Gloucester Branch

This our main event and a major showcase in our area, also brings 1000`s of exhibitors and many more spectators had once again come around. The weather in this type of show was good enough all weekend. We had a good variety of Norton`s on display 7 in total. This including a welcome guest from the Bristol Branch with his 650ss, which he rode there on. We also had the Malcolm Ayers 650ss, so that marque was well covered. Colin Kent brought his two OHC`s. Jamie Streather brought the 39 ES2 and we took our 39 Inter. Scruff brought a very nice F/bed Mod 50. Our Marquee over the weekend becomes a hub, for anybody who has owned a Norton or who’s family had one. It seems the variety of people attending is so different, rather than the normal aficionados. Thanks to the “Cerney Team” once again it cannot happen without you all.

Chris & Jill Streather

With the Gloucestershire Branch

Norton Day 2025

This was the second time the Glos Branch have organised this
event under the banner of Norton Day. Although this is our
annual event traditionally. Plans were made the previous year
although squeezed between other major NOC Events it was
challenging for the Club it seems for entries. This event in aid of
Blood Bikes relies on donations and the Club granted this. On
our previous Norton Day we managed nearly 100 bikes, but it
seems nowadays times have changed. The take up was
alarmingly slow despite the best efforts from the Club. Some
were still arriving back from the French Rally understandably. It
was a nervous wait on Saturday as the first batch of Norton`s
arrived followed by Sunday when our allotted space was filling
up nicely not much short of our expectations.
We did rely on our own Branch Team to help and everybody
mucked in as usual, combining both Bournemouth and
Gloucester Marquees together. Interest on the selection of
varied models on show was keen.
When it came to the awards for the Best in Show bikes, The
Gloucester Branch done rather well. Colin Kent won Best OHC
with the 59 Manx, Dave Graham Best OHV with the WD Mod18
and Don Harris 650ss. Dave Catton with the multi award
winning 1922 16h Sports Outfit.
Thanks also to Gordon Downey who run`s Prescott Bike
Festival for the Blood Bikes Charity each year.
Chris Streather.

Following the Bluebell Run we hastily arranged a display at the Aviator, leaning heavily on our WD Riders to be a feature. Despite being short notice, Dave and Virginia turned up in full military kit. My own efforts to bring our 1939 ES2 was abandoned after making odd noise`s and it was AWOL  we turned up late in the car so was late on parade.

Colin & Marlene were together on the Commando so well done to them, Malcolm and Mike were supporting us as well.

Chris & Jill

The Gloucester & Bristol Branches

Both N.O.C branches met at Norchard for the run through the Bluebell Woods. It was very well attended, we had the weather as in the previous years event.

The run however was an issue for the leader of the pack, which was me! with a slipping clutch. But after a quick stop to adjust the cable we made our way via the Roman road which winds its way through the Bluebell woods. This actual section was not how the Roman’s left it, being much worse.

I have taken an image of the Bluebells in Jill’s garden as we never quite get the dates right for our annual ride through the bloom.

We did enjoy the meal together at the Silver Fox once again. I also got home ok, but the clutch plates were shot.

Thanks Everybody,

Chris & Jill

First of all, can i thank our regulars for supporting this 4day event again this year. The weather was set fair this year which made all the difference for the display and the general public. Thanks also to Debs & Scruff who are part of the organising team helping with running the Motorcycle Section . We had 8 bikes representing the Branch of different types which created lot of interest so Thanks Everybody. Chris & Jill

The weather was set fine all weekend for this our annual event, our
favoured prominent position in the paddock is established. Thanks to
organiser Gordon Downie.
Set up is on Saturday so with help from Malcolm and Colin we were able
to prepare for the action on Sunday. We had 7 bikes on parade with our
representative to “Run The Hill” this year, was Malcolm Ayers on his
immaculately prepared 850 Commando Interstate. Interest was keen as
usual and preparations for next year’s NOC National Event set in
motion.

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