News
July 2008
On the evening of Tuesday 8 July, Bexley TOMCC presented a cheque for £160 to the Duchenne Family Support Group. The money was raised from a raffle at Gary's surprise 50th birthday party the preceding Friday. Well done to all who organised it and those who bought tickets.
Eight bikes turned out for a run to the annual
Battlesbridge bike show on Sunday 6 July: Ian & Julie, Andy, Tank,
Graham, John, Dave J, Phil and potential new member Paul on his
low-mileage Thunderbird Sport. Ian led us there via the A13 and A1245
and we arrived in the dry at least.
The show was not as busy as some years, due no doubt to the unfavourable
weather forecast. Our bikes (and riders) were allowed in free to fill a
vacant space next to the South Essex TOMCC, except Dave was too lazy to
unlock his helmet and move his bike so paid the £5 entry instead.
There was just time for a cup of coffee and a wander round the bikes on
display before the first rain shower, which fortunately didn't last too
long. However it prompted some people to clear off on their immaculate
steeds before much of the public would have had a chance to look at
them. Oh well.
There was a band "Freefall" playing in the marquee - quite good by the
sound of it - and a beer tent plus of course all the usual burger and
doughnut vans.
After a couple of circumnativations of the field and something to eat,
we made a move back to the Pied Bull in increasingly wet conditions to
partake of further refreshments and watch the showers outside.
There is a gallery
of pictures featuring various items of interest.
June 2008
The annual Barbecue and classic bike night went off smoothly last Tuesday June 17th with a new crack team of cooks and support staff doing the honours. The weather could hardly have been better and the turnout was the best we can remember. Many thanks to all involved in the organisation.
May 2008
Many congratulations to Ian and Julie on the occasion of their wedding which took place on Saturday 17 May at Dunton Green. The bride looked fab and the groom looked pretty smart too. There are a few pictures on-line now.
Some Bexley TOMCC members made it down to Hastings on the Bank Holiday Monday. Dave, John, Kim, Bob and Rose left from Locksbottom at 10:00 for the full A21 experience (heat, congestion and - in John and Kim's case - clutch grief). Brian and co. got there really early to beat the rush; Ian and Julie started later and got there before some. The weather stayed fine and even somewhat hot all day and the place was predictably packed.
April 2008
£300 was raised for the Duchenne Family Support Group, at our quiz night on Tuesday 22 April. A good turnout and a varied selection of 50 questions made for an entertaining night. Many thanks to those involved, particularly Jackie for conducting the quiz, Ian for researching the questions and to Julie for making the larger share of the sandwiches!
The website has had a bit of a makeover as you should be able to see. The main feature other than cosmetic enhancements is that it now allows you to choose what size of text, either by using the feature on your browser or by the links at the top right of the screen. Please report any broken things to the usual webmaster address.
March 2008
The Bexley TOMCC AGM 2008 took place on Tuesday 25 March. The main changes were that Chris "Dutchy" Holland is standing down as club scribe, having written the Nacelle reports for many years now. Barry Drew retired as general runs leader but he and Janneane will still organise the run-out from the rally. Although Lee Adie will fill in as scribe, both these posts are currently vacant.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of a new trophy. In memory of Tom Burnett, the Founder's Trophy has been funded by Tony Schnorr and will be awarded annually to the club member who comes to weekly meetings most often on a Triumph. The winner as expected was Phil Loom who gets down to the Pied Bull nearly every week on one or other of his bikes more or less irrespective of the weather.
February 2008
ACE CAFÉ LONDON celebrates its 70th anniversary by making Jeans for Genes its chosen charity
Ace Café London is celebrating its 70th anniversary by supporting the national children's charity, Jeans for Genes, in 2008. The historic venue on the old North Circular is a favourite meeting place of bike and car enthusiasts, with everything from Café racers to Ferraris pulling up on the forecourt. In this key year in the café's history, Ace is looking for help to raise £100,000 towards the creation of the Jeans for Genes Genetic Roadmap. To find out how you can help and make your visit count, and to download the Ace J4G sponsorship form, go to the Homepage at www.ace-cafe-london.com.
Mark Wilsmore from Ace Café London says: "Jeans for Genes is a great fit with Ace because of the Roadmap project and because denim is such a part of the biker's wardrobe. We're going to be collecting at our key events throughout the year, like our May Bank Holiday ride to Margate and the Reunion Weekend in September, but we hope our regulars will be inspired to organise their own fundraising event for the charity as well."
It could be as easy as having your ride or drive to an Ace event sponsored, or an individual or club setting up a long distance challenge - a perfect excuse for a proper burn up! To make a drive or ride-in count and raise money towards the £100,000 Genetic Roadmap target, special sponsorship forms can be downloaded from the Homepage of www.ace-cafe-london.com. Email events@jeansforgenes.com for other details.
October 2007
Sadly of one of our more senior club members passed away recently. Bryan Howman, who was a regular visitor to the Pied Bull on Sunday lunchtimes, died after a short illness. Bexley members attended the funeral on Thursday 11 October and the club sent a wreath. Our condolences to his wife, June and his family.
August 2007
Bike For Sale! Having upgraded to a Thunderbird Sport, Jackie's Legend is now up for sale. Details are:
Triumph Legend TT 1999.
Red and silver.
19,000 miles.
One lady owner from new.
Very good condition, garaged.
Well loved machine; it has been well looked after, mostly used during summer months. Come and have a look for yourself!
£2650
Contact: Jaxs 07790 278262
July 2007
Bexley TOMCC fielded a big turnout of 27 members at the German TOMC rally at Immenhausen. Some of those present had been to the Nürburgring (and actually managed two completely dry laps!) in the preceding days, others stopped off at Antwerp. All got home safely despite a few mishaps mostly due to the persistently wet conditions during the first half of the trip.
March 2007
After a trip to Carl Rosner's and a ride on the new Tiger, Gary has done a deal and chopped in his old Tiger for... an old Tiger (a brand new 2006 one). Suffice it to say he didn't get on with the 2007 model and he was last seen in the car park of the Pied Bull adjusting the rear suspension to its softest setting.
Plans are afoot for a return to the Nürburgring but this year it will be in July and the trip will take in the TOMC Germany Sommertreffen on 7 - 9 July.
The Bexley TOMCC AGM took place on Tuesday 27th February. Key items were: Ian Pocock was voted in as Vice-Chairman, the post having been vacant since Tom Burnett died; Lee Adie agreed to edit the Kickstart newsletter on an ad-hoc basis (when some content is provided); a new award was instigated, to be given at the next AGM to the club member who has participated most in activities throughout the year (including attending weekly meetings on an actual Triumph!); next year's AGM will move forward to March.
The following summary of the Runs in 2006 was given by Janneane Drew:
Janneane and Barry would like to thank all those who
supported the club runs last year and hope that everyone enjoyed the
various different types of runs available.
Thanks go to Garry for organising the summer evening Old Bikes run to
the White Horse in Sundridge. A very good gathering and good weather
made for much merriment at journey's end. The route took us through the
wilds of Kent around some very narrow lanes but we all made it safe and
sound.
Thanks also to Dave for organising the Pioneer Run, the first of the year I believe.
The May Day run was a bit of a non starter because of the wet weather
but well done for those who carried on regardless. Most people made it
down a bit later in the day.
We had a good show for the Faversham brewery trip which took in the
towns classic car and bike show at the same time. Weather was a bit grey
but held off until the journey home.
Good support also for another evening run to the Mighty South London BBQ
although we did have a breakdown on the way. We eventually all made it
for some good food and beer and good selection of bikes on display.
In July we had the Rally Run to Ide Hill. Evidently those that stayed
behind got rather wet while those of us on the run stayed dry until
arriving at the Pied Bull where we were able to take shelter and have a
we dram. This proved very popular again with at least 40 bikes taking
part. We will be looking at separating the run into four groups in 2007
for safety reasons and will be looking for volunteers to help with
leading and tail ending small groups. Please let Barry know if you can
help out.
We had a very successful run and show stand at the West Kent Classic
Show in August at Aylesford, near Maidstone. The run takes place on the
Saturday and the show on Sunday. Many old and unusual bikes to look at
and a good number from abroad. Bookings for the 2007 show need to be in
by mid June. See website for details.
Brooklands held a Bike Bonanza show in September which had some very
famous bikes and riders speeding round a small circuit and also doing
the hill climb. We had a nice detour on route across Epsom Downs and
back again!
For the old bikes we had a run to the cider and apple festival at
Maidstone Rural Life Museum and to finish of we had a run to the Ogri
café. I believe this was the run where a puncture proved to be a
bit of a problem for Andy who had to do an about turn.
Photos from some of the runs are on the website. Why not come along for
the ride this year and see where you end up!
February 2007
Gwen Burnett funeral details, Monday 12 February
Meet at the Pied Bull at 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., depart at 12:00 for Blue Bell Hill crematorium. Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
January 2007
Gwen Burnett
We are sad to relate the death on 26 January of Gwen Burnett, wife of the late Tom Burnett and herself a founder member of Bexley TOMCC. Gwen was an active supporter of club activities for over two decades and will be missed by all at the Pied Bull.
December 2006
We had another very successful Toy Run on Sunday 17th, stopping off at the usual two homes to deliver presents. Dutchy was a very credible Santa in Tank's outfit and Chris B drove the goodies and some of Santa's helpers. Ian and Julie deserve a special mention for their matching snowmen outfits, carefully sized to fit over their leathers. Hopefully some pictures are in the pipeline!
Following the Christmas Buffet night, Jackie writes:
"Both Julie and I would like to thank everyone who helped us with the Christmas buffet: Dutchy, Tank and Bob for helping clean the hall up and everyone who turned up on Sunday to clean up the hall again, I unfortunately was not there on Sunday as I was still sorting out what I took home on Saturday night. I would like to say a special thanks to my mum and her friend Jackie without whose help it would not have happened.
Also Mags and Jeaneen for selling the raffle tickets and Gary and Ian for the doing the Disco. When we do a social event there is always a lot of pre planning and lots of shopping and pre arranging and it was nice to see such a good turn out the best weve ever seen for a Christmas doo so thanks to you all I hope you all enjoyed yourselves I know I did.
Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year, Jackie and Julie"
November 2006
Dave, Tom and Bob took a trip up to the NEC at Birmingham for the last day of the bike show on 5th November. It wasn't as rammed as some previous years and there was plenty to look at. Triumph's stand was large but got crowded out on one side by people gawping at the video screen on the Superbike magazine stand next door! The chaps came back with some pictures and some shopping. Dave's unintentional brand loyalty to Richa products (over the years covering leather jacket and trousers, summer gloves and winter jacket) was re-inforced by the purchase of some inexpensive winter gloves.
October 2006
We had a run to the Ogri Café on Sunday 22 October. Andy, Tom and Chris B didn't get all the way there due to a flat tyre on Andy's Thunderbird Sport which was diagnosed as a dodgy valve. Everybody else had some top scoff and then a very wet ride home. Thanks to Barry for leading.
A few hardy souls (Dave J, Chris M, Bob and Barry) ventured down to Lydden Hill for probably the last track day of the year, at least for them. The weather remained overcast in defiance of a promising forecast, Chris's Yamaha refused to run properly so was trucked off home sharpish to be supplanted by his VTR, but otherwise the day was straightforward and enjoyable. Dave is now thinking that after four energetic (as opposed to fast) track days his tyres really do need replacing!
The run to the Museum of Kent Life on Sunday 8 October was an enjoyable one, taking in many obscure corners of the Kent countryside and finishing up at the museum. Some folks took in the Apple and Cider festival, others headed back to take advantage of the fine weather. Thanks again to Barry and Janneane for coming up with the route.
August 2006
Who was that fresh-faced young man featured in Motorcycle News on 30 August, extolling the virtues of his (now deceased) 1995 Speed Triple? Why it was none other than Dave Jackson, Webmaster and Bexley regular, who was co-erced into giving a few opinions and providing a (obviously outdated) mugshot.
Sadly the article is not on-line at the Motorcycle News website and the self-same Webmaster is too lazy (er... respectful of copyright) to re-type it.
June 2006
On Tuesday 20 June we had a great ride out to the White Horse at Sundridge, as the Pied Bull was hosting a full-on big screen viewing of the England v. Sweden match. Gary did us proud with a route that wound through the picturesque and tree-shrouded countryside for nearly an hour before emerging at the crossroads next to the pub.
The barbecue and concours evening on 13 June was a modest success, although some people were clearly put off by the thunderstorms and heavy rain earlier in the day, so the turnout was down on previous years. On the night we got away with very light drizzle, many sausages and burgers were consumed and we had four worthy prizewinners.
A hot and sunny weekend of June 10 - 11 made the BMF Garden of England Motorcycle Show a popular place to be and the Bexley TOMCC stand was packed with bikes both days, with at least one new member signed up.
April 2006
A tribute to Tom Burnett, written by Bob Davis and read by Bob at Tom's Funeral on Friday 21 April, is now on-line.
March 2006
Tom Burnett
Members of Bexley TOMCC were saddened to hear of the sudden death on Saturday 25 March of Tom Burnett, co-founder and Vice Chairman of the branch. Tom had celebrated his 80th birthday last year, was at our AGM last month and had until very recently still been collecting weekly subscriptions from members, each and every Tuesday night at the Pied Bull.
Funeral Details - Friday 21 April
Tom will be at the Pied Bull coachhouse from 12 p.m. Funeral cortege will leave at 2 p.m. for Eltham Crematorium. Ceremony at 3 p.m.
Tom's family would welcome donations to Cancer Research as an alternative to floral tributes.
February 2006
Club officer changes: Following our AGM on Tuesday 28 February, there has been a bit of a reshuffle in the committee such that Julie hands over Regalia to Brenda Reed, allowing her to join Jackie as joint Social Secretaries, replacing Kevin who was persuaded to become Kickstart editor, allowing Dave to concentrate on the web site. Got that? Super.
Dateline Tuesday February 14: a smaller than usual turnout at the Pied Bull (wonder why?) welcomed the new management. Steve and his partner Katt have taken over the reigns and are settling in. They are local to the area and have previous pub-management experience, so we wish them every success.
We were sad to learn that our hosts at the Pied Bull for the last couple of years were moving on. The family team of dad Jim, mum Lynn and daughters Lindsey and Lisa have worked very hard since they took the pub over, re-establishing the popular restaurant and always keeping a good selection of real ales and a friendly welcome. The factor that prompted them to give it up? A huge rise in rent by the brewery, we heard. Their last day was Sunday 12 February and a few lunchtime regulars were on hand to wish them well. The full line-up: Jim, Tank, Lindsey, Tom, Lynn, Lisa, Ian, Julie, Chris and Tony.
January 2006
With the Bexley AGM in sight (28 February), here is a message from Kevin:
"I will be standing down as Social Secretary at the next AGM.
All my toys remain in the pram, it is simply my belief that after two years
this position needs to be rotated to allow new ideas through. Anyone who
would like to take on the position should register their interest with Andy
Adie (Chair).
For my part I would like to thank all the members and others who have
supported the Branch through the past two years, (i.e. Toy Runs,
Parties, Rallies etc); for those who didn't - WHY are you a member???
It would be a distinct advantage to your new Officer if members let
him/her know that which you would like to see the Branch doing and then
support it.
Regards
Kev"
The Bexley Legend Rally 2006 is well into the planning stage and the date will definitely be Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July. See here!. Also the write-up on the 2005 rally has been found under a pile of other stuff and will be with you as soon as possible, with suitable apologies from your Webmaster.
December 2005
The Christmas party was a good night and we were much impressed by band "drrink!". Also the Toy Run went smoothly if a touch cold. Thanks to all Bexley members (and others!) who supported either or both.
There will be a normal, informal club meeting on Tuesday 20 December and an even more informal meet-up on Boxing day lunchtime.
November 2005
Don't forget the Christmas party on Saturday 3 December!
October 2005
A big thank you to everybody who supported our Halloween party which raised £379 for our Christmas Toy Run. Thanks in particular to Boyer Racing for donating some fine raffle prizes.
On the fund-raising front, treasurer Dave Clarke would like to thank everyone who sponsored him on the London to Brighton bike ride from which he raised £310.
June 2005
Well the barbecue was a great success - they came, they saw, they scoffed and the weather was fine and sunny. Main cooking duties fell to Gary Lineham with help from Chris Holland and Dave Jackson but thanks must also go to Jackie for indespensible dispensing. Thanks also to Peter for the use of his most superior barbecue!
Concourse prizes went to Bexley member Steve Reid - best Hinckley for his customised Thruxton Bonneville, to Medway member Peter deBullion - best classic for his 1960 Trophy 650 and to another Bexley member Kaye Moore - best overall for her James.
September 2004
Concorde rally sold out! Yes, news has reached us that there will be no
tickets on the gate, so if you haven't already purchased by post then we suggest you postpone your pilgrimage... 'till next
year! Communiqué follows...
Dear Branch Secs,
** The 2004 Concorde Rally is fully booked up **
If any of your members do not have tickets yet,
but were planning to attend, please let them know not to travel
We're sorry, we just cannot accept any more attendees
Would appreciate if you could spread the word ASAP
Best Regards,
Alan
Alan Nelson
Treasurer
Bristol Branch
Triumph Owners MCC
Congratulations to Duncan and Anya who were married on 9th September at Leeds Castle. Bexley members were on hand at the evening celebration to wish them well.
August 2004
There is a select group of us going to the Isle Of Wight British & Classic rally on 3 September and also to TOMCC Bristol's Concorde rally on 24 September.
July 2004
The first Bexley TOMCC Legend Rally (yes you remember that!) went off comparatively smoothly - you can now read the full write-up. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported it.
Chairman Andy has taken delivery of his new Rocket III and it has been down to the Pied Bull for the predictable evening of tyre-kicking and scrutiny. Finally some pictures!
A few of us got to the Battlesbridge classic bike show and had an enjoyable couple of hours looking at the bikes and mooching round the autojumble before heading off home to beat the rain.
June 2004
The barbeque night (for which there is now a short report and some pictures), was a great success with the car park full of bikes and the sausages selling out in record time. Many thanks to Gary, Jackie, Tracey, Peter and everyone else who helped.
Final arrangements are being made for the Legend Rally and it's not too late to send off for advance tickets.
May 2004
The date has been announced for our annual Barbeque and concours evening on Tuesday 15 June from 8 p.m. at the Pied Bull. Prizes for best Meriden, best Hinckley and best Classic. All welcome!
A few of us will be heading up to the BMF Memba Rally and show later on this month.
Ferry tickets for the Trumpettreffen 2004 have arrived unexpectedly by post, which is nice.
March 2004
Dave Jackson is taking names for ferry tickets to go to the Trumpettreffen 2004. There is a sheet on the Pied Bull notice board or send an email to webmaster@bexleytriumph.org. Tickets are £77 return from Harwich to Hook Of Holland, 10:40 outward, 16:00 return sailings. Cutoff date for booking has been extended by popular suggestion to Tuesday 23 March.
Bands for the Legend Rally are now booked.
January 2004
Congratulations to Robin and Rita Wilcox on the birth of their daughter Isobel on 27 January. Amazingly she shares with her mum not just the same day and month of birth but the same hour. Not an easy date to forget there, Robin!
December 2003
Bexley TOMCC Rally in 2004!
Plans are afoot for a Bexley TOMCC Rally in 2004! The date has been set for the weekend of July 23 - 25 at the Old Elthamians Rugby Club, Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst, Kent. See the details.
Christmas Party
A fine time was had by all at the Bexley TOMCC Christmas Party on Saturday 13 December. The band, Junction 15 played a great selection of classic rock tunes for young and old and many drinks were quaffed before it was time to go home. Many thanks to Lee and Tracey Sykes for putting it all together for another year.
November 2003
Richard Cottrell 1951 - 2003
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely death, on
Friday 7 November, of Richard Cottrell, a long-standing member of
the Bexley branch.
He leaves a partner Diane, daughter Jayne and son, Scott to whom we offer
our condolences. He had many friends in the club, was a regular
participant in runs and rallies and will be greatly missed in the coming years.
The funeral is on Wednesday 19 November. Club members are meeting (on bikes)
at the Pied Bull at 1 p.m.
His close friend Richard "Tank" Turner has composed an obituary