Join up with the Lakeland Section - 10th April 2022

Ride in to the Station Café and Hub transport museum in Alston to meet the Lakeland Section with invitations also sent to the Reivers and South Durham sections to join in. Aim to get there for 11:00!

John Young is visiting us on 28th February 2022!

 

As we move rapidly towards the better weather and getting our mighty steeds back on the road, what better way to prepare than to come along and join in another chat with John Young?

John has visited us before and regaled us with tales of astonishing trips all over the globe and bikes he has built. This time he will be talking about Son of Sam, a famous proddy racer. I have personally already learned some new. Slippery Sam (another famous proddy racer) was based on a T150 whereas SoS is based on a T160. So there you go.

 As well as John coming to visit us, Son of Sam will also be visiting us. Peter Bates has been entrusted with getting SoS into the club room so it could well end up coming through the window.

 As ever, John will be collecting for his favourite charity via a collections bucket and we will run a raffle (with fab prizes) in support of this.

 We aim to start at 8.00 p.m. so be there in plenty of time as demand for seats is bound to be high.

 See you there

 P.S. This post has been checked by my own fair hand for accuracy and grammar. You know what that means….

 Talk on North Eastern Railways in WW1 by Rob Langham - Monday 11st Jan 2021

Rob is the author of several books on railways and WW1 so is very knowledgeable about the subject.

It will be part of the normal Zoom session which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Plenty of spare places for asyone interested in this subject.

If you don't have the Zoom details, contact me via my email.  

The VNIR - Sunday 11th October 2020

 

You are all cordially invited to the VNIR next Sunday!    

 

I can distantly hear the sound of mewling and wailing on the wind – ‘What the toasted teacakes is the VNIR?’.

 

Obviously this is the Virtual Northern International Rally – that’s what.

It is an event with  no route, no machine restrictions, no refreshments, and no mingling.  But it is for sure going to be fun.

 

In addition to you motorbike (and I expect a fairly efficient set of thermals) you will need a phone capable of sending and receiving texts and taking photos. That’s all!

 

The brain child of our very own Jon Hill, I think it will be a fab and fun event. And it can be done anywhere both at home and aboard. When Jon says International, he means International!!!!

 

So have a look at the details below, sign up and prepare for general tomfoolery on your mighty steed!!!

Please contact Jon Hill on 07811333359 or rjonhill@yahoo.co.uk for further information.

Out and about in August and September

 Chums,

As we gently and carefully move out of lockdown, there are outdoor events in the area which you may be interested in. As with everything these days, you will need to adhere to social distancing and other relevant Govt. guidelines.

Northumbrian Section

In the absence of the Bob Rawlings Run, Geoff Grigg is organising the Bob Rawlings Alternative Run on 6th Sept.

Geoff informs me ‘ Info regarding a run on the 6th September when the Bob Rawlings Run would have happened is attached. As always a good time is guaranteed especially as it is free. Any questions just ask, if you plan on coming let me know and I hope to see as many as possible, in a socially distanced way of course.
Cheers’

As a further treat, this is not your usual tootle round the countryside with a route sheet. Oh no indeed. Geoff is stimulating your befuddled brains cells because  ‘The format will be that of a navigation rally, scatter rally, or if you are not pretentious, a treasure hunt.

What more can you ask for? More details are on our 'regs available' page

And there is more from other local sections!!!

Saturday 22^nd August.

 

Brian Smith from South Durham  told me ‘On Saturday 22nd of August, this Saturday, we are having our annual concours event which is usually on an evening.  Details are on our Website but there are no route sheets issued at the start, they are on our website so start where and when you want, the route will take about 90 minutes depending on how may pubs you stop at on the way round " Paul and myself may be a while ". Return to The Chequers pub Dalton on Tees for 3pm judging and socially distanced politically correctness.   Due to the current situation, there will be no free love and casual sex this year.

 

Brian.’

 

Well that’s good to know!

 

Sunday 30^th August

 

Please can you contact Howard from the Reivers ASAP if you wish to go on this so he can register your interest and get an idea of numbers. It’s sponsored by Alnwick councils so it is what is known as ‘a proper do’!

As promised and advertised on our website and Facebook page.

A chance to show off your bike! Reivers Section will be hosting a Classic Bike Show at Alnwick Market Place on 30th August between 10am to 4pm or for whenever you can make it between those times. Cafes and a catering van will be open and also the public toilets. Anyone wishing to display their bike will be more than welcome. Social distancing and all government guidelines will need to be adhered to. For any questions please contact me, howard.perrin@live.com 07981 700179.

We are looking to a maximum of 50, if we can get that many!

Sunday 6^th September

Mike Laidler from the Reivers it running holding a Tiddlers Run. Starting from Adderston Services in Belford. If your tiddler is up to Mikes rigorous standards (there will be an inspection), feel free to get it out on the roads.

 

There you go. The VMCC membership fee is DEFINITELY worth it with all this fun available to you!!!

Pete

 

Section meetings and events - CANCELLED

Regrettably, to comply with Govt. recommendations, our Monday meetings will be suspended until at least April 20th. By this time we should know what the latest Govt. recommendations are.
As for external events, all events up to and including the Northumbrian Gathering are cancelled. We have to do this because, for the larger events, we couldn't get everything sorted with regards to accommodation, catering etc. even if we were allowed to meet up.  Events such as the Rookhope Ryde etc. will be rescheduled as and when.

Hope you are all ok and I look forward to seeing you as soon as possible.

Cheney Triumph for Sale!

Peter Bates is selling this magnificent motorcycle - on which he won the Colonial!

For sale at £5500 ono

Cheney Triumph registered 1970

Fitted with T100 engine with Lucas Rita ignition. New trail riding tyres otherwise unrestored bike.Well known in the area as the bike owned by the eccentric known as Promenade Percy who in the past was famous?? for his entertainment of customers of the local bike shops.

Contact 07802816960

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 6^th 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 11^th 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…..

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 25^th 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 2^nd 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 16^th 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!!!!

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!!!

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

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. 

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.

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…..

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!

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 25^th 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.

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 28^th 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!!!

Boxing Day Run on....Boxing Day!

C'mon, banish those post-Christmas blues, saddle up your Mighty Steed and go to meet the South Durham section at the High Force Hotel for Boxing Day lunch. The section hardy perennials will be setting out from the Red Lion at Plawsworth at 10.00 a.m.

Film night - Monday 26th November

Just a quick reminder that we have one of our world famous film nights on Monday 26^th November. There will be a variety of interesting films, mostly (but not exclusively) to do with motorcycling through the ages.

Just for you, we have hired (at great expense) the South Durham Massive Projector Screen and we will be providing nibbles to help you concentrate on the entertainment.

The films will kick off at 8.30, subject, of course, to me remembering to bring all the required bits and pieces.

See you there!

Tell all your friends!

Section AGM - Nov 18th 2018

On the 19^th November, we will be holding our AGM. Here we’ll discuss the results of events and finances over the previous year, discuss matters arising and any other business. Also the committee for the following year will be elected. It will be held in the lounge of the Birtley Golf club, starting at 8.45 p.m.

Don’t forget that the previous club night (12^th November) will be held in the Golf Club bar as there is a private event on in our usual room.

Pete