PW_4_2019

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I am Allan: Section UK Motorcycle Section’s First International Rally Mike Vince : Motorcycle Group Treasurer

Our first International Rally celebrated the Group’s formation ten years ago. Almost 100 guests on 80 motorcycles arrived at Storthes Hall, on the Huddersfield University Campus. The event was officially opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Mumptaz Hussein, ably assisted by Huddersfield Town Crier, Vic Watson, dressed in his magnificent blue outfit. O ur visitors arrived from far and wide ; Australia, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as the native English. Bikes of all makes and sizes, including two trikes, filled the campus carpark. The rally was 12 months in the planning, by a team of members lead by Group Chairman Paul Firth. Vice Chair, John Birkenshaw worked hard to gain sponsorships, both from within the IPA and from local businesses. We are very grateful for the support from IPA Section UK and several Branches, For those who did not wish to ride, coaches were laid on to Manchester and Leeds Royal Armouries. All the rides were repeated on

day three, with riders swapping destinations from the previous day. Evenings off the bikes were spent socially, with a BBQ and live entertainment from The Max Band. Many of our ladies were much in demand for dancing. Chairman Paul took the opportunity to exchange memorabilia with our overseas visitors. The hats, badges, cuckoo clock, and shields were most appreciated. Mention must be made of the tremendous efforts made by DIGS The Venue, who ensured our every needs were accommodated. The 200 pints of beer donated by Timothy Taylor Brewery were all enjoyed. Everyone was given a sponsored t-shirt showing: the IPA logo and our sponsor’s name “Allan Jefferies BMW”. No one had name tags so everyone had great delight in saying “I am Allan” in the style of the film “Spartacus”.

as well as our commercial sponsors: Allan Jefferies BMW, Morrisons Supermarket, Taylors Yorkshire Tea, Black Sheep Brewery, Timothy Taylor Brewery, and Casarva Trike Conversions. Our Australian visitor, Joe Anderson travelled the furthest, hiring a bike from our BMW sponsor. But credit must be given to two intrepid Scots who left their homes two weeks before the rally, riding through to the Balkans taking in exotic places like Sarajevo and Mostar, in Bosnia, before reaching Huddersfield, completing some 3,600 miles. The rally started in earnest on day two, where small groups took guided rides through the delights of the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District.

Two Wheels Across the Channel Roy Edwards , IPA Motorcycle Section In June I hosted three of our German members,

Ingo Steenken, Antonius Tiefringer & Uli Lobenburg, en-route to the IPA Motorcycle Rally in Huddersfield. I took them on a guided tour of Rutland , culminating after lunch with a visit to historic Oakham Castle. They were most impressed and fascinated by the display of ancient and modern horseshoes in the castle’s hall. We were joined in our visit by other Section UK members: Trevor Smith, who coordinated the visit, along with Peter Adney and Lloyd Levett. IPA President Clive Wood also presented our German visitors with an IPA Section UK pennant.

Motorcycle Section AGM 18th May saw the Motorcycle SIG hold their AGM at the Richmond Hotel in Aberystwyth, Mid Wales.

A lthough the weather forecast was not very good, in the end it remained dry but cool and there was a successful ride out of the area led by Stuart McMillan. An excellent dinner was enjoyed before the meeting followed by the election of the committee.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.4, 2019