Throughout the year 2019...

A Great Christmas Do....

47 of us joined together in the spirit of Christmas to enjoy some festive fun at the Milburys on Saturday evening.  A wonderful turnout and lovely to see so many of you there.  The menu was wonderful and had you watering at the mouth, and the delivery did not disappoint - the food was top notch and served with a smile.  Martin and his team did us proud - many thanks to them all. 

The evening started with a table quiz, provided by Andy, for people to mull over as they meet new and old friends.  A picture round of sitcoms - some obvious and a few obscure ones to consider - well done to Pat for getting "The Army Game" and "All Gas and Gaiters."  A last minute addition of some "Name the Year" questions - if nothing else it was entertaining to hear the groans when the answers were read out by Andy, and people had missed by only a year.  It's all for a bit of fun but well done to Pat, Jill, Tracy and Ade for their win.  

A little later, the traditional "Feel what's in the bag" game by Joe started.  Always good fun, and always a mystery why one bag seems to disappear for a while?  Again, fun by all and a couple of obscure objects that had us puzzled, but after a tie break - Andy and Debs reigned triumphant .....  I won't make any comment on how the committee members won the quizzes!

As we've seen over the last few years, Pat and Ade ran an extremely efficient raffle, but I'm sure that all the members really only want to win is the usual large can of oil!  Sorry ladies!  

It was also a privilege for me (Debs) to be awarded the Chairman's Cup by Pete, and donated by Bob Edney's family, who were also there to enjoy the evening.  The title of the cup means that it is quite versatile and can be awarded for any number of reasons, chosen by the current recipient, for the following year.....possibly best overall service to the club, most spectacular break down, best comedy moment ....... who knows, but I shall enjoy presenting that next year.  Thanks to Lyn and the family - it means Bob will always be there to offer his routine Christmas speech - it's your club and you make of it what you want. Haha!

And to add to to an already wonderful evening, we sent the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance collection pot round for people to donate in lieu of exchanging Christmas cards and we raised a fantastic £183.90 - thank you to all.  We will discuss this at our AGM to consider how the coffers are, to see if we can round this up, before sending off to the worthy cause and will report back then with a final amount donated.

So all that's left to say is - thank you all for joining us and we wish you and yours a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

p.s. I only took a couple of pictures so if anyone has any that I can add, please send them to me at hampshirebsaoc@gmail.com

 

A good day for Maurice at Waterlooville's Show at Horndean

A few of us made the trip to Horndean college to support the Waterlooville Motorcycle Club with their bike show on Sunday 15th.  The show takes place predominantly in the hall of the college which means the exhibitors need to place their bikes on Saturday, where the hall is secured before the show on Sunday.  

Maurice was presented with the award for best pre-war machine for his 1937 Y13 - we always knew he'd win; his Y13 is a fine example ... well done Maurice. 

During the same weekend, some made the trip across the water to the Wight Lightning Show - they were blessed with better weather than they had last year and we're led to believe a good ride out and show as always.

Earlier in the month, a few enjoyed the club night ride in led by Gerry, leading the group from the Churchillian pub.

Bank Holiday in summer sun at Stubbington

A great selection of bikes supported Hampshire Branch BSA at the Annual Stubbington Donkey Derby and Fayre on Monday.  Fantastic Bank Holiday weather with summer sun brought many out and lots of interest in the machines, with some strong contenders and inquiries for potential new members. 

Thanks to Roy for the invite and for all of those who attended and for their help in getting their machines and others' machines there - made for a very relaxed day, catching up with each other and using our new gazebo for shelter from the sun and not the rain, and of course promoting the group! 

A few more photos can be seen here:

Flickr

Moreton in Marsh - International Rally August 10 - 17th

A few of us have just returned from a very enjoyable, albeit wet week in Moreton in Marsh for this years international rally.  Congratulations to all involved in organising the event that saw 400 + people and 200+ Beezers congregate at the Fire Service College, in caravans, on-site accommodation and for the most hardy, under canvas.  Fun was had by all as we and our European and International Friends from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and USA, enjoyed the events of the week, that included the opening ceremony by the local councilor, Morris Dancers, and Silly Games on the field organised by Wiltshire Branch.  We were also lucky enough to have a ride to the M96 - a mock 370m stretch of motorway, used by fire crews as part of training exercises for road traffic accidents.

The following day we all followed a 13 mile route marshaled event that took us to the local cricket club.  Luckily the weather was on our side for this event, where a picnic lunch had been arranged for us, as we mingled and enjoyed catching up and admiring each others machines.  The short route back was only a couple of miles and after a stop off at the local supermarket, the Hants Group, together with Gillian and John from Kent enjoyed an early evening snack of bread and local cheeses before moving to one of the bars in the warmer reception area.  

Great fun was had by all, and unscheduled entertainment from one of the other clubs who played their version of Play your Cards Right which had us in stitches. 

On Tuesday, Bob Morrison had arranged a coach trip to the Black Country Museum.  Unfortunately Bob had been very poorly before the rally and was unable to attend, but he left the Thames Valley Lads in charge of the coaches and they all, Bob House, Mike Turner, Cliff Turvill, and Geoff Hill did a great  job of counting us on and off the coaches.  We all enjoyed a grand day out in the sunshine enjoying buildings and vehicles of days gone by.



Wednesday we endured enjoyed a very wet trip of approximately 40 miles marshaled trip to the National Motorcycle Museum.  Bob (Morrison) thankfully had also arranged the use of their Premier Suite that allowed us to leave all of our wet gear to dry out a little whist we enjoyed a look around the vast collection of vintage and classic bikes.  

We later enjoyed a hot lunch of chicken curry or chicken supreme with rice before making our own way back to camp, for most of us in dryer weather.

Thursday and Friday were generally free days but trips to the Triumph factory were available if you so wished.

Dining on Saturday, Thursday and Friday preceded either live bands or a DJ disco, all of which saw a packed dance floor by all nationalities - a fantastic atmosphere and for all of you who are considering attending a national event, I would highly recommend it; the comradery is overwhelming and great to be part of it.  

2020 International Rally will be in Czech Republic.  2021 in Germany - see The Star for more details.

Hants Branch Summer Camp - 26th-28th July 2019

We enjoyed a 5th year of camping at the Milburys.  Some return visitors and some new which made for a great weekend.  Socialising in the pub on Friday evening with a welcome quiz set by Jo Dean, and a tie break finally deciding Colin, Gerry, Andy and Deb as triumphant.   Rain set in for the night and unfortunately into Saturday morning which meant that some went on the ride out on four wheels to Thruxton, home of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.  A very interesting visit, arranged by Joe Barge before a pub lunch stop at the George in Middle Wallop.  Then back to The Milburys for afternoon tea and cakes, before an evening of skittles and a raffle.  Sunday morning, saw a great turnout (I counted at least 16 bikes)for the annual ride out to Stokes Bay for an ice cream before packing up camp and saying our final farewells for another year.

Thanks to all who helped make this another successful camping weekend.  Jo for devising a challenging quiz, Joe for organising the trip to Thruxton and a great ride out as always.  Pat and Ade for sorting the marquee, raffle prizes etc.  All the donations of homemade cakes.  But most of all, our members and visitors who made it a great reunion.

All proceeds will be donated to the Air Ambulance.

 

Colin's Summer Camp winning A50 Royal Star.



 

Bob Edney RIP

May 2019. 

It is with the greatest sadness that we bring you the news of the untimely passing of our Chairman, Bob Edney.  

Bob felt unwell whilst on a cruise with his family, and on the suggestion of the on-board doctor he approached his GP when he returned home in April.  After failing to respond to initial treatment, further tests revealed that unfortunately Bob had advanced lung cancer and he sadly passed away aged only 70 years, on the 13th May, with his wife and his daughter Jo by his side.

Bob was an active member of the Hampshire BSA Branch and was very much looking forward to the International in Moreton in Marsh in August.  Sadly, he won’t be joining us in body, but we know that he'll be there with us in spirit. 

Our very best wishes go to Lyn, Pete and Jo, Michelle and Tina and their respective families at this sad time.  Bob will surely be missed by all of his friends at the club.  

Safe riding Bob.

Love all of your friends and Beezer family.

XXX

 
Bob's funeral was held on Friday 31st May.  Approximately 15 bikes escorted Bob on his final journey.  The crematorium was packed to capacity, and a true reflection of the impact that he had on people's lives.  The celebration of his life continued at the Milbury's where some photo boards were pinned up with some very questionable poses - who'd have thought hey Bob?  Many people shared their stories and raised their glasses as a final farewell to dear Bob. 
 
£780 was collected and donated in Bob's memory to the Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.  Funds raised has now exceeded £1,000.

 

 

Biker Down - Would You Know What To Do??

You are involved in a road traffic accident involving a motorcycle, or you  are first on the scene of  a motorcycle accident - would you know what to do?  Biker Down, Road Safety courses are free three hour courses delivered nationally by local Fire and Rescue Services.  The course covers accident management, first aid and the science of being seen.  

Joe has arranged a course for our club and he has asked members for commitment to attend.  All that is needed is to agree a date - watch this space for more details.

 

April 2019

Well April's weather didn't disappoint with the promise of Spring well and truly arriving.  We've enjoyed a couple of Group ride outs, one to meet up with Thames Valley Lads for the St. George's Day Breakfast Run.  A beautiful ride as always.  Great to have some new faces join us too, Ade's friend, Mike (who's trying to persuade his wife that getting a Beezer is the way to go!) It was good to have Mike and Greg join us as well and Nev on his unusual 1991/2 Suzuki Scooter.  Some of us made a detour via the Milbury's on the way back for a lunch time drink before off for home to enjoy the beautiful Easter sunshine.  

We've also enjoyed the first "Ride In" of the season, led by Joe.  A wonderful Spring evening made better by Joe leading us through some beautiful countryside before joining the already busy Milburys. Great to see Roger there on his newly restored A10.

We wait for so long for the Spring to arrive and the Summer months are fast to pass, so  looking forward to spending time with you all, on the machines that we love so much.  Safe riding all. 

February 2019

Well already we have seen great attendance at the club, which is great news for the horrible winter evenings, which routinely see a dip in numbers.  Martin at the Milburys has made us feel very welcome; the ambiance of a fine country pub with a log fire roaring in the cosy bar is surely an attraction?  

It was great to see John M. back after a period of illness with his fine lady Anne, and a visit from Keith and Celia too, always great to see.  And a couple of visits already from Dave and Tony from Thames Valley Branch - great news.  And to the rest of us stalwarts - fantastic efforts from all. 

Joe presented us with a thank you letter from Hants and IOW Air Ambulance for our donations and topped up contribution from the club funds to £300 for 2018.  A great cause and thanks to all for the donations.  We will be collecting for them again this year as our chosen charity.

Joe has shared details around for several club events to get an appetite for attendance.  Whilst not committing people to events, it's a good way of showing support for the club so that necessary arrangements for group rides can be made, and of course helps Joe and Gerry to organise.

 

Lots of talk about the UK International Rally this year too at Moreton in Marsh - would be great to see a good Hants Branch contingent.  Members of the club have been to several and it's a great way to meet like minded enthusiasts.  Please speak to the committee if you have any queries.



January 2019

Thursday 17th January:  We had our AGM with full notes to be updated later, but the main change is that after a great year with Pat as secretary, Andy is back at the helm (as there were no other takers for the role and it was agreed that one person being secretary and treasurer is not best practice).  All other committee positions remain unchanged.

The other main topic of the night is a change of date for our Summer Camp - mainly due to a mix up by the landlord of the pub - but a date for your diaries:

Hampshire BSA Summer Camp will be 26 - 28th July

(and not our usual 1st weekend in August and subject to agreement with the National Secretary.)

 

Thursday 3rd January saw our first official club night at the Milburys.  A pleasant welcome from Landlord Martin, and a snug evening in the bar with a roaring fire on a cold winters night.  Not bad for the first meeting of the year, and the next meeting will follow our AGM (starting promptly at 7.30 p.m.) so it would be lovely to see a full house?

 

Nights are already beginning to draw out so come along with some ideas for possible rideouts in the spring/summer?