SCOTTISH CENTRE NEWS
(Before you travel to any of the events below, do check with the
organiser that the event is still as scheduled.)
New News
The Scottish Centre Programme for 2010 is
now incorporated in the main Velocette Owners Club Social Diary that is
available on the News and Events Page
Previous News
Scottish Centre Programme 2009 Secretary Ron Sabey 01387 720809
15th April
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
26th April
Ride In to Bo’ness Steam Railway
Meet at 12 noon
Contact Ron Sabey 01387 720809
20th May
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
31st May
Bridge of Earn Run. Meet from 10.00 for a 10.30 departure
at Bridge of Earn Car Park, Station Road, Bridge of Earn.
Contact Rob Falconer 01337 840288
13th/14th June Velo
Display and Parade at Bob Mac Memorial Race Meeting.
Contact Alastair Alexander 0131 337 6968
17th June
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 8730
15th July
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
15th/16th August Rogart Weekend/ Dunrobin Rally
Contact Brian Cook 01361 883392
16th August
Stand at Biggar Show
Contact Ron Sabey 01387 720809
19th August
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
23rd August
Trossachs Run Start at Dobbies Garden Centre, Stirling. Distance approx. 75
Miles,
via the Touch and Fintry Hills to Kippen, Aberfoyle, and Brig of Turk for Lunch.
Return via Deanston, Doune and Bridge of Allan.
Contact Peter Oram 01764 681300
16th September Aberdeen members
meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
27th September South Scotland Ride In
Contact Ron Sabey 01387 720809
21st October
Aberdeen members meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
18th November Aberdeen members
meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
16th December Aberdeen members
meeting in the lounge, Newmachar Hotel, Newmachar at 7.30pm
Contact Maurice Clarke on 01651 873034
Velocette Owners Club, Scottish Centre. (Contact Ron Sabey 01387
720809)
AGM 1.30pm 1st February 2009
Venue TheWee Bush, Carnwath
(The Wee Bush does excellent food, come early and enjoy the event)
Agenda
Welcome from the Chairman
2008 Minutes
Matters arising from minutes
Chairman’s remarks
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Election of Office Bearers
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Programme for 2009
Any other business
Minutes of 2008 AGM
Held The Wee Bush 3rd February 2008.
Attendance 16
Apologies received from Peter Oram and Raymond Albeson
The Chairman Brian Cook welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Stamford Hall had been enjoyable in spite of the wet conditions.
Brian thanked Maurice Clark for his work in the Aberdeen area in coordinating
the monthly meetings.
The event at Rogart was being supported by a number of members and will continue
for 2008.
Note cards had been bought and although the costs had been recovered, sales had
been disappointing.
The minutes of the 2007 AGM were read out and approved by Barry Brown and
seconded by Alastair Alexander.
Secretary Ron Sabey reported that membership was steady at 90.
Twelve new members had joined but a number of existing members had not renewed
the membership.
Correspondence had in the main been associated with the events in the programme
and circulating the minutes and programme.
Main events in 2007 had been the Fife Run organized by Rob Falconer and Alastair
Alexander, The Speedfair at Knockhill and the Alford Convention which was well
supported by local members.
Treasurer Stewart Winton reported that the Centre funds had risen from £130.57
to £170.65 over the year.
This was due to a surplus from the purchase and sale of cards and a donation
from a member for assistance given.
Elections. The feeling of the meeting was that the present committee should
remain in post. This was accepted.
The programme for 2008 was discussed and agreed.
There was no AOCB
Ron Sabey
Secretary
Scottish Centre's Girder Fork Run, Fife 3rd June 2007
Organisers Rob Falconer and Alastair Alexander
Ten riders and one pillion took part in the Scottish Centre's Girder Fork Run on
Sunday 3rd June.
The Run was open to all Velocette owners but the route was designed to suit the
older machines.
We gathered in the heart of Fife in the town of Auchtermuchty made famous by
accordionist, Jimmy Shand (a Norton man).
One of the locals was so pleased to see us he produced a tray of coffees and
biscuits which was most hospitable of him.
Rob Falconer, who put tremendous effort into setting out an excellent tour of
Fife taking in the Peat Inn, Crail, Anstruther and Falkland and covering close
on 60 miles in all.
On the way Tony Mortishire managed to take his following riders on a 5 mile trip
round the cycle route starting and finishing at the Peat Inn!
We took a short meander down to visit Crail Harbour which is very picturesque
and had a lunch break to sample Anstruther's famous fish and chips. Barry Brown,
Stewart Winton and Jim Makin joined us there to give moral support.
Click HERE to see us at Crail
Harbour
Click HERE to see us at Lunch at
Anstruther
The afternoon route took us through Upper Largo, Freuchie and the historic
village of Falkland on the way back to Auchtermuchty.
Some made very long journeys to take part notably Tony Mortishire, Mick Elstone
and Alan Griggs all riding from the Aberdeen area. Ron Sabey trailered up from
Dumfries.
The participants are listed below and from it you will see we managed to get 3
girder forkers assembled and it was great to see them alongside a very fine
selection of the post-war machines.
Rob Falconer 1960 MSS
Alex Falconer pillion Tony Mortishire 1957 Norton Dominator 600
Alan Griggs 1965 Venom
Mick Elstone 1970 Thruxton
Maurice Clarke 1960 Venom
Ian Stuart 1951 KSS
Peter Oram 1961 Viper
Ron Sabey 1937 KSS
Alastair Alexander 1929 KTT
Drew Harley Yamaha Virago
Click HERE to see Ian Stuart's 1951 KSS
and Alastair Alexander's 1929 KTT at the start
We would like to thank everyone who came along.
We were very encouraged by the turnout, the commitment and the enthusiasm shown
by the members.
Next year there is sure to be a repeat event.
Rob Falconer and Alastair Alexander
Click HERE for the MINUTES of the SCOTTISH SECTION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 5 FEBRUARY 2006
Click HERE for a REPORT ON SELKIRK SHOW 18/19 SEPTEMBER 2005
Click HERE for the NOTE OF A MEETING HELD 24 AUGUST 2005
Click HERE for the MINUTES of the SCOTTISH SECTION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 22 JUNE 2005
In writing this report I began to realise that equally important
to our love for velocettes are the people who are connected to our club.
When you mention velocette in Scotland the name of Stuart Duff is not far
behind. I was on holiday in Skye recently and there resident in Sconser is Mr
& Mrs Duff and it is one of these crofts that you dare not pass without
visiting. Stuart is now 4 years in Skye and certainly has no intention to come
back to the mainland but that only fuels his energy to do more miles on his
trusty MAC.
I thank Stuart for his report on the Rogart weekend which is also included in
this edition of Fishtail.
Stuart has absolutely magnificent views over the sea to the island of Raasay and
his back garden has a wee hill of 2,000 feet or so.
My wife and I stayed in a small B & B just along the road from Stuart and I
am told it is also used by a lot of motorcycling visitors to Skye. I heartily
recommend it and the view is magnificent especially in the morning when you part
the curtains after a night of sampling a variety of Stuart's whiskies.
There is always a down side and that weekend proved to be one of the worst for
the midges however the talk of velocettes and projects completed and still to do
made us forget about the midge bites. If any you are wondering about the roads
on Skye they are brilliant -good bends and hills with very little straights and
with traffic levels what we knew of about 30 to 40 years ago. Relive your youth
you won't regret it.
Many thanks once again Stuart for your hospitality.
Ted Haworth, Secretary of the VMCC Stirling Castle section and a member of the
Scottish section reported a very healthy turnout of Velos at their recent rally
in the Trossachs. On the Saturday 11 velos turned up (2 from Scotland) and on
the Sunday 13 all from England. The oldest velo was 1929 and Ted reports that
there was a good turnout of pre war velos. There has got to be a message here if
nothing else why do we need so many bodies involved in motorcycling BMF, ACU,
VMCC, MAG and possibly countless others not to mention the one make clubs. What
chance has any of us got when we are trying to press home our ideals at
government level?
Part of my official working duties is to attend the National Council Meetings of
the Auto Cycle Union at Rugby. I sat quietly down to get on with the business in
hand and the representative from the Isle of Man sat next to me - Steve Leonard.
I turned round to introduce myself and was confronted with a green Velocette
embroidered jumper of American origin. Here we were in this grand body of ACU
plutocrats -surely we cannot do better than have 2 velo club members in the very
heart of the governing body for motorcycle sport. Steve the next time I am at
Rugby I shall wear my black and gold jumper and if you wear your green one I am
sure it will be interesting to hear the comments.
Eric Jones
ROGART WEEKEND
Thursday night look at the calendar oh its Rogart at the weekend.
Saturday morning found all that was needed tent etc. gave the bike a quick once
over and off we headed. I wish I was better organised.
It was a pleasant run across with not even a hint of rain (very unusual),
arriving at Rogart only to find no one about as everybody had went out for a run
since the weather was dry.
First to arrive back was Stuart and Jim who decided it was time for a pint
before heading up to Carol's for supper. Collecting the rest of the Robin Hood
crew on the way. Once there it was the usual banter and discussion in between
the courses of an excellent supper.
It was the wee small midgey hours before I found my way back to the tent.
The next day was the Dunrobin Vintage and Classic rally which was represented by
Mike Sheppard's rigid Dowty MAC. I never made it to this as I had to get home
early evening to finish of some work I had outstanding. I finally escaped after
much tea from Bill Grant and arrived home early evening after a very wet
run.
Thanks again to all at Rogart for their hospitality and warm welcome - I was
just sorry I could not have made it a longer stay in what is a grand corner of
the world.
Stewart Duff
Rogart - 13 to 15 August
Bryan Laurence, one of the organisers for the Dunrobin Rally,
confirms that the rally is quite informal with a fair mix of local and foreign
visitors. Lunch is served in the Castle. There is an optional road run that is
usually escorted by Police motorcyclists. The road run usually starts at about
12.00 at the castle car park. The rally is well signposted from the A9
approximately 1 mile north of Golspie. If any member wishes an application form
please contact myself.
For those members who may be interested in an alternative to camping that
weekend I have been sent flyers advertising a unique highland hostel where you
sleep on a train at Rogart station at £10.00 per person per night (hostel
rates?). It looks like a good deal – and not just for the Rogart weekend. If
anyone is interested please give me a ring for more information.
Finally Ted Haworth, the Secretary of the VMCC Stirling Castle Section, and a
velo club member, reports that the Crieff Rally will be supported by 9
velocettes – 8 from the north east of England and 1 from the Scottish section.
Surely we can do better than that?
Eric Jones
REPORT ON ROGART WEEKEND 16/17 AUGUST 2003 (STUART DUFF)
I had planned to leave on the Friday but due to a slight delay it was 10.30
on a dry and sunny Saturday morning, that after getting all my bits and bobs
together I finally headed of. I filled up with petrol in Broadford and then of
we trundled across the Skye Bridge and on up towards Strathcarron on the
single-track road to Craig and then out towards the large Straths as I headed
east. I stopped at Tarvie for a cuppa and a roll with the sun shining making it
a great day to be out on the Velo. Turning off the A9 at Evanton I noticed
Stuart Winton on his Guzzi leaving the petrol station and disappearing into the
distance. I caught up with him around half an hour later as he was sitting
chatting to a Venom owner who I thought was heading to Rogart but no he was
heading to Scrabster to catch the Orkney ferry. Hope you had a good run and
holiday on Orkney. There were a couple of tents on the camping field as I made a
spectacular entrance into the field scattering a point of milk which I had just
purchased (never tightened up the bungee strap strong enough). A couple on a
Guzzi were already encamped and Stewart Winton was in the process of putting up
his tent. Others on site were the Dave Ball touring mafia who appear at most
events. Gentlemen of leisure or lots of time off work. Finally managed to pitch
my tent and wandered down for a quick drink after meeting Bill Grant and John’s
daughters Mairi and Eili. Later on that evening was spent at Carol Grant’s
talking and eating the great supper that Carol and her helpers had put on for
us. It was in the wee small hours when the last person left (i.e. me) after a
good evening. I awoke to a still Sunday morning which meant MIDGES. Boy they
were bad until later on when a slight breeze made them disappear. Once I had my
midge-infested breakfast everybody was packing up and heading of to places near
and far. I popped into Carol’s and then down to Bill’s to say my goodbyes
and thanks – this took a couple of hours and numerous cups of tea. Then off I
chugged homewards to Skye after a very pleasant and relaxing weekend.
KENMORE WEEKEND 20/21 SEPTEMBER 2003 (JOHN WHEELER)
Kenmore. Pretty good weather for the time of year. Sunshine n showers. The
nights being a little cold for our Sassenach friends. Saturday afternoon
being absolutely glorious. Turnout was :- Vincent's 11, Sidecar Outfits 10, Hot
Rods ( ? ) 12, 'Other' bikes 10, Velocettes 2. Velo's by Barrie Brown and 'a
chap from Renfrew'.
Other Velo support came from the intrepid trio from Chelmsford ( no Velo's this
time ) with Norman Archard coming on two bikes and covering 200 miles more than
his mates ? When you figure it out, answers on a £5.0 note to Norman at the
Chelmsford Centre ! The experience seemed to have upset their normal geographic
systems as they were muttering about the unavailability of Cream Teas. Now we
can do fried Mars Bars or Greasy Pies but Cream Tea's, er ! John n Teena Wheeler
were up for the day being on hand to upset ( ? ) a BMW advocate who thought his
MAC bitsa was worth thousands and not the hundreds John suggested. Went
away muttering about riding it rather than sell it. Job done eh ! Jim
McKechnie was on his Pan and the Mrs in the car muttering about 'Well some of us
have work to do' ! Only on site rebuilds were Vincent's. One, a Comet having
being thrashed from Wales to Kenmore had shaken several bolts from their holes
and a Rapide needing some TLC to it's gear change mechanism. I think a good time
was had by all.
1) APPLECROSS - (Report from Stewart Duff)
After a dry run across the pass of the cattle "brilliant road" we
arrived in Applecross around one o'clock.
We signed in at the campsite then had a bite to eat at the campsite
cafeteria.
Coming out of the café we noticed Jim McKechnie had arrived and was wrestling
with his tent. He won - eventually.
As it was the weekend of the music and seafood festival it was quite busy as we
wandered down the village where live music was being played in the street.
The afternoon and evening went along the same lines with Scottish country
dancing in the main road being another of the festival's activities with an age
range of very young to the not so young participating with gusto.
Stuart Winton and Jim Makin appearing later on in the day along with Mike
Calvert from Fife.
Mike Ward from Mundersley with a KSS had been and gone by the time I arrived on
Saturday as he was heading for the Black Isle to visit friends.
Well to all who made it I hope you enjoyed the music, food and the spectacular
roads of the area.
Stewart Duff
2) BOB MACINTYRE MEMORIAL MEETING - EAST FORTUNE
Thrasher and Brian Cook met the rest of the Scottish Velo contingent on the
Sunday morning at Haddington.
A quick natter, a look at the bikes and the Thrasher's bash for cash business
sorted out we then headed of to the race circuit.
Before I go any further the committee would like to thank all those who
contributed to the bash for cash - a sum of over £200 was raised - no doubt
Thrasher will be compiling his own report. 10 attended the event - some on velos
and others on other transport.
A great days sport was seen and being a classic event it was nice to see and
hear bikes how they should be heard and seen. I am told that noise inspectors
were not present at the meeting.
A very able Duncan Dunbar (Colin's son) was riding the Buchany Velo (ex Wattie
Brown) and gave a very creditable performance against the other machinery. It is
slightly annoying however to see riders competing on genuine classic machines
against riders who have spent maybe up to £20,000 on modern engineering on a
classic bike. There is no comparison - but at least we have a dedicated classic
event race meeting and it is the taking part that counts. There was a new S bend
at the circuit and this sorted out the men from the boys indeed on the first lap
I thought that Duncan was going to deck the Velo but no he pulled it up and gave
it even more throttle. We were all able to get into the pits and some of the
machines are what dreams are made of - it is amazing just how many of the riders
have had velocettes in their past careers.
I am sure that Thrasher enjoyed himself and hope that the journey was worth it.
Our thanks must also go to Brian Cook who provided the hospitality for him.
Eric Jones
Page 3 ......
Click Here to see a picture
of Stewart Duff and Colin Colyer crossing the Arctic Circle on their epic
trip to Norkapp, MAC and MSS mounted respectively, just proving that exotic
machinery is not needed to enjoy ( ? ) your motorcycling.
Scottish websites
Museum of Flight East Fortune www.scotwings.com
Crathes Rally www.crathes.com
Berwick Classic Rally www.jcmr.u-net.com
Aberdeen Golden Wheels www.aecc.co.uk
Grampian Transport Museum ( Alford ) www.gtm.org.uk
The Family Tod www.thetods.clara.net
Bike Engineering & Other Services in Scotland
Click Here for a list of
contacts offering useful services to Scottish members
