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Midland Section News

This is the place to discover what's been happening in the BMW Club Midland Section over the last few months. The Section News is compiled by our Social Secretary, Martin Ellis and consists of the information that YOU have sent him about the Section events that you've been on. Help him to keep you informed by informing him. Months refer to the months Journal the New appears in.

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June 2008

The success of our April events was overshadowed by the news that fellow section member (and long time friend to many) Mick Barr had died. There is a eulogy elsewhere in this issue but we can feel proud to have given Mick a damn fine send off with around 300 people turning up at the crematorium, and a superb turnout of bikes which followed the cortege for the last ten miles or so of Mick’s final club run. He will be greatly missed.

We did have some high points in April though - my bike dealers/Derbyshire ride went well (see picture in May’s section news), and Bill Rodgers’ hotel weekend in York was by all accounts highly enjoyable, which comes as no surprise. Thanks Bill.

June is a really busy month for us, so here goes. Bill Rodgers has a ride on June 1^st to the National fisheries museum at the Fishing heritage Centre, Grimsby. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/ then click on A to Z (at the top of the page) and find it under the letter F. As with all of Bill’s runs, lunch will figure somewhere. It’s unfortunate that some of these places have names which don’t conjure up a very exciting picture, but this place is fascinating and Bill never takes us anywhere boring, so give it a go. There will be an admission charge at the museum of £6.00 or less, and for those who want a little more seaside atmosphere later perhaps, Cleethorpes is only a few minutes away. The run departs the Friendly Farmer café (see below) at 9.30, and Bill can be reached on 01526 834480 for more information.

Section member Andy Pilkington takes us to the Carpetbaggers aviation museum (Northants) http://harringtonmuseum.org.uk/ on Sunday the 8^th, and details of the start point and departure time are in the diary section of this issue of The Journal. There is an admission charge of £4.00 or less. Andy’s phone number is (01529) 241092

Our new breakfast venue at the Friendly Farmer café (just off the A1) attracted a good number in April (despite the weather), and I hope to meet more of you there on the 15^th either just for a chat over breakfast, or for a rideout afterwards. Details in the diary or ‘Where we meet’.

The 22^nd sees me leading a ride (again from the Friendly farmer) to the famous Eastgate market at Ingoldmells on the east coast (we’re going to the seaside!) where you can buy anything from a new case for your phone, to a 50” plasma TV (though how you’d get it home on the bike is your problem). The market is smack bang in the middle of a real seaside environment so there’ll still be something to do for those who don’t really want to buy anything. Departure time is10.00.

The end of the month sees us visiting the Woodland Waters caravan/camping site at Ancaster (Lincs) again, with ‘Gorgeous George’ Gibson once more being your genial host. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome at the venue www.woodlandwaters.co.uk/allframes.htm The Midland ‘hospitality tent’ will be in use, providing us with a congregation point, and free tea/coffee/biscuits over the weekend. There’ll also be a free cook-out on the Saturday evening. Please contact George on (07832)458585 for more details.

Our France trip closing date is very near (see advert in May Journal) and I’ve heard that some people have been put off at the thought of having to share accommodation. As a special offer you can have an entire unit to yourselves for £360.00. How about that?, but you need to act fast. Call me for more details.

If you wish to receive occasional e-mails reminding you of upcoming events, and details of late news and changes as I become aware of them, please join my e-mail list by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with just the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Whenever possible, check the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section or ‘Where we Meet’ in The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972. You can also e-mail me at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

May 2008

Our Winter gatherings at Towcester and Greetham have now finished until October, and I’m pleased to report that they have collectively raised well over a thousand pounds for charity since the first one of the Winter season, last October. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, or took part in any way at all. We need some volunteers to provide the catering at Greetham for the next set of meetings, and it would help us greatly if you would let me know now so that we can make plans, even at this early stage.

One of Towcester’s stalwarts, Janet Winn was rewarded for her efforts by being awarded the Mary Dudgeon Trophy at the recent national AGM, for services (particularly) to the section. Congratulations Janet - (as the bearer of good tidings, does this qualify me for an extra bit of cake next time?).

Easter in Wales was a great event, and didn’t suffer the weather doom and gloom which was forecasted. Yes it was cold, but only outside! and it’s true to say that the whole weekend was a resounding success. The Castle Inn looked after us all very well, the food was superb and the bunkhouses were a great place to sit of an evening and tell stories if the pub was too hectic. Despite the brief (but heavy) snowfall on Sunday (which dissipated after about an hour), I believe we all managed to get out over the weekend (either on bikes or in cars), with many having exhilarating rides in the Brecon mountains. There are numerous comments and pictures on the Club Forum, the address of which is below.

There may still be chance to take part in Graham Parker’s late May bank holiday weekend is in Keswick, so give Graham a call on (01623) 467852 to check.

May brings us quite few rides and events, starting with my run to the Cambridge museum of technology on the 5^th. It’s a shame that the word museum conjures up an image of stuffy rooms filled with long dead exhibits in glass cages, because many of these places are vibrant sites, brimming with interesting machinery and glimpses of our industrial heritage. It emerges that it’s unlikely the engines at Cambridge will be in steam, but it’s still a damn fine place to visit.

We also have the Belvoir Castle steam rally and the BMF show in may. Please contact Bill Rodgers (01526) 834480 and Lisa Parker (01234) 750959 respectively for more information.

We have our second breakfast gathering at the Friendly Farmer café (just off the A1) on the 18^th, and I hope to see many of you there either just for a chat over breakfast, or for a rideout afterwards (weather permitting).

The end of June sees us visiting Ancaster again, with ‘Gorgeous George’ Gibson once more being your genial host. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome at the venue www.woodlandwaters.co.uk/allframes.htm The Midland ‘hospitality tent’ will be used, providing us with a congregation point, along with free tea/coffee/biscuits over the weekend, and there’ll be a free cook-out on the Saturday evening. Please contact George on (07832)458585 for more details.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with entry forms, updates and late news. www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972. You can also e-mail me at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

April 2008

February was a really quiet month for us with only the first aid talk at Greetham standing out. Unfortunately I missed it due to an altercation with a ford (not the vehicular kind) in Shropshire (see last month’s Journal), and was still feeling a little bruised. Treasurer Graham Parker has made arrangements with the speaker (Mark Harris of Rubicon First Aid Ltd) to host a special one day motorcycle first aid training course for those interested. It will take place during the warmer months, on a Saturday at Greetham and costs will depend largely upon the numbers. Cost is expected to be £45. Please contact Graham on 01623 467852 or graham@microhelpuk.net to book. Places are limited so you are urged to register your interest soon.

Graham’s late May bank holiday weekend is in Keswick. This proved so popular last year that we’re doing it again, even using the same hotels. The two hotels are filling up rapidly but some places are still available. Please contact Graham (details as above) to find out where to send your deposit.

The cut off date for booking a place on the South of France holiday is fast approaching so please contact me or visit one of the websites mentioned below if you need further information. Six nights in an air-conditioned chalet on the South Coast of France (including travel insurance) for as little as £87.50….how good’s that?

A small point and a long way off yet, but the yearcard has the wrong dates for our national rally in August. They should read 22^nd to the 25^th . My fault, sorry.

Our popular steam rally weekend at Long Eaton has been replaced with another similar event at Rockingham castle in Northants over the weekend of August 8 – 10. This is for BMW bikes only, and costs £10 for the entire weekend, including three nights camping, tea/coffee/biscuits, entry to the show on both days and a free barbecue on the Saturday night. Day visitors are welcome too. All entries MUST be pre booked to receive a pass beforehand, and entry forms can be obtained from the usual places (see below). This is a fantastic site and previous events have been superb, so give it a go. Many of the ‘regulars’ have already booked in.

Those of you who read my letter in the Journal about Rick Marshall’s plight, will be pleased to hear that he’s home now, and getting used (short term we hope) to life with a wheelchair. Rick and Val would like to thank everyone who responded to the letter, and they look forward to getting out and about more in the near future.

March 2008

With only a few weeks left, this really is the last call for anyone wanting to join in with our Easter in Wales holiday (joint venture with East Anglia and Western), as all of the B+B rooms are now full and the three bunkhouse rooms (male, female and unisex) all have multiple occupants. Some clever campers have also reserved their prime spots next to the internal roadway in case we have any rain.

There are still a few bunkhouse spaces left, and with our marquee in use as a central gathering place, and rides planned over the weekend, it has all the hallmarks of being a really good event. Those of you who have already paid a deposit should now let me have your balance as soon as possible please (made payable to the BMW Club).

The bring and buy sale at January’s Greetham gathering was well attended, with a bacon roll or hot-dog and coffee being provided for the entry fee. The kitchen crew (Terry & Bron Collier assisted by some of the committee) did a sterling job of catering for the masses, with supplies just about keeping up with demand. Takings were sufficient for us to make a charitable donation to the section charity, and as feedback was very positive on the whole event, it’s likely to be repeated in the future. Thanks to all who tuned up as sellers, buyers or helpers.

The ‘Post Christmas’ Dinner organised by Bill Rodgers took place at The Solo Club Sleaford on Jan 19^th, where thirty seven people sat down to what everyone agreed was a superb dinner at a first class location. So successful all round was the evening that Bill has already provisionally arranged next year’s bash at the same place.

The Cadbury World visit was a great success, marred only by a newcomer to our ranks being let down by her K100’s electrics while en route, but as usual everyone rallied round to help and she made it to C/W with the rest of the group, where 27 of us spent an enjoyable day in this very interesting attraction. My thanks go to everyone who let me know in advance that they would be attending, as this enabled me to secure a really good price for us.

The South of France holiday (September) continues to fill up steadily, and we now have only a few units left available for hire from our original nine. This is a holiday not to be missed. Six nights in an air-conditioned holiday home on the South of France, including travel insurance, for as little as £175….how much more generous can we be?

I make no apologies for once again mentioning Bill Rodgers’ hotel weekend (April 10^th – 13^th) in York. It’s a spacious, elegant Victorian B+B called The Hillcrest guesthouse, which has secure parking and is only 10 minutes walk from the city centre. http://www.accommodation.gbr.fm/ All rooms have colour TV, with tea/coffee facilities, and a Saturday ride out is planned, weather permitting.

Costs are £30.00 pppn for bed and breakfast, and a maximum of 20 people can be accommodated in a mixture of double, twin and single rooms. Details and ALL bookings from Bill (01526) 834480, or see ‘Around the Compass’

Whenever possible, check the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ I’m available most times by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

February 2008

December’s official section Christmas lunch was a really good affair with almost £100 being raised for the Air Ambulance as a result of some fantastic generosity from the people who turned up, both in buying raffle tickets and supplying prizes for the raffle and the auction. The meal was superb and the staff at Christys virtually had to ask us to leave as we stayed so long chatting and having a good time after the meal. My thanks go to everyone who supported this event and were deservedly rewarded with a good time. Lisa Parker and Mark Breeze warrant a special mention for bringing two very valuable prizes, which were auctioned rather than raffled.

February’s Greetham gathering will provide us with a talk from a guest speaker on biker first aid, which should be very interesting, and possibly useful in the future (though hopefully not needed!). The talk starts at 11.45, with lunch at the usual time of 1.00pm

Please let me have your bookings for Easter in Wales and the South of France trip as soon as possible, as (respectively) the luxury bunkhouses and air conditioned units are being snapped up rapidly. Hopefully there is an advert for Easter with more details in this issue, and information packs with lists of participants for both events are available from me or on the Club internet Forum (see below).

The long running Long Eaton Steam rally is changing locations this year and we have been invited to take part in the new event at Rockingham Castle (Northants) over the weekend of August 8-10. There’s no charge for day visitors, but due to the prestigious nature of the location, campers/caravanners will be asked to pay £10.00 for the entire weekend, including three nights camping with entry to the show on Saturday and Sunday, free tea/coffee all weekend and a free meal on the Saturday evening.

Any age bike can be displayed, but it MUST be a BMW. Entry forms are available from the usual places (see below).

Bill Rodgers has once again secured a marvellous location for a hotel weekend (April 10^th – 13^th), this time in York. It’s a spacious, elegant Victorian B+B called The Hillcrest guesthouse, which has secure parking and is only 10 minutes walk from the city centre. www.accommodation.gbr.fm All rooms have colour TV, with tea/coffee facilities, and a Saturday ride out is planned, weather permitting.

Costs are £30.00 pppn for bed and breakfast, and a maximum of 20 people can be accommodated in a mixture of double, twin and single rooms, so you are advised to book early to secure your preferred room type.

All bookings are to be made via Bill Rodgers (01526) 843380. Please do NOT book with the guesthouse directly. A £10.00 deposit (made payable to the BMW Club) is required at the time of booking.

We had quite a few events in January, but due to publication deadlines, reports will have to wait until next month. Please feel free to let me have a report on any of them (in your own words) and I’ll do my best to include it for March’s section news.

Whenever possible, check the Midland discussion area on the club forum at forum.bmw-club.org.uk I’m available most times by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at

January 2008

Happy new year from the Midland Committee.

Sally & Grahame Cluley would like to thank the Midland Section for the beautiful flower arrangement sent to them by the section on the recent death of Sally's Mum, Lilian. Who sadly passed away on Saturday 29th September '07, she will be very much missed by us and for her help with section events at Greetham over the years.

Those of you who recover successfully from New Year’s Eve might like to join us at Donington services for the customary NYD ride, which this time is heading for Rothley station (Leics). From there we’ll board a steam train for a trip to the Loughborough station of the Great Central railway line, where food and amenities are available. The return cost is £8.00 but it’s well worth it. There is ample safe parking at Rothley (Edwardian period station), and we’ll return there to collect the bikes when we’ve had our fill of the 1950s period station at Loughborough.

Last chance now to reserve you place for Bill Rodgers’ post Christmas four course Dinner at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 19th of January. Venue is The Solo Club, Market Place, Sleaford. NG34 7SF. Details and a menu from Bill (01526 834480) or Chop Nunn (01529 305316). A deposit of £10 per head will be required, and for those travelling from further afield Bill has a list of Bed & Breakfast places & Hotels in Sleaford, but these are filling up rapidly.

Christy’s will not be appearing on our regular gathering calendar for 2008, and it’s (virtual) replacement for it will be a breakfast venue at the Friendly farmer café/farm shop just off the A1 near Newark, running on the 3^rd Sunday each month from April to October inclusive. Keep your eye on the Journal diary for more information nearer the time, or subscribe to my e-mail list for reminders of upcoming events. Details below.

You should (Hopefully) have all received your calendar of events for 2008 with this issue of The Journal. We have a few events which need advance booking, so please read the calendar carefully to ensure that you don’t miss out. Two such imminent events are our Easter in Wales weekend (see the full page advert in this issue), and my trip to Cadbury World at the end of this month (January). This is a heavily discounted price of £4.50 instead of the usual £13.00, which includes a tour of Cadbury World (nr Birmingham) with free samples along the tour, and a goodie-cup! Places are limited, and due to response from the website, we really do only have a few places left.. You can either come on the rideout or meet us there, but you won’t get the £4.50 rate if your name’s not on my list, so get phoning. All I need is a name and a firm commitment to attend.

We have a new evening gathering starting this month, at Kennedy’s bar, Tower Sports Ground, 113 Irthlingborough Rd, Finedon, Norhants. NN9 5EJ (01933) 681566. This will be replacing our existing gathering at the Queen’s Arms, Orlingbury, which I am reliably informed has suffered a downturn in fortune, and has been attracting very poor turnouts in recent months. Kennedys will be on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ I’m available most times by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

December 2007

The section AGM in October produced few surprises either in turnout or content, and despite a very vocal minority who seemed unhappy with almost everything, the overwhelming body of opinion was that your committee is managing the section very well.

Kev Stevenson was voted in unanimously as a new committee member, and the rest of us were voted back into our respective positions, so you’re stuck with us for another year. Section Secretary Lisa Parker coped well with the proceedings, and hopefully the minutes will be available for to any interested parties by the time you read this.

Membership figures are down a little on this time last year, but there may be a number of reasons for this, not least of which may well be the increase in subscription rates. Once again treasurer Graham Parker presented his accounts in an easy to understand format which brought about very few questions. Our bank balance seemed to be a little down, but again, there were reasons which are peculiar to this year, and the future looks rosy.

Graham and Sally Cluley have very kindly given us advance notice that they will provide us with a Christmas lunch at Greetham in December 2008, and this removes the uncertainty which was present at last year’s AGM, when we chose Christys as our venue for 2007 due to there being no other offers….er…on the table…(sorry).

Places are still available for the section Christmas lunch at Christys on the 23^rd of this month (December), and the best way of obtaining a menu and a reservation slip is to call me direct (or download one from this website) As I have said before, you do need to book in advance, and we will be having a raffle in aid of our chosen charity after the Christmas lunch, so if you would like to donate a prize, please let me or any other committee member know in advance. We already have a decent number of people who’ve booked, but we can accommodate more. Please join us.

Here’s another reminder about our post Christmas Dinner (organised by Bill Rodgers), which will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 19th of January at The Solo Club, Market Place, Sleaford. NG34 7SF. There will be a four-course meal at a cost of £14.50, and the menu is available from Bill (01526 834480) or Chop Nunn (01529 305316). A deposit of £10 per head will be required, and for those travelling from further afield Bill has a list of Bed & Breakfast places & Hotels in Sleaford, but these are filling up already.

We have a healthy number of volunteers for leading and organising events in 2008, and to cater for some of our Winter gatherings. Thank you all for your time and effort.

Now news of a joint venture next year, co-organised by Midland Western and East Anglia sections. With St Audries Bay not happening over Easter, here’s an alternative. This is not however, a replacement as this venue can’t handle the numbers and doesn’t have entertainment. The Castle Inn (Pengenffordd nr Talgarth, Powys, Wales) offers camping and bunkhouses in the grounds of a great Inn which has good quality food available all day, situated in the Brecon Hills. We have reserved the entire facility for the Easter weekend of March 21^st to 24^th. Here’s the really good bit…the bunkhouses are luxurious to say the least. Carpets, mains electricity, central heating, tables and chairs, tea/coffee making facilities, duvets and pillows, and a wetroom/shower/changing room in each bunkhouse…PLUS a full English breakfast with juice and cereals included in the price There are three such rooms which we hope to divide into male, female and unisex sleeping if required. Other sections have already used this venue and been eminently satisfied, but places are limited so bookings are only being accepted from the three organising sections until Jan 1^st, at which time it will be made available nationally. A deposit is required for the bunkhouses and although campers can just turn up, the best spots will be reserved for those who prebook. More info can also be found in Around The Compass.

The Midland marquee will be used, so with tea/coffee and biscuits on hand all weekend, along with cooking facilities for campers, and a fridge in which to keep their perishables, it should be a damn good weekend. Rideouts are planned for the Saturday and Sunday. Bookings from all sections will be handled by me and no bookings will be accepted by the Castle Inn directly.

Finally, make sure you don’t have a hangover on New year’s day as I will be leading a run again, to the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, via a ride on a steam train from Rothley ststion. More details will appear in January’s Journal, but it will be a 10.00 start from Donington services, as usual.

November 2007

The section AGM last month happened after the submission deadline for this month’s Section News, so more about that in December’s notes, or on the Club internet Forum now.

Reservations for our official Christmas lunch (at Christys coffee shop/restaurant on December 23^rd) are coming in steadily, and it looks as if we’ll have a decent turnout for what promises to be an excellent gathering with superb food. For those who haven’t reserved their places yet, a menu/reservation slip is available for download on the section and club websites. One (or more) can also be obtained by e-mailing or phoning me directly.

As I said last month, you do need to book in advance, and we will be having a raffle in aid of our chosen charity after the Christmas lunch, so if you would like to donate a prize, please let me or any other committee member know in advance. Thank you to those who have already donated superb prizes, but we need more. There is a good variety of starters, main meals and desserts from which to choose, and you may opt for a two or three course meal, each with tea/coffee and wine. Please join us if you can.

Those of you who didn’t join us on our September visit to Christys missed a tour round a microlite airfield near Newark, Notts where we gained a real insight into these fantastic machines which bear remarkable similarities to motorcycles. Our visit was courtesy of club member Andy Buchan who runs a microlite training school from the airfield. He can be contacted on 01623 883820 or by visiting http://www.lightflight.co.uk/.

The South of France week in September next year has already attracted considerable attention, and quite a few people have already booked the double rooms in our allocation of nine air-conditioned units. First come first served remember. Please see the Midland website or contact me for an information pack.

We’ll be holding another bring and buy sale at our January Greetham gathering, and there will be a charge of £4.00 per seller which will include free bacon butty and cuppa. Tea/coffee and hot snacks will be available for everyone at very reasonable cost, and the profits from the whole event will go to our chosen charity. Members from all sections are welcome, either as buyers or sellers. Turn up and pay – simple as that. Motorcycle and camping related items only please

Our post Christmas Dinner (organised by Bill Rodgers) will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 19th of January at The Solo Club, Market Place, Sleaford. NG34 7SF. This club has an enviable catering reputation in the area for doing ‘shoot’ dinners and weddings etc. It will be a four-course meal at a cost of £14.50, and the menu is available from Bill (01526 834480) or Chop Nunn (01529 305316). It will also be available to read on the Midland website by the second week in November. A deposit of £10 per head will be required.

A detailed map of the location and parking areas etc will be forwarded to interested parties at the time of booking, and for those travelling from further afield Bill has a list of Bed & Breakfast places & Hotels in Sleaford.

October 2007

Our section AGM takes place this month at Greetham Community Centre (details in Where we Meet) on Sunday the 14^th. The meeting itself starts at 11-00am, with hot snacks at around 1.00pm. If you are intending to vote, please bring proof of your club membership along with you.

Our committee members are all willing to carry on in their present positions again this year, and we have a new face wanting to join the throng, in the shape of section member Kevin Stevenson. Should you wish to become a committee member yourself (we still have room) or to challenge for an officer’s position, you may still have time (depending on when you receive your Journal) by contacting section Secretary Lisa Parker.

Towcester starts it’s run as one of the venues for our regular Sunday ‘Winter’ gatherings this month on the 7^th and the AGM on the 14^th signals the same for Greetham. Recently, Towcester has been attracting numbers rivalling those at Greetham, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank John and Janet Winn for their continued efforts in this area.

Our official section Christmas lunch plans have now been finalised and quite a few people have already reserved their places at Christys coffee shop/restaurant courtesy of the menu/reservation slip which has been available for download on the section and club websites for some time now. This is restaurant quality food with waitress service, and the ‘mix ‘n‘ match’ menu choices are superb. This is a really friendly place, and we have been made very welcome there throughout the year. If all has gone well, details also appear somewhere else in this month’s Journal and hopefully we will see many of you at Christys on December 23^rd.

You do need to book in advance, so please e-mail or phone me if you need extra reservation slips or copies of the menu. There’ll also be some at our regular visit to Christys this month on Sunday the 28^th or at Greetham/Towcester. We will of course be having a raffle in aid of the Air Ambulance after the Christmas lunch so if you would like to donate a prize, please let me or any other committee member know in advance

Sally Cluley (01572) 813639 has tickets available for her regular Christmas lunch at Greetham on November 11^th at 1.00pm. Tickets are £10:00 and need to be paid for in advance. Please do not turn up expecting a regular Sunday gathering. Ticketholders only please.

I have a run to Papplewick Pumping station in Notts on the 21^st where we will be able to see the magnificent Watts beam engines in steam, and there will hopefully be a stationary engine display taking place too, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet. See the Diary section for details.

Bookings are now being taken for our South of France week in September next year, and we’ve already had a number of people paying deposits to reserve their accommodation. Please see the Midland website or contact me for an information package. Details will also be available at our Greetham and Towcester gatherings, at Christys on the 28^th, and from me on the Papplewick run.

If you wish to be kept up to date with any late breaking news or reminders of upcoming events, please send an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with just the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. You can also unsubscribe at any later time.

September 2007

Our ‘Winter’ Sunday gatherings start next month with venues at Towcester and Greetham, and this prompts me to give formal notice of our section AGM which will take place at Greetham on the 14^th of October (address in ‘Where we meet’ in this Journal). If you wish to stand for a committee position (we need a couple more people on the committee, particularly to help with next year’s events) or have any proposals, questions or other submissions, please contact our section Secretary Lisa Parker (Details in this Journal or on your section yearcard). Proposals, submissions and nominations must be with her by September 28^th. E-mails are acceptable as are written /typed letters.

It’s also time to let you know that tickets are now available for our Christmas lunch at Christy’s on December 23^rd (Sunday). Christy’s have served us well all year with great hospitality and superb food. I hope that many of you will take part in what promises to be a real social gathering. Expected costs will be £14 - £17 depending on whether you choose a two or three course meal but all meals will include tea/coffee and wine. This is restaurant quality food with excellent service, and there will of course be a raffle for the Air Ambulance. Please don’t miss it.

Worth a special mention this month is Graham Parker’s ride into Derbyshire on Sunday the 2^nd. Be at Graham’s house around 9.00 for a bacon butty and a cuppa before the ride (petrol available nearby - full tank needed) and a cuppa then it’s off around one of Graham’s favourite stomping grounds.

My ride on the 9^th will be to “The Railway Age” exhibition/museum in Crewe (details in the diary section), then Bill’s run on the 30^th will be a little different. The plan is to tour the Scunthorpe Steel Works by steam train, courtesy of The Appleby Frodingham Preservation Society. This will be a 2Hr 30min steam-hauled 15 mile tour of the works in their preserved railway carriage. The run starts at 9.30, and the tour at 11.0a.m. Following the tour, late lunch will be taken at the restaurant of a nearby garden centre

We have an unfortunate clash on that same weekend (which couldn’t be foreseen) as the Long Eaton steam rally (cancelled due to bad weather) has been rescheduled by the main rally organiser for the 28^th-30^th September. There are still passes available for this popular weekend (either camping or as a day visitor) and it’s all FREE. Phone me for a FREE pass.

Our all year Sunday gathering at Christy’s is also on the 22^nd (yes, it clashes with the National – sorry) this month and I hope to see many of you there at 11.00 for a visit to a local microlite airfield before lunch. Christmas lunch menus and tickets will also be available there.

I’m considering organising a section holiday in air conditioned chalets on the South of France for next September, but I need an indication of interest before proceeding any further. It needs planning NOW, so please call me ASAP or it won’t happen.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

You can be added to my mailing list by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

August 2007

LATE NEWS – Our (June) Long Eaton weekend was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to bad weather but it has been rescheduled for September 28^th – 30^th, and everyone who had already booked in should have received their new pass by now, but if you were unable to join in at the end of June but would like to take part in September, please e-mail or phone me for an entry form, or download one from the club internet Forum.

June started with Andy Pilkington’s first run as leader to a newly found motorcycle collection near Gainsborough. We had great weather for the run, which was a superb mix of major and minor roads with something to suit all tastes, followed by a really good lunch at a country pub. We got split up a little towards our destination but everyone made it and we were rewarded with a large collection of ‘as-is’ bikes from yesteryear. My thanks go to Andy for volunteering to lead a run for us (and enjoying himself at the same time). If you’d like to have a go next year, please contact me and we can have a chat about it. I’m already planning next year’s calendar so please do it as soon as possible.

Graham Parker has provided me with a comprehensive report on his successful Keswick weekend, and it can be viewed on the Midland website, along with some nice photos.

There’s quite a bit of information from committee member Bill Rodgers this month, starting with a reminder that there’ll be a BBQ at the Threekingham pub meet on the 7th. Be there for about 7.30 (PM, that is)

His run to the Shuttleworth Collecton on Aug 5^th will be to an event consisting of a 1^st & 2^nd world war flying pageant, a brass band and a vintage car & motorcycle parade. All of the hangers & static displays will be open, together with the Swiss Gardens & birds of prey collection. Entry is £20.00 per head but will be subsidised by the section. 10.am. start from Colsterworth Services to arrive approx 12.00 at Old Warden.

And finally on to Bill’s run on Aug 12^th. The Sheffield Industrial Museums is a multi site venue showing a broad history of Sheffield’s illustrious history of steel manufacturing. From the largest steam driven rolling mill engine (in steam hopefully) to the manufacture of cutlery & stainless steel, the 2 venues which we will visit should have something of interest for everyone. Lunch can be taken on site. Start 10.00a.am. Donington Services for a picturesque run through the Derbyshire countryside. Call Bill if you have any questions (01526) 834480.

George Gibson’s ride to Thursford (Norfolk) on the 19^th looks very promising. Thursford is the home of one of the country’s premiere steam collections and should not be missed. Visit https://www.thursford.com/ and click on ‘Steam Collection’.

Our all year Sunday gathering at Christy’s is also on the 26^th this month and I hope to see many of you there at 11.00 for a short visit to a local microlite airfield before lunch (weather permitting). Details are in ‘Where we meet’ or by contacting me.

Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

You can be added to my mailing list to receive updates and late information by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

July 2007

May was a busy month with something going on every weekend. Our involvement with the BMF rally was a great success (a national event but run by a Midland based team) and Lisa (and team) have received many votes of thanks from people attending, for putting on a good ‘old fashioned do’ in the best tradition of Club events, and on the 13^th , Brian Gardiner led his (inaugural) ride with a ‘Lord Of The Rings’ connection for us, a report of which can be seen on the Midland website. My thanks to Brian for doing his bit and apparently having a damn good time doing so, despite the rain.

Along with others, I’ve just returned from a weekend at the joint East Anglia/Midland weekend at Banham Zoo, where despite horrendous weather on Sunday, the rally was a really enjoyable get-together. We had our Saturday rideout and evening barbecue in good weather, and many sat out late into the evening under the cover of our section mini-marquee, chatting and drinking. East Anglia social sec Paul Brown organised it all, and our own treasurer Graham Parker, did us proud with the Saturday evening food. I just handled the logistics of transporting the gear.

The ‘car boot’ on Sunday was under cover and I managed to stock up on some of the odds and sods you seem only able to find at car boot sales. A more detailed report with pictures can be seen on the Midland website, and on the ‘Event Report’ section of the Club Forum.

July is packed with things to see and stuff to do. Apart from our usual pub meets, we’ve 5 rideouts this month, so there should be something to interest all. We’re going to a motorcycle museum on the 1^st with Ian Griffin (Griff) – then on the 8^th we go to look at some crop circles with Brian Gardiner www.lucypringle.com – on the 15^th Bill Rodgers leads us on his Stoke on Trent run which will take in a coffee stop in the hills above Cheadle, then (time permitting) on to the Etruria Industrial Museum, & finally on to the Wedgwood Museum www.thewedgwoodvisitorcentre.com (with shop & restaurant), which is situated in parkland not far from Trentham Gardens. (All these years I’ve been spelling Wedgwood with an ‘E’ in the middle, and it takes a bike ride to make me realise I’ve been wrong).

Griff steps in once more on the 22^nd and leads a run to Founders day, and finally we’ve my ride to Marsden in Yorkshire on the 29^th to travel on the Standege Tunnel – the longest, deepest, highest canal tunnel in the UK Those of you who enjoyed the Dudley canal tour will surely have a good time at Standedge. www.standedge.co.uk

Our all year Sunday gathering at Christy’s is also on the 22^nd this month and I hope to see many of you there at 11.00 for a ride around the area before lunch, and don’t forget that there’ll be a BBQ at the Threekingham pub meet in August.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

You can be added to my mailing list by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

June 2007

I hope that the late cancellation of my May 6 run to Cambridge didn’t catch too many out but as I sit typing this with one hand due to having just had a ‘Subacromial Decompression’ operation on my left shoulder, I knew that there was no way I’d be able to take the run, and I hadn’t been able to find an alternative leader by the time the Journal deadline for section news submission came around. I promise we’ll go there someday soon.

Dave Clayton’s ride to the Anderton boat lift in Cheshire was very well attended and we had a very enjoyable day out, as did those who went with Griff to Kelling in Norfolk once again. My thanks go to both of these gents for leading rides for the section.

The Red Marley weekend was a resounding success with many visitors from the Yorkshire section, and a goodly number watched some enthralling trials action on the Sunday and an exciting hill climb (complete with spectacular crashes) on the Monday, all in glorious ‘tee shirt’ weather. The Saturday evening cook-out (all free) went down a storm and many of us sat out in the Midland marquee drinking and swapping stories until quite late. If you didn’t go you missed a cracking weekend and I offer my thanks to those who helped with the logistics (unloading and packing away) throughout the whole weekend.

Now then, where to start with our June calendar? There’s so much to choose from. We’ve Andy Pilkington’s ride to a newly opened motorcycle collection on the 3^rd, Graham’s Keswick B+B weekend, The Bourne (Lincs) classic car and bike show with Bill Rodgers on Father’s Day (17^th), a massive ‘biker meet’ on the evening of the 19^th, in Leicestershire, and a repeat of my 2006 joint E/A run to Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads on the 23^rd – which is a SATURDAY. We’ll have free off-road parking and a trip on a broads boat (should you wish) for a couple of hours. This has been put on once again after numerous requests from those who missed it last year and heard what a great time we had. Start time is prompt - please don’t be late or we’ll be gone.

Due to a few cancellations, there may still be places for anyone wanting to go to the Long Eaton steam rally camping/caravanning weekend (29^th – 1^st) for FREE. You must however, contact me NOW to get an entry form so that I can have it back in time to send out your pass for the show. Entry forms are available directly from me at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com or by phoning. Please note that this also applies to those who will be helping out over the weekend. Remember…no entry form = no pass = NO ENTRY. Passes will be sent out a few days before the rally, with more information on directions etc.

Christy’s is on the 24^th this month and it’s proving to be a real success story. Our gentle rides around the area before lunch are showing us what fantastic roads and countryside abounds in this area of Nottinghamshire, and the atmosphere is very friendly. Be there for 11.00 to catch the rideout at about 11.15. Details in the yearcard or ‘Where we meet’ in this Journal.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

You can be added to my mailing list by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

May 2007

LATE NEWS – Our May 6^th run to Cambridge has had to be CANCELLED at the last minute. - Further details next month.

Graham and Ann Parker did us proud at Greetham again with a substantial meal (as usual) and our collective thanks go to everyone who looks after us at our winter gatherings, which are now finished until October. John and Janet Winn (with helpers) collected a total of £574 this season, and this amount will be donated to the Air Ambulance fund. Well done and thank you.

Garth Forbes informs me that the Rhino rally was the success it usually is, and to reminisce that it was 18 years ago that he first took it on!

March was a very quiet month apart from the AGM, at which the Midland section was collectively awarded the Fred Secker trophy primarily for our efforts at Moreton Morrell.

Christy’s is still going strong, and it would be nice to see you on the 27th for a short, leisurely ride round (about 11.00) before returning to the cafe for a drink or some food. The people at Christy’s have taken on board our comments and there are more snack-type meals available for those not requiring a full Sunday roast.

Our one rideout in March was my mystery brunch run, and we had a great time despite the doom and gloom in the weather forecast. It remained dry and sunny (albeit a little windy) and we visited the Great Central Railway preserved station (decked out in 1940s style) at Rothley near Leicester. After looking at the model railway exhibition, we boarded a (steam) train to Quorn station, where we had some light refreshments in the 1940s style NAAFI kitchen before catching the train back to Rothley and the bikes. Those of you who were unable to join us missed a good day out. Next time eh?

By contrast, May is absolutely chock full of places to go and things to do, with an event of some kind on every weekend, but if all goes well I will have had an operation on my left shoulder by now so I will not be riding for some time, although I hope to see you at Christy’s and Banham at the end of the month.

Entries are still being accepted for the Belvoir steam and vintage rally this month, with entry forms available from Bill Rodgers (01526) 834480, and don’t forget the joint East Anglia/Midland rally at Banham in Norfolk, which takes place over the Whit holiday at the end of the month. This promises to be a really good social event complete with the Midland marquee, and all that that implies. For booking, or more information on the Banham rally, contact E/A social sec Paul Brown by any of the following methods; 0845 1560715 g4aje@yahoo.com or via the E/A website or the E/A section of the club Forum

Last chance now for anyone wanting to go to the Long Eaton steam rally weekend for FREE. Completed entry forms MUST be in my hands by the end of this month at the latest to receive your free pass for the show, which takes place over the weekend of June 29^th to July 1^st Entry forms are available directly from me at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com or by phoning. Please note that this also applies to those who will be helping out over the weekend. Remember…no entry form = no pass = NO ENTRY.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

You can be added to my mailing list by sending an e-mail to midlandlist@ntlworld.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

April 2007

The committee’s collective thanks (and I’m sure yours too) go to Terry and Bron Collier for their lovely grub at Greetham in February and by the time you read this we will all have no doubt gorged on the much appreciated offerings prepared by Graham and Ann Parker.

I’m indebted to Paul Straw for standing in for me on the Silk Mills run to Derby in February, and I’m assured that it was a very enjoyable day out, even if the numbers were very low. Our numbers at Greetham were low in February too, so perhaps we shouldn’t read too much into this. Towcester by contrast attracted a large crowd again, and I’m really pleased to see that this venue is becoming increasingly popular. Long may the trend continue. John and Janet Winn, and Mick and Judy Moyne have done us proud over the winter, and our thanks go to them and their helpers.

Christy’s had a decent showing again in February and the 40 mile ride around the local villages sharpened our appetites for the good selection of Sunday roasts and lighter meals and snacks, some of which were laid on solely for club members. It really is a superb place for mixing and chatting, and now that Towcester and Greetham have closed their doors until later in the year, I hope that it becomes a firm favourite with those who want to stay in touch all year round, and perhaps go on the pre-lunch rides with us. April’s date is the 27^th and the ride starts at about 11am. A volunteer for a run for the vintage/classic bikes would be most welcome. Please phone me if you want to have a go.

We have two Sunday runs this month – one to the Anderton Boat lift on the 1^st, and a repeat of last year’s very enjoyable run for lunch to Kelling in Norfolk, on the 15th. The Anderton lift is a superb bit of Victorian engineering which is well worth a visit even if you don’t take the boat trip which goes along the basin and includes a ride on the lift itself. This will be run-leader Dave Clayton’s second run for us and if it’s anything like his last one, to see the Lancaster at a Lincs airfield, it should be a good day out. http://www.andertonboatlift.co.uk/

Our Red Marley hill climb/trials camping/caravanning weekend near Bewdley in Worcestershire is here at last. It takes place over the Easter weekend and you can turn up with a tent or your own caravan. Please feel free to phone or e-mail me for more information about this event, or see the Midland website. It’s a fascinating show which attracts really good crowds and never fails to entertain. http://www.redmarley.com/home.html

Entry forms for the FREE Long Eaton steam rally weekend at the end of June are also available on the site, or directly from me. Please don’t leave this until May/June or you may be too late. Did I mention that it’ s FREE?

All of our camping weekends will have the section marquee in use which means a good social scene whatever the weather, but please don’t forget that we (the committee) need your support to make sure these events run smoothly.

If you want to volunteer to help with the marquee, or just want to be included on my mailing list for late changes and event reminders, please contact me by any of the methods below.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the Midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details for all of our events can be found either in the diary section of The Journal, or on your section yearcard, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

March 2007

As promised, here are the reports of recent activities. The post Christmas meal was well attended as usual, and despite some difficulties due to the pub struggling to cater for such a large group in one go, I think everyone went away full, and in good spirits. Our thanks go once again to Bill Rodgers for his efforts.

The bring and buy was a change to our usual format for a Greetham gathering, and apart from some grumbles from a few who didn’t like the change, it went really well. The crowd could be seen to be mixing more and talking to a wider range of people than would otherwise have happened, so overall it was a great success. It was nice to see some new faces and chat with them about why they don’t usually come to Greetham – the comments have been noted lads.

Christy’s, our new all year round Sunday meeting place saw around 25 people turn up for a good natter, and food where applicable. From February on, whenever the weather is amenable we will be going for a short ride around the area (starting about 11.00am) before returning to the cafe, and if there’s a desire to split into two groups, modern and vintage/classic, all the better. It’s only 30 minutes up from Greetham so it would be pleasing to see more of our members from the southern part of the section than we did in January. Some of us travel over 50 miles to Greetham to make it the event it has become. Please support this new venue and give it a chance of succeeding. Christy’s this month (March) is on the 25^th.

Graham and Ann Parker are catering for us at Greetham in March, and Judy and Mick Moyne have come through again as far as late season and into 2008 are concerned. A big vote of thanks to all those who do, and have done, their bit.

We still have a couple of B+B rooms left for the Red Marley hill climb/trials weekend in Worcestershire over Easter, where you can turn up with a tent or a caravan too, but they need booking now or we will lose them. Please contact me for more information about this event, or for entry forms for the FREE Long Eaton steam rally weekend in June.

All of our camping weekends will have the section marquee in use which means a good social scene whatever the weather. We (the committee) need your support and comments for our events, and we look forward to seeing many of you out and about as the year progresses. I also now need definite volunteers for the organising party at Long Eaton. I can’t go on relying on exhibitors and a few regulars to do all of the work. Please contact me by any of the methods below, to be included on the list.

The national AGM is on the 31^st in Cambridgshire. There is likely to be heated debate concerning two of the proposals which I have sent in after consultation with your committee, and one of them may give Midland a chance to be in on the ground floor of an additional national rally in 2008. Please attend the AGM if you can, even if it’s just for the meeting, as your vote could mean the difference between a proposal succeeding or failing. We’re willing to lay on a minibus if there’s enough interest, but I need to know now.

Whenever possible, check the Midland website regularly for more information, along with updates and late news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget the midland discussion area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/locations and contact details can be found in the diary section of The Journal, and I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at midlandsocsec@ntlworld.com

February 2007

If all’s gone well you should have received your yearcard with this issue of The Journal. It lists all planned events through to and including next January, and I hope that you find it useful. Please do read it (and keep it to hand) as we have some really interesting events for the coming year. The committee look forward to seeing many of you out there.

As you read this, it’s February, but I wrote it in the first few days of January so I have no news on the success or otherwise of our bring and buy at Greetham, Bill Rodgers’ post Christmas meal at Threekingham, or our first gathering at Christy’s – more next month.

The New Year’s day ride though was great fun again on a dry, sunny day, and we had almost 30 people at Masson mills for the entertaining tour and demonstrations of working mill machines from the Victorian era. We had visitors from Mercia, Yorkshire, East Anglia and Western sections, along with many of our own regulars, and half a dozen new members.

My apologies go to those to whom I didn’t get chance to say goodbye when I left early, because I was shattered having been woken three times in the middle of the night with the house mains electricity tripping out and our alarm screaming its head off. The fact that it had been New Year’s Eve and I was late to bed anyway, didn’t help matters either.

Terry and Bron Collier are catering for us at Greetham this month and Graham and Ann parker have stepped in for March, but we need volunteers for the late season and into 2008. Please let me know if you can help.

Are you sitting comfortably…? ‘cos we have a rideout on the 17^th (yes, in February) to Derby’s industrial heritage museum, and there’s the Rhino rally from the 16^th to the 18^th , so coupled with our regular visits to Towcester on the 4^th, Greetham on the 11^th and Christy’s on the 25^th , we have a full month. Weather permitting we’ll try and have a short meander around local roads at about 11.00 from Christy’s for those hardy souls who venture out on their bikes, but if it’s throwing it down, we’ll just have a chat and a cuppa or a spot of lunch, again, from around 11.00. Directions and contact details for Christy’s are on the new yearcard, as is information for all of these events.

Please remember that the Derby industrial museum ride mentioned above is on a SATURDAY.

I shouldn’t need to remind you (but I will) to try and get your bookings in for our camping and B+B events this year – Graham’s Keswick weekend has proved so popular that he has arranged another hotel for the extra numbers, and we still have a couple of B+B rooms left for the Red Marley hill climb/trials weekend in Worcestershire over Easter, where you can turn up with a tent or a caravan too. The Long Eaton steam rally is on again (end of June), with free entry to the show, free camping and free food. All you have to do is agree to show your bike on our stand for some of the time, and prebook it through me to get your entry pass. We also have a joint weekend with East Anglia section at Banham in Norfolk, which will be camping and caravanning with a Saturday rideout.

All of our camping weekends will have the section marquee in use which means free food and drinks, and a good social scene whatever the weather.

If you would like to be included in my e-mailing list, please send a blank e-mail with just the word Subscribe in the subject line to midlandlist@ntlworld.com You will then be notified of any late news or changes to events where applicable. Please do not use this e-mail address for any other purpose.

January 2007

Happy New Year everyone…here we go again. If you’ve received your Journal before the 1^st of Jan, there’s still time to remind you of our New Year’s Day rideout leaving Donington Services at 10.00, details of which are in the Dairy section….and here’s the final call to book with Bill Rodgers for the post-Christmas meal at the Three Kings, Threekingham on the 13^th. Bill’s number is (01526) 834480.

We have co-opted section member Paul Straw onto the committee for the rest of the season, and as I know Paul’s worth, I’m sure that he will be a great asset to the section. Welcome Paul.

Towcester and Greetham are back to their normal places now that Christmas is over – 7^th and 14^th respectively, and we have a Topbox/Tabletop (call it whatever you want) sale at Greetham on the 14^th. Motorcycle related equipment only please. Set up from 11.00.

Our new ‘all year round’ meeting place gets it’s first try this month (Sunday 28^th) and I hope to see many of you there for a chat and a spot of lunch. If the weather is dry we will be having a short ride around the local roads each time (about 11.00), before sitting down to anything from a cup of tea and a cake to a full blown Sunday lunch – your choice. The venue is called Christys’s, and it’s on the left of the A617 about 8 miles West of Newark, Notts, just after a small village called Hockerton. (01636) 816472 – O/S ref: SK 71295 56663 and postcode NG25 0PJ – see you there.

Many thanks to John and Janet at Towcester, and Sally and Graeme at Greetham for our Christmas specials in December, and to Judy and Mick Moyne for their efforts so far at Greetham – we all appreciate the effort which you put into catering these events for us – thank you very much. We have caterers for Greetham for the months of Jan, Feb and March, but volunteers will be needed for the Autumn/Winter gatherings later in the year – can you help please?

Once again we have a really varied calendar of events, and my thanks go to those who have volunteered, or will volunteer their services throughout the year, but you may have noticed that the section year-card is not with this month’s Journal. In order to make the information more accurate, it will be sent out with the February Journal. Thanks to those who commented on the 2006 card, and changes have been made where necessary. I hope it meets with your approval…but if not…please let me know. In the meantime, copies of the 2007 calendar can be obtained by e-mail from me, or downloaded from the website mentioned below.

Now might be a good time to book your holidays for our camping and B&B events this year - we have three superb camping weekends for you – Easter weekend, Whit bank holiday and the end of June - all with the section marquee in use which means free food and drinks, and a good social scene whatever the weather. We also have a couple of excellent B&B weekends. Reserve your places now as these are already receiving a great deal of attention.

The Sunday meets are underway. The Towcester meet has a change of leadership. Welcome to John and Janet Winn, not connected to the Terry Wogan radio show are you? If you have any questions re this meet they can be contacted on 01604 631043.

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The Sunday meets are underway. The Towcester meet has a change of leadership. Welcome to John and Janet Winn, not connected to the Terry Wogan radio show are you? If you have any questions re this meet they can be contacted on 01604 631043.

Don't forget about the Greetham Dinner (wont mention the X word just yet) bookings being taken by Graham and Sally Cluley, contact on 01572 813639.