Tuesday 17 December 2019

The 2019 Bunfight and 2020 Great Quiz!!


Well, I hope everyone that was able to get enjoyed the Annual Christmas Bunfight. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the event and particular congratulations to those of our chums from the South Durham Section who so skilfully bought the winning raffle tickets.



Which, of course, were sold in a random fashion. But still…



That was the last Monday meeting of 2019. The first meeting of 2020 will be on Jan 6th and (just to get you out of the post-Christmas blues) there is the Great Quiz to look forward to. On the first evening of 2010!!!! Be there.



I am forced (by my inherent good manners) to remind you the there is the South Durham Boxing Day Run on… Boxing Day. We will be starting out from the Red Lion at Plawsworth at 10:00. There is also the annual South Durham Presentation Evening on Saturday 11th Jan – more details from their website.



So on behalf of myself and t’Committee, I wish you all the best for Christmas and New Year, thanks for your support in 2019 and look forward to seeing you in 2020.



Pete



P.S. if anyone has any suggestions about how to make the Bunfight even better, please contact me.

P.P.S As I’m one of the organisers, I have to be there. So that’s one of the suggestions that won’t fly…..

Tuesday 19 November 2019

What's going on in November and December.


Well now, after the formality of the AGM we’ll have a look at the fun and frivolity to be had in the remainder of the year at the Northumbrian Section.



On the 25th of November, Robin and Theresa will enthral us with tales of their exploits at the Moto Piston Rally in Spain. Kick off as close to 8:30 as we can.



December 2nd brings the talk about riding with the White Helmets. Raffle and pies n’peas tickets are available beforehand from Dennis. If you can’t buy them before the day, please pre-book the pies n’peas via an  email message to Dennis and me so we can get the proper catering arranged. PLEASE NOTE the kick off time is 8:15 sharp, with the raffle draw and scran at half time (8:45).



Last but not least we have the Great Northumbrian Section Bunfight on the 16th December. We are limiting the tickets to 60 this year and nearly 40 have gone already, so let me know by return if you want any. Quizzes, raffles, food and bingo – all for £4.00. Kick off at 8:15.



There’s only so much fun a person can take!!



I also have to mention the South Durham Xmas party in December, the presentation evening in January and the Boxing Day run on….Boxing Day!  Tickets and more information on request from Messrs Smith and Feldon!



Ho Ho Ho!!!!

Wednesday 18 September 2019

Filn showm ice cream and nibbles - 30th Sept

Topic: Film night - 30th Sept.


With the shortening of the days and the chilling of the riders (did I get that right?), we can all look forward to the start of the indoor season at the club.
With this in mind, the first indoor event is a film show on the 30th Sept. We'll be showing various videos of motorcycling and related subjects down the ages AND will mark the debut of our very own Great Northumbrian Section Monster screen.
Nibbles and ice cream will be available so why not come along?
Also, keep your eye on the events page in this website as news will soon appear on the complete set of events for the 19/20 indoor season. It's going to be fun!!!

Tuesday 9 July 2019

42nd Northumbrian Gathering Results!!

As has been eagerly awaited, here are the Trophy Winners as announced at the 42nd Northumbrian Gathering Presentation evening on Saturday July 6th 2019.

Trophy winners  

Performance  

Veteran(Pre 1915)              St Andrews Motors Trophy           Andreas Schrocksnadel
Vintage (1915-1930)           Thompson & Brown Bros Trophy B. Smith (KOBI)
Post Vintage (1931 -1945)  National Benzole Trophy             Tom Snow
Post War (1946 -1960)        Boldon Salver                              Mike Carruthers
Post 60's (1961 - 1972)       Mill Garages BMW Trophy          Denny Chappell
Classic post 1972                Classic performance award        Ray Megget
3 Wheeler                            Jacks Cup                                  J. Robinson (KOBI)
Best Overall                        Nick Robson Memorial Cup.       B. Smith (KOBI)

Concours d'Elegance
Veteran(Pre 1915)              Frank Smith Memorial Trophy     Andreas Schrocksnadel
Vintage (1915-1930)          Cowie Cup                                   Geoff Green
Post Vintage (1931 -1945) Pons Aelii Trophy                        Denise Bayliss
Post War (1946 -1960)      Selwood Garages Trophy            Kelven McNish
Post 60's (1961 - 1972)      Hunting-Solvol-Autosol Shield     Geoff Grigg
Classic post 1972               Classic Concours award              Victoria Feldon
3 Wheeler                           Lord Montagu Trophy                  J. Robinson (KOBI)
Best BSA                            B.S.A. Cup                                   Graham Wilson

Machine Journey                Pilgrim Trophy.                            John Pering
Spirit of the Gathering                                                            Kelven McNish
On/off Trophy                                                                         Not Awarded
Wobble                                                                                   Bob Rodgerson
Best Dressed Guest                                                               Christine Harrison

Colonial Shield                                                                       Denny Chappell
Bob Rawlings                                                                         J. Robinson (KOBI)

Bill White (Rookhope)                                                            B. Smith (KOBI)

C2C Concours                                                                        Rachael Houchin
C2C Dr. Nick Hill Trophy for Misguided Perseverance           Colin Goode

Tuesday 7 May 2019

Rookhope Ryde - Sunday 12th May.

Yes - following on from the mega event that was the C2C (write up to follow soon I'm sure) we have the Rookhope Ryde. 
Starts Sunday 12th May from the main car park in Wylam. First bike away for 10.00 so get there in plenty of time. Bring your VMCC memberships and other essentials like gloves etc.
One slight improvement over the C2C is that it should be warm as well as sunny.
See you all there. 

Wednesday 24 April 2019

29th April - Talk by Gordon Stuart - Arctic Rider

Back by popular demand, we have a talk by Gordon about his adventures riding in the Arctic Circle.
You may remember that a few years ago, we escorted Gordon away from St. Mary's Island at the beginning of his epic journey to Nordkapp. He came back to gives a great talk about his adventures on this trip, all the while raising money for his specific charities.
He also gave this talk on local radio and is coming back to give us an update on his adventures in the Arctic Circle.
We'll kick off about 8.30 so come along to the Golf Club to listen to Gordon.
Hope to see you there.

Tuesday 16 April 2019

Note change of Date -Open Day at Fishburn International Airport!


Due to an oversight ( or forgetfulness) by our Cultural Attaché from the Industrial Heartland's of England, he forgot to mention at Monday’s Business meeting that there is an ‘open day’ at Fishburn International Airport on May Bank Holiday Monday  (6th May). We have been unofficially invited to show up on old bikes and cars (The Skip is an obvious exception).



It’s a very informal affair according to o.C.A.f.t.I.H.o.E. If I understood him correctly (it’s very hard to do with a Brummie accent) it’s on from ‘late morning or lunchtime’ until ‘teatime’ ish.



It will be kind of weather dependent as, if it’s horrible weather, the planes won’t turn up. I’ll trundle down so hope to see you there.



Fishburn International Airport (callsign FIAX) can be found at Garmondsway, Bishop Middleham DL17 9DY.



Sounds good to me,



P.S Interesting facts about FIAX – it was opened on 30 June 1995 by the then local MP and Leader of the Opposition Tony Blair. It was named as "Airfield of the year" by aviation magazine Flyer in 2004 for its welcoming atmosphere and bacon butties. What more can you say…..

Thursday 7 March 2019

South Durham Section quiz night with added pie and peas. Thursday March 21st.

Ok chums - Young Smithy has informed me of this event and asks that you tell me (or him) of your intention to go for catering purposes.

Despite the fact that some of the subjects are (how shall we say) downright weird, the Northumbrian Section has a fine tradition of doing very well and winning prizes.

I will be going so come along and help me be victorious again - I need all the help I can get!

Wednesday 13 February 2019

John Young's talk on his epic adventure in North America - 25th Feb at 8:30


Don’t forget, John will be coming to give us a talk on the 25th February about his trip on his Trusty T150V from Anchorage in Alaska to San Francisco. As an added attraction, he will be accompanied by said Trusty Triumph (as long as we can get it in through the door).



As John does not take any personal expenses for coming up to see us, Dennis has suggested we raise money specifically for John’s chosen charity by way of thanking him. This is a good idea and Dennis has already donated a bottle of high quality malt whiskey as a raffle prize – there will be others!



So why not come along and bring your friends – it’s going to be good.



Hope to see you there.

Monday 14 January 2019

Quiz night - 28th Jan 2019


Cast off those New Year Blue, suspend the 2019 Resolutions and come along to the first Club Event of 2019. That it the Extra Special Quiz Night on the 28th January 2019.



It will be held at our normal venue of the Birtley Golf Club and we will be starting at 8:30 sharp. So get there early as seats are sure to be in high demand.



The Quiz organisers have assured us all this will be a quiz to test the brain and be a load of laughs. There will be prizes to be won including the most prestigious  Champion of Champions!!



All this for the measly cost of £2.00 instead of the usual £1.00. A bargain indeed!



Hope to see you there and you never know  - you may be a Winner!!!