PW_2_2024

Spotlight on the SIGS

MC Post Xmas Bash

In Thirsk

The Red Lion in Masham

James Herriot Centre

Section UK Motorcycle SIG Stuart McMillan , Secretary, Section UK Motorcycle SIG In October, our Season End get-together was held in the North Yorkshire village of Masham. Four bikes braved the inclement weather, while others chose to travel by car. The picturesque village, with its traditional market, made for a great base. Members chose a variety of trips out, including visits to the

local brewery, and to the James Herriot Centre in Thirsk. T here was a great turnout for our traditional post-Christmas bash in January, held once again at the Red Lion, London Green, in Staffordshire. The weather forecast was dire, so not surprisingly, there wasn’t a bike to be seen. But as always, it was fantastic to see everyone, and have a chance to discuss the upcoming events for the year. The SIG is as active as ever, which is great to see. Planned events for 2024 include: April: Friday 5th to Monday 8th. The Premier Inn, Westgate, Llanfoist, Abergavenny. May: Friday 17th to Monday 20th. Group AGM at Police Federation House, Leatherhead. July: Friday 5th to Monday 8th. The Palace Hotel, Esplanade Road, Paignton, Devon. September: Saturday 8th to Friday 20th. Touring in Germany and France.

James Alfred Wright AKA James Herriot

October: Friday 18th to Monday 21st. Premier Inn, Bury St Edmonds, Town Centre. Our ad hoc ‘Midweekers’ events will continue, and anyone can pick a venue and circulate it via our WhatsApp group. Out and about in Thailand Paul Black , Section UK Motorcycle SIG Paul is a regular visitor to Thailand, and keeps a motorcycle there.

James Herriot Centre

I left England for a major change in the weather, it is 80 degrees here. It took me a while to get over jet lag, and get the Suzuki 650 V Strom sorted out. I must get the motorbike taxed and insured and my Thai driving licence renewed. This will involve many hours with the Thai authorities, and lots of paperwork. Thailand loves stamps and paperwork, but there are always people to deal with you. Actually, the banks et cetera are much more efficient than back home, and you can actually speak to a person whenever you want.

I have been doing a lot of motorcycling since my last update. Mostly with my friend Matt, who is from California, but lives here now. Matt is a very accomplished off roader, with a collection of bikes in the States. He has bought a new Suzuki 650 V Strom here. I did my first overnight trip to Phayao, which was a relatively short ride with Matt. Phayao is on a large lake with a Temple in the middle, where we watched the sunset and the fisherman.

We rode to Chaing Khan, an old town with many wooden buildings. It is mainly visited by Thais, and is built on the Mekong river, opposite Laos. We then rode on to Udon Thani, a base for the Americans during the Vietnam war. A trip of about 1500 miles.

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.2, 2024

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