BMCT News 61

November 2025 Number 61

NEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CHARITABLE TRUST

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N E W C HA I R M A N OF T R U S T E E S

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e are delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Wellings as the new Chairman of the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust (BMCT) following the retirement of Ian Walden OBE at our recent AGM. Peter (left) brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role, having served a previous term as Chairman from 2008- 2012, and we are confident that his vision and expertise will greatly benefit the Charity in the years ahead. His distinguished career and commitment to excellence align perfectly with the values and aspirations of the BMCT. The trustees welcomed Peter to his new position, and also paid tribute to Ian Walden’s long service to the Charity by awarding him Lifetime Honorary Membership.

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Nick (left) at his happiest, Broughing with like-minded friends.

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adly, BMCT trustee Nick Jeffery passed away in Stoke French, German and Japanese no doubt proved helpful Mandeville hospital on 10th August - his 77th birthday - throughout an intensive career and lifelong links with after a short illness. Universally popular within the two- and motorcycles were never far away. A longtime VMCC member, three-wheel community Nick was renowned for his presence at he was a BMCT trustee for 15 years, and contributed to countless motorcycle events, most often astride one of his own countless other motorcycle related groups. Rarely out of the machines. On arrival he'd immediately be asking perceptive saddle either in the UK or the rest of the world, he rode questions or gently dispensing technical advice in equal Vincents and Broughs on several trips to Tasmania. Back in measure. Nick’s employment began with a Morris Motors the UK his next adventure, which tongue-in-cheek he apprenticeship at Cowley in 1966 when he was awarded immediately described as “breaking ranks”, was to drive a BMC's first ever Nuffield scholarship. Following a stint at Model T Ford to the Orkneys and back, a 2,000-mile itinerary Southampton University he started his motorcycle career at during which journey his declining health so tragically Suzuki and just two years later took a senior technical position surfaced. An extensive crowd of friends and colleagues at Kawasaki Motors UK. Eight years with Kawasaki were attended Aylesbury Vale's Natural Burial Meadow on the 2nd followed by an MBA at Cranfield University. He qualified as a of September, where there was held a superbly choreographed solicitor and joined Renault Trucks, remaining with the French celebration of life on behalf of this quite exceptional gentleman giants through to eventual retirement. His ability to speak who never ceased helping those in need.

- Mike Jackson Front page: Leaving Gaydon on the 2025 Banbury Run, this lovely HRD Super 90 was raced in the 1927 Amateur TT. Photo - Andy Bufton

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - YOUR BMCT MEMBERSHIP

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he trustees wish to inform BMCT members that, after careful consideration and a review of our operating costs, from 1st January 2026 the annual membership fee will rise to £25 - the first increase since our unique membership scheme was introduced 22 years ago. In that time the cost of a first class stamp has risen 550%! All the benefits of BMCT membership remain in place, including concessionary entry to our ever increasing group of affiliated museums, and the revenue from membership subscriptions will continue to help these museums interpret the long and glorious heritage of British motorcycle engineering. Existing members will be notified in due course about how the change may affect renewal payment methods but we hope that for those of you with automatically renewing subscriptions there will be little or no disruption.

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support and understanding. If you have any questions or require further information regarding the fee increase, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bmct.org.uk.

AJS RECORD ATTEMPT TRIBUTE JOINS SAMMY MILLER MUSEUM COLLECTION

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etween the wars there was massive public interest in with bits added for the crankcase webs and lugs, cylinder base breaking the world land speed record. The motorcycle on mating surfaces etc. These were then cast in LM25 aluminium, which this replica was based was the one-off machine built by heat treated for strength, and only then could the extremely AJS in 1930 for this express purpose. The engine was a 990cc complex machining begin. The top ends are based on Velocette 50 degree V twin which is said to have generated 70bhp. ohc components, but the camshafts are chain driven in the style Captain Oliver Baldwin, who had already broken the record in of the original machine, with that very distinctive three-legged 1928 on a Zenith-JAP, was engaged to ride it. The bike was timing cover which of course also had to be specially cast. The tested at Brooklands in July 1930 before the record attempt at bore and stroke of this engine are 76mm x 86mm giving a Arpajon the following month. The record was then just under swept volume of 780cc 135 mph which had been set by Ernst Henne riding a The frame, along with some of the other components including supercharged 743cc BMW. The AJS team believed that the Sturmey Archer AJS type gearbox, forks, and front hub, are something close to 150 mph should be attainable, so it was a from a 1931 AJS 500cc SB8. This was one of the last models to crushing disappointment when, after edging just past 130 mph, come from the Wolverhampton factory, and because of its they suffered a piston seizure in the rear cylinder. The record “sloper” type engine, there was just enough room between the attempt was abandoned as by this time AJS were in severe downtube and the saddle tube to accommodate the new V twin financial trouble. engine and the gearbox.

This tribute to the record attempt bike was built by talented engineer Richard Johns. Many of the major components had to This impressive homage to an iconic British motorcycle is now be built from scratch, most specifically the engine. To give a on display at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. very small insight into the nature of the work, consider just the crankcases: two pieces of 10 inch diameter aluminium bar were Description and photo courtesy of Bonhams Motorcycle purchased to make the patterns, then suitably machined and Department.

SAMMY MILLER MUSEUM From the Sammy Miller Museum: The British weather did little to dampen spirits at this year’s British Bike Day. While clouds loomed, the rain largely held off and the sun made a welcome appearance, allowing Sammy Miller to fire up some of the Museum’s iconic machines. The distinctive roar of British engineering soon drew a lively crowd who gathered to soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere.

First off was the Triumph 500 Grand Prix, a model Ernie Lyons made famous with his win on one in the 1946 Manx Grand Prix. A genuine Triumph GP with the square barrel motor based on the wartime mobile generators. About 200 GPs were built in total and are now extremely rare. This machine competed in the Isle of Man 1980 Parade of Exotic Machines and completed the lap from a standing start at an average speed of 78 mph.

Next we were treated to the sound of the 1951 Earles 500cc BSA. The first light alloy frame bike made by Ernie Earles, designer of Earles forks. Note that this frame would have been gas welded – a ‘work of art’ And the piece de resistance - the 1939 AJS Supercharged and liquid cooled V4. Way ahead of its time, 45 years before the Japanese factories came up with something similar. This was the first bike to lap a circuit at over 100mph - at the Ulster GP in 1939 On static display was the latest addition to the Museum’s collection - a legendary Rob North‑framed BSA Rocket 3, a pivotal 750 cc race bike that helped to rewrite British motorcycle racing history in the early 1970s.

Sammy Miller MBE discussing the Earles BSA with museum visitors. Designed in 1951

by Ernie Earles of Elms Metals in Birmingham featuring a BSA 500cc A7 twin (possibly ex-works) using a light alloy frame and forks built by Ken Sprayson. These forks were used under licence on BMW motorcycles for many years, and also by MV Agusta. The design remains very much in favour with sidecar riders.

Award winners (l to r): Tom McEwen,

In late 1969 the BSA Triumph group commis to build a batch of frames for a F750 race tea Daytona 200. Initially 8 frames were built, fo The 1971 bikes like this one were slightly low were termed Lowboys, with the 1970 bikes b

BRITISH BIKE & BMCT DAY A strong turnout of local riders and regular supporters helped create a jovial, friendly mood throughout the day.

The British Motorcycle Charitable Trust (BMCT) were also in attendance.

Founded in 1979, the BMCT is dedicated to preserving Britain’s motorcycle engineering heritage and supporting museums nationwide. Their spokesperson Andy Bufton said: “We’re here to promote the Trust, which offers members concessionary entry to affiliated museums across the country. We always enjoy coming to Sammy Miller’s – he is a great supporter of our charity and does fantastic work for the motorcycling community.”

DocBike, another valued partner of the Museum, engaged with visitors about their vital work combining emergency roadside medical response with proactive road safety education.

The day also saw a series of awards presented: Oldest Bike – Tom McEwen (BMCT member), 1921 Sunbeam Model 7 Sammy’s Choice – Dean Whitty, 1964 Greeves TES BMCT Choice – Bernard Kuropka (BMCT member), 1967 Triumph Thruxton Bonneville DocBike Choice – Mick Sobalak, 1957 Norton Norvin With classic bikes, charity partnerships, and a crowd full of enthusiasm, British Bike Day 2025 proved once again why the Sammy Miller Museum remains at the heart of the motorcycling community.

Dean Whitty, Mick Sobalak and Bernard Kuropka

ssioned Rob North, a Coventry frame specialist, am being put together to compete in the 1970 ollowed by a further batch for the 1971 season. wer at the headstock than the 1970 bikes and so being retrospectively named Highboys

Photos courtesy of Chris Mabey and the Sammy Miller Museum

The BMCT’s new gazebo was used for the first time at British Bike Day. Parked in front is the BMCT’s 1955 500cc Wooler Flat Four which normally resides inside the Museum.

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PAT R I C K H AW KI N S 1 9 5 7 - 2 0 2 5

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atrick Hawkins, aged 68, founder of Taunton’s County Classics Motor Museum. died suddenly on Wednesday, August 6, after struggling with a heart defect for many years.

According to colleagues, Mr Hawkins scarcely missed a day at his Museum, cleaning it to exceptional standards and always smiling and greeting visitors new and regular, young and old.

In an official statement issued by his team, they said, despite quietly overcoming many battles in his life and against all odds, he still managed to open the venue full of cars and motorcycles he started collecting from the age of 11.

Following his death, the museum closed from August 7 to August 12 to give staff time to come to terms with the loss of their leader and inspiration but it has now reopened and will continue as a tribute to its much-missed founder.

Following this, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, who officially opened the museum in 2023 issued a statement, where he said Patrick was a "lovely man, brimming with enthusiasm and love. He'll be sadly missed”.

Pat Hawkins looks on as Richard Hammond cuts the ribbon to open County Classics Motor Museum in 2023.

T H E 2 0 2 5 J O H N H AY N E S C L A S S I C

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n Sunday 7th September, Haynes Motor Museum world. A memorable and heartwarming feature of the day proudly hosted the inaugural John Haynes Classic, was the Machines and their Manuals zone. Featuring over celebrating 40 years of the Museum and the life and legacy 40 vehicles paired with their Haynes Workshop manual, of its founder, John Haynes OBE. visitors could read nostalgic stories shared by proud vehicle More than 3,000 enthusiasts, families and visitors joined the owners. celebration, with the Museum site transformed into 5 vibrant The buzz continued in the Outdoor Market, which was zones. The day offered something for everyone - from packed with food stalls and traders offering everything from hundreds of classic cars and an action-packed live stage line alloys to jewellery. Live music from the band Hopeville -up to a classic car parade and family-friendly activities. added to the lively atmosphere throughout the day.

The dedicated Motorcycle Zone generated extra excitement, The Discovery Zones combined hands-on activities, with The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Riders educational displays and restored cars from the Haynes Motorcycles of Bridgwater and Maeving Electric Heritage Engineering workshop. Organisations such as Motorcycles, creating an engaging display of two-wheeled Automotive Youth and Ariel Motor Company played a key history and innovation. part, sharing knowledge and showcasing engineering Echoing this theme, the Live Stage featured notable innovation. speakers Edd China, Jon Bentley and Danny Hopkins, who Chris Scudds, CEO of Haynes Motor Museum, said: “It was shared stories and inspirational insights from the motoring an absolutely fantastic day. We’ve celebrated a shared passion for the motorcar and motorbike, automotive history, John Haynes’ life and legacy, and the Museum’s anniversary in a brilliant way. It’s been relaxed and friendly and everyone has had a great day. We are grateful to all who braved the weather – it was wonderful to see so many people inspired by the event, and we are already looking forward to next year.”

The John Haynes Classic will return on Sunday 6th September 2026. Save the date.

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BO OK RE VI E W S B Y J O N AT H AN H I L L announced in 1922, and in 1924 with a revised frame and “Brough Superior - The overhead-valve JAP KTOR engine, the legendary SS100 was Complete Story” born. Guaranteed to exceed 100mph and of unsurpassed Author: Peter Miller styling, it was the iconic design of the pre-war years – the Publisher: Crowood Press world’s first superbike.

The Stable Block, Other outstanding designs followed, including the JAPCrowood Lane, engined overhead and side-valve 680c.c. models and the 11-50 Marlborough (1150c.c.) side-valve model. Brough Superior cars, based upon SN8 2HR the Hudson Straight 8 chassis, were also produced from 1935.

Tel: 01672 520320 Prototypes, such as the transverse V-twin and the “Golden enquiries@crowood.com Dream” flat-four are also described. www.crowood.com Brough Superior enjoyed considerable sporting success in Hardback, 320 pages with trials, racing and record-breaking. It held the world’s fastest over 350 colour and black title in the hands of Bert Le Vack and Eric Fernihough, and and white photographs. holds the all-time fastest Brooklands lap record set by Noel ISBN 978-1-4797-1128 Pope in 1939 at 124.51 mph. £50.00 Detailed model-by-model histories of the various machines are presented. These include the specials, which were often featured on the Brough Superior stand at the motorcycle shows.

Finally, profiles are presented of the two most famous riders of eorge Brough achieved considerable success whilst riding Brough Superior machines: T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Brough motorcycles that were manufactured by his father. Arabia), who lost his life riding an SS100 and George Brough Whilst William Brough’s bikes were of high quality, they were himself - a successful sprinter, record-breaker and long-distance rather staid and George believed that he could produce better trials competitor. machines. Designed jointly with Percy Mayo and built at the Having obtained access to both George Brough’s personal Montgomery works in Coventry, his new machine was called details and original factory records, the late author, Peter the Brough Superior to distinguish it from his father’s machines Miller, deserves full credit for this excellently-researched, highand to denote the highest levels of performance and quality of quality tome that is the definitive history of the marque and manufacture. highly recommended.

Announced to the public in September 1920, it proved a sensation. Designed as a sporting solo with a 980c.c. ohv Peter Miller is also the author of “From Welbike to Corgi,” V-twin JAP engine and handsome nickel plated saddle tank, the “Morgan Three-wheeler” and “Royal Enfield - The Early 80 m.p.h. machine set new standards for performance, quality History: 1851 to 1930.” of finish and styling. The SS80 side-valve model was

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“Stanley Woods – The World’s First Motorcycle Superstar”

Stanley Woods was born in 1903 on the south side of Dublin, and by the age of 13 he had learnt to ride an older friend’s 5/6hp Indian. In 1920, after joining his father as a Author: David Crawford travelling salesman, Woods Senior was persuaded to buy a Foreword by Sammy Miller MBE Harley Davidson outfit for business use, which Stanley Published by Lily Publications promptly used at weekends in trials, hill climbs and for his firstLtd, PO Box 33, Ramsey, ever road race.

Isle of Man IM99 4LP After witnessing the 1921 Senior TT, the seeds were sown www.lilypublications.co.uk for his racing ambition and he somehow persuaded Cottons to Fax: +44 (0) 1624 898 446 loan him a machine for the 1922 Junior TT in which he finished Softback,192 pages with over 250 fourth. The following year, also Cotton-mounted, saw him win photographs and illustrations. the first of his 10 TT victories. Stanley Woods joined Nortons ISBN 978-1-907945-37-3 in 1926; winning the Senior TT and the Junior-Senior double in £16.00 1932. The 1935 Senior TT saw him mounted on his favourite machine, the works v-twin Moto Guzzi in what was arguably his finest race. Come the last lap Stanley was still out on the course, having started No 30, Guthrie started No 1 and was ere is a book which someone had to write, as a richly home having held a 26 seconds lead. Stanley the winner? deserved tribute to one who made a remarkable Impossible! All over bar the shouting, so Norton thought. But contribution to motorcycle sport between the wars. In the days by the time he crossed the finishing line he had indeed done the when the word superstar was virtually unknown, here was a impossible, with a new record lap to win by just 4 seconds. sportsman who could justify that description, especially for his Now out of print, the avid reader and book collector’s efforts performances in the Isle of Man. Between 1923 and 1939 he will be amply rewarded by the acquisition of this excellent entered in 37 TTs, won ten, retired while leading three more book – perhaps by “Old Bike Mart” or TCM classifieds or by and was beaten in three more by a total of 48 seconds. He scouring auto-jumbles? retired 16 times, never finished lower than sixth and made 11 It is very difficult to do justice to this outstanding book that is fastest laps. He also had an impressive continental grand prix truly a mirror of a bygone age, containing many of Stanley’s record as well as being a great all-rounder. personal records and photographs, whose author, David Crawford, was a personal friend.

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T HE BR I T I S H MOTOR CYC L E C HA RI TABL E TRUS T A Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity No. 509420 Hon. Life Member Ian Walden OBE Trustees: Peter Wellings (Chairman) John Handley Mike Jackson Mike Penn Dennis Frost Secretariat: Holly Cottage Main Street Bishampton Pershore WR10 2NH United Kingdom Secretary & Editor Andy Bufton Mob: 07754 880116 Email: editor@bmct.org

The British Motorcycle Charitable Trust (BMCT) was originally formed in 1979 to facilitate the building of the National Motorcycle Museum at Bickenhill, near Solihull in the West Midlands.

Since 1995, however, the BMCT has been an entirely separate organisation, a grant-making Charity dedicated to the promotion of British motor cycle engineering heritage through a network of affiliated transport and local interest museums in England, Wales, Scotland and Isle of Man. Associate Membership is open to all, and allows entry concessions at all 19 of the museums in our affiliation scheme (listed right). Our funding comes from membership subscriptions, bequests, donations, and income from our investments. Please direct any enquiries to the secretary at the Secretariat address on the left.

Our affiliated museums are: Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Brooklands Museum, Weybridge County Classics Museum, Taunton Coventry Transport Museum Dover Transport Museum Gloucester Life Museum Grampian Transport Museum, Aberdeen Haynes Motor Museum, Somerset Internal Fire Museum of Power, Tanygroes Isle of Man Motor Museum, Jurby Jet Age Museum, Gloucester Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man Museum in the Park, Stroud National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, Kent Sammy Miller Museum, New Milton Silk Mill Museum of Making, Derby Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset The Norton Collection Museum, Bromsgrove

www.bmct.org

D I N O ’ S B I KE S - PA RT I I I

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ome of you may remember in 2020 Part II of “Dino’s horizontally split crankcases. He approached Jack Sangster Bikes” featured my Triumph X75 Hurricane, and before who owned Ariel and Triumph at that time and persuaded him that my 1938 Triumph Speed Twin. Recently at Sammy to put it into production. In 1931 the first Square Four was Miller's museum, I met Andy Bufton, our Secretary and Editor introduced, known as the Ariel 4F5. My bike went to the Isle of of the BMCT Newsletter. In conversation the subject came up Man in April 1931 and remained on the Island until I purchased of Edward Turner which led me to the latest addition to my it from the Stafford Bonhams auction in July 2021. I don't collection - an Ariel Square Four. In 1928 Turner had sketched know for sure but it was possibly used as a marshal’s bike out a design for the Square Four with overhead camshaft and during the Isle of Man TT races.

- Dino Paglia BMCT News is published by Matchless Management Services, Holly Cottage, Main Street, Bishampton, Pershore WR10 2NH. Any opinions therein are not necessarily the views of the publisher or of The British Motorcycle Charitable Trust.