Gloucester Branch

The Annual NOC Gloucestershire Branch Bluebell & Baa Lamb Run

2024

Organised with the NOC Bristol Branch.7.5.24

This annual meeting was blessed with fine weather, our meeting place
which was at the Steam Railway at Lydney . However, despite the
Gloucester Branch being out in good numbers, the Bristol group were
held up at the bridge. We decided to split up, we waited to lead the
Bristol riders on the run, while other local Gloucester Branch riders took
our group through the planned run. After major detours our Bristol
Friends arrived in good numbers although by now were understandably
weary. Our 2 nd group then set off, we were lucky the Bluebells were out,
but so was the sheep so careful use of the throttle was required. We
then made our way to the Silver Fox Newnham for a hearty breakfast all
together.
Chris & Jill Streather

Rik was our representative at this years Norton Day at the Ace Cafe, he was among 50 other like minded followers at this traditional event.

The venue was also shared with the 59Club and BSA

Thanks Rik

We were back again, to what has become a regular and one
of the most prominent Branch displays, we attend. The
weather which was threatening to turn the whole massive
site into mud fest did not materialise. Some activities were
cancelled but nothing to spoil the show. Our Branch Team
was the same as previous years. Colin & Marlene, Malcolm &
Pam, Dave & Joan Catton, John & Maggs. Our Son Jamie and
his family were all involved, especially when the wind was
trying it`s best to lift our marquee, something we have
become accustomed to this year. I took my trusty oily rag ES2
around the show ring, while the shiny ones watched on. Can
we thank fellow Branch Members Debz & Scruff,( Gloster
Meteors,) for all their assistance during the whole weekend.
Colin finished the weekend with is usual fire up which always
brings a crowd.

The Fish & Chip run is always well attended and it was, but this year was special, as on the menu wasn’t just Cod & Chips. We had a surprise visit from our good friend and long-time Glos Branch member Maurice Cox, it was so good to see him in fine fettle.

This years Prescott Hill Climb enjoyed fabulous weather and the Branch enjoyed a prominent position by the start line as before.

All of this does not happen without our set up team, so Colin, Malcolm and (Pam on wheels), great work team.

We managed another good display so thanks to all involved.

Debz & Scruff of Gloucester Meteors fame, had invited us to take part in the annual run to Acorns the Children’s Hospice this year. Along with supporting the run, with Colin & Mike a total of £85 was donated by the Glos Branch alone, with the total ending up to be over £1200 inc all the groups.

                 Easter Egg Run Group Together

Glos Branch Colin Kent & Mike Roberts

The Gloucestershire Vintage & County
Extravaganza 2022
Gloucester Branch returned to this mega event after
the enforced shut down. This event gives us as a
Branch, maximum exposure. We were able to
display some fabulous Norton`s including our not
so fabulous ES2. We were lucky that fellow Branch
members Debz & Scruff were helping to organize
the Motorcycle Display area, so it was nice to be
next to them as before. Those who brought bikes
for the weekend and helped set up and breakdown
including manning the stand were, Colin &
Marlene, Malcolm & Pam, Dave & Joan and Jamie
& Gill not forgetting Amy & Katy. We had plenty
of interest, we managed to parade our ES2 on
behalf of the Branch with our Granddaughter
clinging on over the bumpy arena. One feature on
Sunday was a fire up which Colin normally
performs, this trumps most of what is going on for
noise and nostalgia. The longer it lasts the more
rush to sniff the R and listen. Guesting for the
Branch was NOC`s John Young who has just
finished a not so meagre F/Bed Mod 50 to race
trim. The engine has been race prepared, and
special alloy tanks were commissioned. John who
is no stranger to racing and sprints has yet to really
use it at full chat, but a recent Mallory outing
showed this Mod 50 has serious potential, and not
to be taken for granted.

Getting into Show was slow for the entrants,
although this only reflects the popularity of this
mega event.
So apart from Jill diving off the caravan step and
injuring her wrist Thanks for the help to you all. It
remains a great showcase for our branch. Good to
see Mike Roberts and his daughter and Chris
Taylor enjoying the day.
Chris & Jill Streather

After an absence of three years, one of our major events for the
Branch finally go the go ahead.
The weather played it`s part we were given a prime spot in the
Paddock near to the start line. We had carried our entry fee over
from cancelled lock down years. Further tickets were purchased
on behalf of Gloucestershire Branch Full member`s for this
charity event. The pitch we were given has been promised for
next year. We could, if necessary, extend our pitch it would cost
a lot more and we would need, full members machines, that
maybe worth considering. The new back drops and flags we
have now helped to enhance the display. We were sorry that
Malcolm & Pam were not able to attend at the last moment. Don
Harris unfortunately had problem with his bike at the last
moment and came on foot instead.
Ben represented the Branch up the Hill after the first tentative
sighting run, enjoyed the second one much more.
Thanks to Dave, Colin, Jim, Ben, Roger, Don and Jamie for
making the day for us.
Chris & Jill Streather.