Roadholder 370 - October 2018

33 garden and castle entrance. After entering the building, we were engaged in conversation by a room attendant who had heard of our arrival and informed us that he owned a Triumph. Furthermore, no doubt through the hand held radio, he informed us that the gentleman in charge was in the area where we had parked and would like to have a word with us as he owned an old bike. We duly met Jim, who was about six foot four, and resplendent in his kilt and beard. Jim soon became our new 'best friend' and asked us if we would like to do something quite special by taking our bikes up the private drive, past the walled garden and park outside the front door to the castle. Jim told us he would go and inform his colleagues to let us through. Well, what a privilege for us and the Eric Cox memorial book contained in my wicker basket. We took the photo with Jim standing by our bikes. Jim gave me his card and asked me to email the photo to him as he would like to show it to Prince Charles. We then went on to John O'Groats and then back to Dunett Head, which is the most northerly place on mainland Britain, to get out and photograph Eric's memorial book. I am quite sure Eric would be well pleased with what had been achieved as Keith, Diana, Paul and myself were, but we still have not finished yet. We have yet to finish the 500 route and attend the Norton Applecross Rally before returning to sunny Devon and Paul to Berkshire. 15th July saw Norvil motorcycles holding their annual 'Open Day' at their Burntwood premises in Staffordshire. Shenstone Branch were asked by Norvil if they would like to attend and arrange a mini Norton bike show. The day dawned in what had become the norm over the previous eight weeks or sowith bright sunshine and rising early morning temperatures. We arrived just before 10:00a.m. to find several Branch members already there and raring to go. Amanda had brought the Branch gazebo which was quickly erected, tables and chairs arranged, information about joining the Club and Branch placed on the table and a cold drink administered. Space in the shade at the back of the gazebo was found for a collection of helmets, jackets, leathers, boots, even trousers as members and visitors stripped off in the heat. As we slid past the 10:30a.m. start time, bikes began to arrive and soon most of Norvil's side-facing car park was filled with a collection of Nortons both old and new, and also a fair number of lesser machines. Commandos were shepherded into a row in front of the Club gazebo with priority given to Shenstone Branch members who got to park right in front. We were soon at work answering questions about both Branch and Club and handing out old copies of Roadholder to prospective new Club members; we did, in fact, take two firm applications which were sent on to Joan Catton for processing, and a number took a Roadholder with a declaration of "joining online". 'Uncle Jim' Reynolds of bike journalistic fame was busy amongst the assembled bikes judging, taking notes and finally deciding on which two machines were to be given 'Best Bike' and 'Best Bike runner-up' in the concourse competition with the winners being a lovingly restored green Fastback Commando and the runner-up, a very original and un-restored Fire-Flake Roman Purple Commando Roadster. Both machines well deserved their selection as winners but I couldn't help reflecting on the fact that we all shenstone at norvil 'Big' Alan Clarke