Fishtail 448 – October 2017

There have been three events since the last report, the first being Kop Hill Climb over the weekend of Sept. 16/17 th. A rather showery two days at Kop Hill this year failed to put off both Riders and members of the Public. Fifteen Velocettes ‘rode’ the Hill over the 2 days which included 8 VOC members on their machines ranging from a 1927 KSS to a 1963 Viper. On both days we had between four and six Velocettes on the display stand which attracted a substantial number of questions and interest from the Public and other Entrants. A very busy two days with a great deal to see.

A special thanks to Bill Grimes (London) for his support on Sunday and it was also really good and much appreciated to see Roy Springate on both days following his accident. Both helping on the Display stand along with other Thames Valley Members.

The next event was our run to the Crofton Beam Engines Steam Gala on September 24 th . Nine members enjoyed the coffee and cakes on arrival (just as good as ever) at Crofton after a pleasant ride across country from Padworth. There was plenty to see at the Steam Gala with both beam engines in steam, several traction engines, vintage cars and tractors and a market on the canal boats moored at the lock. We have enjoyed going to the steam gala for several years and it has become a fixture in our events calendar.

The final mid-week run of the year was on Wednesday October 11 th . This was a run along some of my favourite roads across the Berkshire Downs starting at Streatley and visiting Wantage, Lambourne and Uffington White Horse before stopping for lunch at the Grocer Chef in Ardington. Just after the stop at the Airborne Forces Memorial at the end of Harwell runway Richard Hayler suffered a rear wheel puncture. It was an interesting hour getting it fixed and Richard made it home without further problems.

The next major events for our Centre are the Christmas Dinner on Tuesday 12 th December and the AGM in the New Year.