rally at the end of June – John Norris/BSA; Bill and Jean Phelps/Triumph and Steib; Richard and Jackie Phelps/Triumph T90; John Phelps/Velocette.We had a good turnout of CMB members for theDragon Tour.36

Outside the Orval Brewery in Belgium The first campsite at Le Havre before setting off for Reims.The second dragon Tour, organised by the Phelpsfamily, left Welsh Water HQ in Nelson and wentto the Aberystwyth Agricultural College for theovernight stay on 30th/31st July. This campsite on the side of Lake Maggiore doubled up as the town football pitch in the winter and was hard as nails to get pegs into. The toilets left a lot to be desired – a real lot!!Pat Taylor on her LE Velocette on the DragonTour. Bruce and Jean with the St Gotthard pass in theJohn Norris and the BSA with yet another background and yet to be tackled on the waypuncture in Aberystwyth on the Dragon Tour home.Bruce Grant organised a section camping holiday In August, Leslie Jenkins, of Bridgend wrote toto Venice. Those who went were, Bruce and Diane HQ requesting permission to form a new section inGrant, BMW/K75; Brian Gray, BMW/R75; Dewi Bridgend. We objected and the permission was notEvans, BMW/R75; John Wells, BMW/R75; Bill granted, so the group went ahead and formed theand Jean Phelps, Triumph/T110 and Steib; Howard Bridgend and District British Motor Cycle Cluband Carol Jayne, Triumph/Spitfire. outside of the VMCC. 37

Simon Mansfield passed away on the 12thSeptember, whilst that month, John Norris/BSA;Gordon and Josie Suddery/Norton; Bill, Jean andJackie Phelps/Triumph outfit rode in the Ostendrally organised by the MTO club of Ostend. From a bedroom window at the Abernant Lake Hotel, the overnight stop for the Dragon TourOur group on the Ostend RallyPat Taylor ran the Vale of Glamorgan Road trialon the 25th September.1995 – VMCC membership 12000 John Norris and Paul St Mard getting ready for theAt the Section AGM, Bruce Grant resigned as the Sunday morning Dragon Tour run.Chairman and no one came forward to replacehim. It was April before a volunteer was found in The Vale of Glamorgan road Trial took place onthe shape of George Egan. the 24th September, organised by Pat Taylor againIn April, Bryn Jones passed away. The South and with an entry in excess of 35. Joe O’ReillyWales Sunbeam Club Llanishen show was held on rejoined the VMCC and bought himself a 1928the 15th/16th April. Also in April the section Sunbeam. The Saundersfoot run was celebratingorganised a trip to Castle Coombe. its 40th anniversary and Doug and Pat decided toThe organising team for the Belgian 9-Provinces start the run from Gloucester. Terry H did the sameevent decided the have a year off so the event did and he rode his Beardmore from Barry on Carbidenot take place during 1995. lights, and then headed on to Saundersfoot. DuringThe Dragon Tour, however, again started from December, a contingent attended a quiz night withWelsh Water in Nelson and this year the route the Gilfach Triangle motorcycle club, we won.headed for the Abernant Lake Hotel in LlanwrtydWells for the Saturday overnight stop.The Dragon Tour start at Welsh Water, Nelson. 1996 – VMCC membership 1250038 The VMCC celebrated its 50th anniversary, whilst the section had existed for 35 years and the Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial for 30 years. Our meeting place at the Red Lion was lost to us in January due to the landlord going bankrupt. Meetings soon were scheduled back at the Three Horse Shoes in Peterston-super-ely. However, by April we were meeting at the Llanharry Workingmen’s Club although we held our ‘Bring and Buy’ at the Three Horse Shoes as we had promised the landlord that we’d hold a couple of events there.

On the Bring and Buy night, we had a visit fromLen Ore, the VMCC club President. The CMB/South Wales skittles match that rounded off the Dragon Tour weekendDoug Bailey on his Vee twin Excelsior in Bristol John andriding the South West Coast run in May. Returning Barbara Norristo the start venue in the centre of Bristol. with the 1956 Road Rocket and Steib sidecar at the Abernant Lake Hotel, whilst on the Dragon Tour.L to R - Stewart Botterfield, Pete Merrick and Bruce Grant organised a camping holiday to NiceGordon Suddery, with Simon Pritchard in the and the Antibes which had to be cancelled at theblack and red jacket in the background at the last minute due to lack of interest. The ChancellorAbernant Lake hotel, Llanwyrtyd Wells during the of the Exchequer brought in with the budget thefourth Dragon Tour – all Norton mounted. SORN system, due to start in 1998, and in order to placate the Vintage movement introduced a new taxation category of ‘25 years exempt’ with a zero rate of payment from November. The first VMCC ‘Relay’ rally was held in July. The Ladies run, not having much support over the past few years was combined with one of the Gwent sections events. This year the Belgian 9-Provinces run was a three- day affair and our members decided not to go due to the excessive mileage involved.Dragon Tour lunch stop and Marc Vydt on the 1997 – VMCC membership 13000right, from Belgium, discusses sidecar attachments Meetings continued at the Llanharrywith fellow countryman Dirk Praet. Workingmen’s Club on a two weekly basis and a calendar of events was laid out following the 39

pattern used for the past few years. Jim Mansfield Les Cooper moved away to the south coast to livesadly passed away from a heart attack in March. A with his daughter.contingent headed for Belgium in February to The Dragon Tour again took place in July and wasattend the Moto Retro at Weize. The Seaside run based at the Abernant Lake Hotel in Llanwrtydtook place on the 18th May and was run, for the Wells.first time, by a committee. The start and finish August saw a group head for Bavaria to see thevenue was changed from the Barons Court to the castles built by King Ludwignewly refurbished area next to the NorwegianChurch, overlooking Cardiff Bay. Waiting at Dover for the ferrySome of the Section again rode the 9-Provincesand had the company of Paul Boering fromHolland with his coca cola outfit Somewhere in BavariaThe overnight stop on the 9-Provinces at Borzee in September 28th saw Pat Taylor running the Vale ofthe Ardennes forest. Glamorgan Road Trial. John Humphries had his Maicoletta scooter stolen and torched. September saw a number of our members attend the open day at the Maritime Museum in Cardiff Bay – it was the last event to be held there due to its closure and sale of the waterfront site.9-Provinces coffee stop – or was it a beer stop? 1998 – VMCC membership 13500 Sorn is introduced by the DVLA in January. The Museum of Welsh Life celebrated its 50th Anniversary in April with an event for 50 year old cars and motorcycles, several of our members took part. The ’25 year exempt’ taxation class was renamed ‘Historic Vehicle’ and the rolling 25 year date for qualification was stopped, so only machines made before 31st Dec 1972 were to be eligible from now on.40

John Isaac’s ‘Good Neighbours’ run took place inMay and was attended by quite a few from oursection. The Seaside run on the 17th May had agood turn out and some excellent weather alongwith a contingent from the CMB. John Norris checking out a Belgian Gillet in ‘as found’ condition whilst Fred Van Den Bergh helps transfer some fuel from one bike to another.The CMB lads at Nash Point during the Seasiderun. Left to right, Pierre Gyselinck, EmileMaterne, Charles Gyselinck and Paul St Mard One of the coffee stops on the 9-Provinces weekend.What can one say about John Norris and hispunctures. He gets an awful lot of them. Theculprit turned out to be the flaking chrome on theinside of the wheel rim. It was eventually replacedwith a stainless rim and the problem was cured.The Banbury run moved to Towcester racecourse We visited the Duvel brewery for a tasting – Johnand out of Banbury town for the first time in many was hoping to get a few crates on his BSA rack –a year. Terry Hopes won the past masters Harold didn’t happen, I’m afraid.Scott trophy with his sleeve valve BeardmorePrecision. Terry Hopes took the runner-up spot in theA very successful section BBQ took place on the Vintage class on the Black Mountain road trial. He15th June and the weather was glorious. rode the ex-Doug Bailey 1920 Vee TwinThe Dragon Tour again started from the Welsh Excelsior.Water HQ in Nelson with the overnight stop beingat the Abernant Lake Hotel.A number of members yet again rode the 9-Provinces in Belgium. 41

1999 – VMCC membership 13,500The club magazine started to use colour in thephotographs. Ten of our section members crossedthe Severn Bridge for the South West Coast Run,whilst six met up at Aberavon with the three ridersfrom West Wales who were doing a round thecoast ride for charity, they rode together as far asCardiff where a cheque for £140 was handed over.Five members attended the Tour of Luxembourg inearly June and six attended the Belgian 9-Provinces weekend at the end of that month. John Wells leaving Rhandirmwyn on the Dragon Tour.Luxembourg event campsite at Finsterthal, near The Vale of Glamorgan Road Trial took placeMersch. again in September, ably organised by Doug Bailey and Pat Taylor. An announcement wasSomewhere on the banks of the Moselle river in made in December that Ann Davy‘s employmentLuxembourg – it had just stopped raining. as National Secretary was terminated by theThere was a good turnout of 30 bikes for Bring a Management Committee, leaving many questionsbike night with John Norris taking the trophy with to be answered. We organised ten bikes for displayhis 1932 BSA vee twin. at the Ponthir club Bike show in Caerleon andThe Dragon Tour became based at the Abernant finished the year off with our usual Buffet andLake Hotel for two nights and it proved to be Christmas party.successful with 80 bikes and over 100 peopletaking part – 25 came from the continent. 2000 – VMCC membership 14000 An announcement in February gave Terry Hopes the Best Vintage award in the Western Region Road Trials Championship. It was also announced that the Banbury run would once again start from Banbury with 495 riders. Graham Gardiner was reported out of hospital in April after a very serious illness that had laid him up for several months. The Spring run saw 15 machines on the road all heading to visit Brian and Wynne Gray’s house near Llandeilo. Colin Bell took over the Chairman’s post of the National Club after a number of the Management Committee resigned over the dismissal of Ann Davy as National Secretary, with a Tribunal hearing taking place on the 12th May for unfair dismissal. The tribunal found that Mrs Davy had been unfairly dismissed. The 12th Seaside run took place on a rather cool day, which may have accounted for the smaller entry. Several section members again rode in the Belgian 9-Provinces weekend and covered 450 miles in the two days.42

The 9-provinces event transport – we didn’t just go 2001 – VMCC membership 14000for the beer. The year started off with a foot and mouth epidemic which threatened to curtail some events9-Provinces event overnight stay in Oost and in the end had little impact on the Section orDuinkerke on the Belgian coast. the VMCC in general. An EGM was held at the National Motorcycle Museum on the 14th January to hear propositions regarding members of the Management Committee and their handling of the dismissal of Ann Davy. Several section members joined the bus from West South Wales with the meeting having some 680 VMCC members in attendance. Due to the unsavoury problems surrounding the whole issue, Bill Phelps decided to stand for election to the Management Committee and was accepted as a Director from April onwards. At our own AGM we had no nominations for Secretary or Chairman, a situation that lasted for several months until Dave Danielsen volunteered himself as Chairman and Geoff Thomas undertook the Secretaries role. Sharon Jones, after 12 months in the job of National Secretary resigned and her replacement, Pauline Irish, also found that the position left her open to correspondence and phone calls which were distasteful, so the club appointed another new National Secretary in Victoria Stone. Our Seaside run route was extended to Porthcawl and 60 entrants enjoyed a nice sunny ride. We had a stand at the Llanishen Classic Bike Show and three of our bikes won awards. 12 of our members supported the South West Coast run from Bristol.At the campsite in Mersch, Luxembourg when The 9-Provinces event in Belgiumattending the AMAL clubs Tour of Luxembourgweekend. A number of our members attended the Belgian 9- Povinces event and two events in Luxembourg.The Dragon Tour base moved to the Llandovery Terry Hopes was the lone section entrant in theCollege and was well supported with about 50 Banbury run but he did have 12 other sectionbikes and 80 people. Paul Boering came from members there giving support. His new restorationHolland on his Harley Davidson Coca Cola outfit. a very rare 1931 Ariel Sloper also took to the roads35 bikes turned up for Bring a bike night at this year. October saw the National club lose itsLlanharry and John Ellis’s vintage two-stroke took third secretary in two years.the honours this year.The Saundersfoot run in September was cancelled 43due to the fuel shortage.

Luxembourg weekend at Finsterthal Holding the errant mudguard Bill and Jean rode the Banbury run the following day with no mudguard on the sidecar wheel and got away with it. The Glamorgan Wanderers team were Bill and Jean Phelps on their 1908 Triumph outfit, Terry Hopes and his 1921 sleeve valve Beardmore and Dave Danielsen with his 1930 Vee twin Enfield. Both Bill and Terry gained first class awards, whilst Dave suffered trailer problems in Gloucester on his way to the start so never had his ride after all.The Dragon Tour Sunday morning coffee stopThe Llanthony Priory run took place in atrociousweather with only six riders making the effort,then in November £200 was raised in our charityauction. The year was rounded off with theChristmas buffet and dance.2002 – VMCC membership 14000 Enjoying an open air pizza in the town square ofJohn Morris was appointed as the new National Mons on the way to LuxembourgSecretary in April. Frank Perris entertained us inFebruary with some anecdotes from his time on Brian and Wynne’s camping setteethe track circuit. 14 members turned out for theSpring run to Llandeilo and a visit to Brian andWynne Gray.The sections free bus trip to the Stafford show wasfull to bursting and for the first time a section teamwas entered in the Banbury run.12 members rode in the South West Coast run ingood weather and our own Seaside run thefollowing weekend also saw sunshine.The International gathering was resurrected andran from Stratford racecourse where camping wasavailable – Bill and Jean Phelps rode their 1908Triumph with little problems apart from thesidecar mudguard falling off – and that would notbe an easy fix, so would have to wait until theoutfit was back at home.44

A day out in Hamme near BrugesJohn Wells doing the dishes at the campsite in 2003 – VMCC membership 14000Mons. 25 riders took to the streets on the annual Spring run. A bus trip was organised to the StaffordOn a day trip to Trier in Germany Classic Motorcycle show. Again a good size80 riders filled up the Dragon Tour weekend which section contingent of 8 riders supported the Southagain was based at the College in Llandovery. West Coast run and sampled some good weather.Bring-a-bike night was another section success Tony Danielsen ended up in hospital with very badwith a very nice Triumph taking the honours. Two leg damage after losing an argument with a car.members of the section rode the Levis Cup trial The Seaside run was a success with some 60whilst Pat Taylor and Doug Bailey organised the entries and the weather fine until the last tenVale of Glamorgan Road Trial yet again, while minutes of the event. Four of our section rode inPete Merrick arranged for the event to be videoed the Banbury run with mixed success but there wereby the Amateur Cardiff Photographic club. The plenty of other section members there to add theirCharity auction raised a worthy £300. The section support, Bill Phelps, Terry Hopes and Daveran a bus trip to Sammy Millers Museum at New Danielsen made up the section team with StewartMilton in Hampshire. Several members attended Botterfield also riding his pretty little 250cc 1927and rode in the cyclemotor run organised by the AJS. The annual BBQ took place with goodNACC at the Yeovilton Air Museum. Towards the weather. Several members rode in the Gwentend of the year Eric Sparrow passed away. 90 Sections ‘Longest days run’. The Festival of 1000people attended the Christmas buffet. bikes was resurrected by the VMCC and took place at Mallory Park. Bill and Jean Phelps took their 1908 Triumph outfit to Northern Holland to compete in the week long Anglo-Dutch road trial. 24 bikes turned out for the ‘bring a bike’ night whilst the Dragon Tour had 75 entrants. Two of our members rode in the International event at Stratford. One of our members took his bike to Belgium to ride in the new Oude Klepper Parade for pre 1921 machines. The National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham caught fire and destroyed a good number of the exhibits in October, the very month when John Isaac passed away at the age of 85. Earlier on, our Chairman’s run was well supported and Pat Taylor and Doug Bailey again took on the organisation of the Vale of Glamorgan road trial. Barry Cooksley/Raleigh RM6 and Glyn Jones/Sun 98 rode the VMCC cyclemotor sections 100 mile event. £250 was raised at the November Charity auction and we had a live music band at the Christmas buffet in December. Peter Moffat from Gloucester, the very man who was the instigator for us forming the Section in 1961, 45

passed away in December. Peter was the person We held our first Fish and Chip run with a turnoutwho refused to hand over the team trophy at the of 22 bikes for the run to Porthcawl. Two membersCotswolds Road Trial in 1961 until we became a took part in the International at Stratford andSection. It was many years later when it transpired followed on with the Banbury run for a superthat we really did not need to be a Section to weekend of riding. Two members rode in thereceive the team award, it was simply a case of Cyclemotor section event at Chew Magna. ThePeter deciding that we were ready to form a Dragon Tour saw an entry of 91 bikes and ran tosection and just needed a small shove. Aberystwyth for lunch on the Saturday.2004 – VMCC membership 14000 Howard Yendle running in a Sunbeam S7 duringTitch Allen was awarded the OBE in the New the Dragon TourYear Honours list for ‘services to motorcycleheritage’.Roger Smith led the team for organising theSeaside Run in May which was another resoundingsuccess. Several members joined the NACC whohad just formed a local section to cater for smallcapacity machines. Bill Phelps was elected DeputyChairman of the VMCC. Our Relay rallycheckpoint was at Cowbridge Common and weactually had one rider from Bournemouth. JohnMorris, the National Secretary resigned due tohealth problems in June. The Cotswolds sectionheld their Golden Jubilee event in July and BillPhelps, Terry Hopes and Alan Williams rode.The Cotswolds 50th anniversary weekend Stewart Botterfield giving advice to Geoff about his BMW on the Dragon TourLuxembourg weekend in Mersch Glyn, Terry and Howard ready to leave on the46 Dragon tour

The Chairman’s run attracted only 14 riders on the Terry and Ariel on the Cheddar Trial weekendtrip to Bourton-on-the-water. whilst cheating and avoiding the water splashAugust saw James Hewing appointed as VMCCNational Secretary. A number of members attended the BristolSeptember, and Terry Hopes took his 1921 Sections South West Coast run and our ownBeardmore Precision to the Isle of Wight Scurry Seaside run a week later attracted 65 entries andwhilst several other section members headed west ran in glorious sunshine.for the Saundersfoot run. The Banbury team were Barry Cooksley on a 1927Pat Taylor announced that this year would be her BSA, Terry Hopes on his 1921 Beardmorelast to organise the Vale of Glamorgan road Trial Precision and Bill Phelps on his 1904 Givaudan.and that it would be her 29th time. There were 45 This was the first outing for the Givaudan and itentries and at one point George Egan’s Triton ran fine but only managed 24 miles on a full tankdecided to part company with its sidecar, luckily of fuel, the remaining distance to the finish wasno one was hurt. covered by pedalling and siphoning some fuel outThe annual Gwent Byways run, ably organised by of a marshal’s bike.Geoff Thomas, saw appalling weather for the John Davies organised and led the Fish and Chipseven riders that set out so it was curtailed halfway run with a good sized turnout of bikes. Geoffthrough. Thomas organised a Thursday run to the Big PitTwo of our members completed the 100 mile museum with the weather being fine we had acyclemotor run from RAF Henlow, whilst on the good size turnout.10th October the first official NACC run around 8 members entered the ‘Offa’s Dyke 200’ mile runthe Vale of Glamorgan attracted 6 riders. and completed it on 49cc mopeds. The Dragon£340 was raised at the November Charity auction Tour weekend ran for the 13th time and was basedand a further £60 added before it went to the again at the college in Llandovery with more thanTsunami victim’s fund. 70 riders in attendance.Only 6 members braved the bad weather on theBoxing day ride to the Lamb and Flag at Wick. A Dragon tour coffee stop at Hundred House2005 – VMCC membership 15000There was a good turnout for the New Years dayrun of 22 bikes and despite it being very cold, atleast it was a dry day.The DVLA rolled out the replacement V5document as the V5C which was to comply withEU standardisation of documentation so that theBritish V5C could be used across the continent asproof of ownership. A number of our membersattended the Bristol Classic Bike show inFebruary.Dave Danielsen suffered a coming together with acar whilst riding his Vincent in Mid Wales. Davewas picked up by the Air Ambulance and taken tohospital in Merthyr. Several operations later, onDave not the Vincent, he started to make arecovery and it wasn’t long before Dave was backon a bike.35 riders followed Tony Danielsen on the SpringRun to Brian and Wynne Gray’s home.Unfortunately, the following day Tony came offhis Buell and he broke the same femur that he hadtwo years before and funny as it may seem, thesame ambulance men picked him up this time aswell. 47

Stewart finding it a little hot on the Dragon tour. Near Antwerp on the Early Rider’s weekend.Both Pete Merrick and Rob Jones came off theirpedal cycles at different times during the year andboth managed to break something. Bill and JeanPhelps rode their 1908 Triumph outfit in the weeklong Anglo-Dutch trial in Market Bosworth. Avery enjoyable Gwent Byways run was organisedby Geoff Thomas in September. Terry Hopesprepared the route for the 38th Vale of Glamorganroad trial which again started from Barry Island.The golden Jubilee Saundersfoot event took placein September and several of our members rodefrom the start at Llandovery. We actually won some trophies in Antwerp.Low powered machines run at Acton Turville Stewart - enjoying the weather in Antwerp and trying a coffin out for size at one of the events10 members travelled to Marsh Gibbon to ride in daily stops. It was a Wild West town where, duringthe Cyclemotor section’s 100 miler – all completed the show, the bandit was hanged and then nailedthe course and qualified for the coveted up in the coffin. Stewart didn’t stay in it for long.cyclemotor badge. £308 was raised for charity atour annual auction. The weekend event was soon over and we stayed in Antwerp for a few days of sightseeing as theA number of our members headed for Antwerp to Luxembourg club, who had some internaltake part in the ‘Early Riders’ weekend and the problems, had decided not to run their Tour ofusual numbers also went to the Oude Klepper Luxembourg this year.Parade in De Haan for the 3rd time.48

Geoff Thomas took the Bring a bike night trophy with his 1957 BMW and 14 members went for a weekend to Somerset to ride their low powered machines around the Somerset levels. Stewart Botterfield actually managed to sell his NSU quickly to someone at the motorway services on the way home after he’d decided that there was a mismatch between the bike saddle and his backside.In the Roxy Bar in De Haan, Belgium, during theOude Klepper weekend in August 20052006 – VMCC membership 14000 Tal-y-lyn lake lunch stop on the Dragon tour –25 Bikes turned out for the New Year days run to with Barry and his pretty 1977 CZ being recoveredthe Green Dragon. We sadly lost John Wells who behind the Jeep after the bike suffered electricalpassed away after a short illness and will be problems - the photo says it all.greatly missed, not only for his camaraderie, butfor the way that he turned out for most section The Dragon Tour attracted 85 entries and headedruns. Seven members made the 240 mile round trip for Tal-y-lyn lake using one of the old routes fromfor the Big Breakfast run. a previous year. Jean Phelps was awarded Terry Sparkes took on the organisation of the the Harry Mack Trophy Chairman’s run. by the VMCC for an outstanding performance Walter Kemp sadly passed away. on a sidecar machine. It was stated that she deserved the trophy for all the pushing up hills that she had done with the 1908 Triumph outfit and for bravery in riding in the basket chair.The Seaside run was a bit of a rainy day with only35 turning out of the 70 entrants.Geoff Harris announcing the trophy winners at the Walter and his BMW on the Seaside run in MaySeaside run in May with the Mayor of Llandough. one of the last events that Walter rode. 49