COVID-19
Dear Members
As we are sure you are aware, the next steps in the Government’s approach to the Coronavirus outbreak have recently been announced. The Prime Minister, alongside the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, indicated that the United Kingdom is moving into a ‘Delay’ phase, the aim of which is to push the peak of the outbreak into the summer so as to give as much time as possible for further research into the virus and to ensure that the NHS is as prepared as it can be. You will also have seen the more focused recent advice in relation to those over the age of 70, which describes a significant proportion of the Club’s membership.
The VMCC is by a long way the largest and best-known vintage and classic motorcycle club in the UK, and we feel we have a responsibility to show a clear lead in reacting to the situation with Coronavirus, as well as a duty of care to our members and our staff. Against this background, the Board’s position is as follows. For the duration:
• Section meetings should be suspended;
• the Club should not attend shows and suchlike;
• runs that involve a substantial amount of on-the-day organisation, and thus contact between participants and people such as marshals, sign-on staff or caterers, should be postponed or cancelled;
• formal or social runs may take place at the Section Committee’s discretion, but should not include pre-run gatherings or stops at cafes, public houses or suchlike: if that is not practicable, the event should be postponed or cancelled.
Sections are also asked to consider the situation of elderly or infirm Section members who may need live alone and/or need additional assistance at this difficult time. Phone calls would in general be better than house calls, but please do think about those who may need a hand or a friendly voice that cares.
The situation with major events such as Banbury and 1000 Bikes is a little less clear, but contingency plans are being investigated. Neither the Government, the ACU or the MSA, have so far said that public events of this type may not take place., but our anticipation is that this year’s nationally-organised events are likely to be postponed or cancelled. We cannot, however, confirm this until we hear officially from the appropriate regulatory authorities or the sites where these events are due to be based.
The Founder’s Relay Rally planned for Sunday 3rd May will be postponed until later in the year, provided a date can be found. The Rider’s Sheets for this will not now be distributed with the April Journal as originally planned.
As far as Allen House is concerned:
• the Library is closed for the duration, to both enquirers and volunteers;
• no visitors are permitted to enter the building;
• unless absolutely essential, staff will not for now attend external meetings and events.
At present, all of the Club’s staff are healthy, but anyone who shows the stated indicators of the virus will be sent home and told to self-isolate for 7 days. If this happens, we cannot guarantee that the office telephone will always be answered. In such circumstances, we ask for your understanding and patience, and suggest that for the duration, wherever possible contact with Allen House should be by email rather than telephone.
An ad-hoc Committee consisting of the Chair, Bob Clark; the Vice-Chair, Richard Thirkell; and Board Member Mario Costa-Sa, has oversight of the situation and I will be reporting to and reviewing matters with them on a regular basis. I fear that in the short term things are going to get worse rather than better, and that it may well be some time before the Club can resume its normal activities.
IAN BOTHAM
General Manager
As we are sure you are aware, the next steps in the Government’s approach to the Coronavirus outbreak have recently been announced. The Prime Minister, alongside the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, indicated that the United Kingdom is moving into a ‘Delay’ phase, the aim of which is to push the peak of the outbreak into the summer so as to give as much time as possible for further research into the virus and to ensure that the NHS is as prepared as it can be. You will also have seen the more focused recent advice in relation to those over the age of 70, which describes a significant proportion of the Club’s membership.
The VMCC is by a long way the largest and best-known vintage and classic motorcycle club in the UK, and we feel we have a responsibility to show a clear lead in reacting to the situation with Coronavirus, as well as a duty of care to our members and our staff. Against this background, the Board’s position is as follows. For the duration:
• Section meetings should be suspended;
• the Club should not attend shows and suchlike;
• runs that involve a substantial amount of on-the-day organisation, and thus contact between participants and people such as marshals, sign-on staff or caterers, should be postponed or cancelled;
• formal or social runs may take place at the Section Committee’s discretion, but should not include pre-run gatherings or stops at cafes, public houses or suchlike: if that is not practicable, the event should be postponed or cancelled.
Sections are also asked to consider the situation of elderly or infirm Section members who may need live alone and/or need additional assistance at this difficult time. Phone calls would in general be better than house calls, but please do think about those who may need a hand or a friendly voice that cares.
The situation with major events such as Banbury and 1000 Bikes is a little less clear, but contingency plans are being investigated. Neither the Government, the ACU or the MSA, have so far said that public events of this type may not take place., but our anticipation is that this year’s nationally-organised events are likely to be postponed or cancelled. We cannot, however, confirm this until we hear officially from the appropriate regulatory authorities or the sites where these events are due to be based.
The Founder’s Relay Rally planned for Sunday 3rd May will be postponed until later in the year, provided a date can be found. The Rider’s Sheets for this will not now be distributed with the April Journal as originally planned.
As far as Allen House is concerned:
• the Library is closed for the duration, to both enquirers and volunteers;
• no visitors are permitted to enter the building;
• unless absolutely essential, staff will not for now attend external meetings and events.
At present, all of the Club’s staff are healthy, but anyone who shows the stated indicators of the virus will be sent home and told to self-isolate for 7 days. If this happens, we cannot guarantee that the office telephone will always be answered. In such circumstances, we ask for your understanding and patience, and suggest that for the duration, wherever possible contact with Allen House should be by email rather than telephone.
An ad-hoc Committee consisting of the Chair, Bob Clark; the Vice-Chair, Richard Thirkell; and Board Member Mario Costa-Sa, has oversight of the situation and I will be reporting to and reviewing matters with them on a regular basis. I fear that in the short term things are going to get worse rather than better, and that it may well be some time before the Club can resume its normal activities.
IAN BOTHAM
General Manager
Christmas Dinner Date 2019
Please remember that the Christmas dinner will be on Monday December 9th at the Newliston Arms in Kirkliston. Contact George to reserve your place.
Christmas Dinner 2018 CHANGE of Date
The date of the Christmas Dinner will now be Monday 10th December 2018 at the New Liston Arms.George will be emailing round with the menu in the next week or so.
Vintage Gathering 2017
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section.
The Scottish Veteran and Vintage Gathering,
9th and 10th September 2017.
Starting and finishing at Dirleton, East Lothian.
A non-competitive social run for motorcycles and three wheelers constructed before 1.1.1931. The entry fee is £15.00 for VMCC members and includes lunch. Day membership of the VMCC will be available to non-members.
Classes: 1. Veteran manufactured before 1.1.1915
2. Vintage manufactured between 1915 and 1930
Route: The route will be over approximately 60 miles touring the byways of East Lothian.
Venue: The Gathering will start and finish in the village of Dirleton, adjacent to The Castle Inn, Manse Road, EH39 5EP.
Entries: To Run Secretary , Ralph White, 102 Broomhall Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7PP. All cheques should be made payable to the “Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section, VMCC”. Closing date for inclusion in the programme will be 25th August 2017. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the organisers. Entrants must be VMCC members or take out day membership (cost met by the VMCC) and their machine must be road legal.
Timing: Assemble from 9.00am onwards and the first machine will depart at 10.30am. The rest will be recommended to follow, singly or in pairs, at approximately one minute intervals to space out the field for safety purposes. There will be a half way halt for lunch.
Parking: Safe parking and toilet facilities are available at the starting point.
Sweeper Vehicle: A sweeper vehicle will be provided and will follow the last entrants as they leave the start.
Awards: There will be an award for the best Sunbeam motorcycle taking part in the Gathering and a special award for achievement in keeping the spirit of riding veteran and vintage motorcycles alive and kicking (the 1907 Shaw Cup).
Evening Social and Saturday Run: For those making a weekend visit there will be a social run ( 25-30 miles) on the Saturday 9th September meeting at 1.00pm in the village of Dirleton, adjacent to The Castle Inn, Manse Road, EH39 5EP. On the Saturday evening, entrants and followers are welcome to come to an informal get together in The Castle Inn, Dirleton, from 7.30pm.
Accommodation: The Yellowcraig Caravan Park, a Caravan and Motorhome club site, is nearby, post code EH39 5DS
The Visit Scotland tourism website is [email protected]
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section.
ENTRY FORM
The Scottish Veteran and Vintage Gathering,
9th and 10th September 2017.
Starting and finishing in the village of Dirleton, East Lothian
A non-competitive social run open to members of the VMCC riding motorcycles and three wheelers manufactured before 1.1.1931. The entry fee is £15.00 for VMCC members and includes a lunch. The lunch includes two courses and tea/coffee. Day membership of the VMCC will be available at no extra charge.
Classes: 1.Veteran ( before 1.1.1915) and 2. Vintage (1915-1930)
Venue: The picturesque village of Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland.
Entries: Please apply to Ralph White, Run Secretary, 102 Broomhall Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7PP. The closing date for entries is 25th August 2017. Please contact Ralph White 0131 3344144 or email: [email protected]
Name:………………………… VMCC Number……………Age (Years)……… (please remember to bring your membership card)
Address…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………….Post Code…………………..
Email address…………………………………………………………………………
Tel No:……………………………….
Machine Make ………………………Model……………………… Year……………..
Ring as appropriate: Solo Sidecar Outfit Three Wheeler
Capacity:………………….cc.
Name of passenger ( if applicable)………………………..........................................
History/ background of your machine (optional)………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………......
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Cheque enclosed: Entry fee £15.00
Additional lunch (if required) £11.00
Total
(Payable to Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section, VMCC) £……….
The Scottish Veteran and Vintage Gathering,
9th and 10th September 2017.
Starting and finishing at Dirleton, East Lothian.
A non-competitive social run for motorcycles and three wheelers constructed before 1.1.1931. The entry fee is £15.00 for VMCC members and includes lunch. Day membership of the VMCC will be available to non-members.
Classes: 1. Veteran manufactured before 1.1.1915
2. Vintage manufactured between 1915 and 1930
Route: The route will be over approximately 60 miles touring the byways of East Lothian.
Venue: The Gathering will start and finish in the village of Dirleton, adjacent to The Castle Inn, Manse Road, EH39 5EP.
Entries: To Run Secretary , Ralph White, 102 Broomhall Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7PP. All cheques should be made payable to the “Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section, VMCC”. Closing date for inclusion in the programme will be 25th August 2017. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the organisers. Entrants must be VMCC members or take out day membership (cost met by the VMCC) and their machine must be road legal.
Timing: Assemble from 9.00am onwards and the first machine will depart at 10.30am. The rest will be recommended to follow, singly or in pairs, at approximately one minute intervals to space out the field for safety purposes. There will be a half way halt for lunch.
Parking: Safe parking and toilet facilities are available at the starting point.
Sweeper Vehicle: A sweeper vehicle will be provided and will follow the last entrants as they leave the start.
Awards: There will be an award for the best Sunbeam motorcycle taking part in the Gathering and a special award for achievement in keeping the spirit of riding veteran and vintage motorcycles alive and kicking (the 1907 Shaw Cup).
Evening Social and Saturday Run: For those making a weekend visit there will be a social run ( 25-30 miles) on the Saturday 9th September meeting at 1.00pm in the village of Dirleton, adjacent to The Castle Inn, Manse Road, EH39 5EP. On the Saturday evening, entrants and followers are welcome to come to an informal get together in The Castle Inn, Dirleton, from 7.30pm.
Accommodation: The Yellowcraig Caravan Park, a Caravan and Motorhome club site, is nearby, post code EH39 5DS
The Visit Scotland tourism website is [email protected]
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section.
ENTRY FORM
The Scottish Veteran and Vintage Gathering,
9th and 10th September 2017.
Starting and finishing in the village of Dirleton, East Lothian
A non-competitive social run open to members of the VMCC riding motorcycles and three wheelers manufactured before 1.1.1931. The entry fee is £15.00 for VMCC members and includes a lunch. The lunch includes two courses and tea/coffee. Day membership of the VMCC will be available at no extra charge.
Classes: 1.Veteran ( before 1.1.1915) and 2. Vintage (1915-1930)
Venue: The picturesque village of Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland.
Entries: Please apply to Ralph White, Run Secretary, 102 Broomhall Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7PP. The closing date for entries is 25th August 2017. Please contact Ralph White 0131 3344144 or email: [email protected]
Name:………………………… VMCC Number……………Age (Years)……… (please remember to bring your membership card)
Address…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………….Post Code…………………..
Email address…………………………………………………………………………
Tel No:……………………………….
Machine Make ………………………Model……………………… Year……………..
Ring as appropriate: Solo Sidecar Outfit Three Wheeler
Capacity:………………….cc.
Name of passenger ( if applicable)………………………..........................................
History/ background of your machine (optional)………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………......
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Cheque enclosed: Entry fee £15.00
Additional lunch (if required) £11.00
Total
(Payable to Auld Reekie Edinburgh Section, VMCC) £……….
Veteran Run in Glendaruel, Argyll 9th & 10th October 2016
Glendaruel on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll will be the venue for a run for pre-1915 motorcycles on Sunday 9 and Monday 10 October, 2016. The routes will be easy going in Cowal and there will be a ferry trip to the Isle of Bute and a run round the Island. There are eight entrants already booked to come from Holland riding 1902-08 motor bicycles. Seldom seen marques such as Rex, Excelsior , Williamson, Bradbury and James will be taking part and if you have never seen “The Pebok” this is your chance. Highland Section member and Glendaruel resident, Paul Morley, is the organiser so the event is in the hands of a very experienced veteran rider. The roads are quiet and the scenery is spectacular so come and join in the fun. Details from Paul Morley on 01369 820287 or [email protected] .The Early Motor Bicycle Run (John Macmillan on 01555 662760 or [email protected]) being organised by Clyde Valley Section on the Saturday 8 October at the Museum of Flight in East Lothian is a linked event so feel free to make a long weekend of the two occasions.
Alastair Alexander
1 August 2016
Alastair Alexander
1 August 2016