Vintage motorbike lovers take to the road (From Swindon Advertiser)

5:00pm Monday 15th June 2009

VINTAGE motorbike lovers gathered to celebrate their society’s 40th anniversary yesterday.

Members of the Swindon Vintage Motorcycle Club met at the Rat Trap pub, in Highworth Road, Stratton, to toast the group’s ruby anniversary.

Motorbikes from 1911 to the present day went on display before members took to the road for a 40-mile ride on their classic machines.

More than 40 club members attended the event, which doubled as a fundraising event for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

Club secretary Julie Goodwin said: “It was a perfect way to celebrate 40 years of a great society.

“We had people coming and going all day and there was a lovely atmosphere.

“The weather was just right for the ride and it was great to see all those vintage bikes out on the road.

“I’m a big believer that bikes should be used.”

Trophies were presented for a navigation event held in May and tankards were handed out to some of the club’s original members.

Peter Baldwin, 70, of Whitworth Road, Moredon, was one of two founder members at the event.

Peter, who arrived on a 1929 BSA twin, said: “I started riding in 1955 and always had an interest in motorbikes.

“The vintage society has always been a great way of sharing that interest.

“I’ve met some great people over the years.

“Today was very interesting and we had some superb bikes on show. Mine was by no means the oldest.”

Terry Jefferies, 67, and his wife Sylvia, 60, from Rowan Road, Rodbourne, arrived on their 1959 BSA 7 motorbike and sidecar.

Terry said: “We go everywhere on it – we’ve just been on holiday to Ilfracombe in Devon.

“I’ve been riding bikes for years and my wife is my navigator.

“Today was a really nice day. There were some spectacular bikes there from 1911 right up to the modern day.

“Of course most of the people there are in their late 50s up to their 80s but there were some younger ones as well, which is nice to see.”

The club normally meets on the first and last Tuesday of the month at the Suffolk Arms, Brinkworth.

For more information on the society telephone Julie on 01793 539207.

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