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North Wales and Cheshire Section meeting will be held on the 8th of April 2012
March Section Report 2012, written by Tim Miller
March 11th 2012.
The trip to the “Peal of Bells” was in misty drizzle after leaving Altrincham, we were using my van to travel to the meeting, and the last time it had been used was at the beginning of January to do another trip to Wales.
Fortunately I had the fore thought to put the battery on a trickle charger during the period of rest, I had not thought I would still be off work after all this time.
As we neared Wales the drizzle vanished to be replaced by a light mist overhanging the fields, the traffic was minimal except there were noticeably more bikers around, riding stingily and in groups, it was a sure sign of spring and the start of better weather.
We arrived at Holt village in record time, the road through the village was in the process of being re-surfaced, it did seem to be causing much confusion as the road markings had all been removed.
The current way of thinking by the highways department is to leave the worn barely visible road markings in place, then only do the minimum of maintenance if they receive complaints or there are accidents.
We arrived at the “Peal of Bells” with several minutes to spare before the official opening time, the road was empty except for a builders van outside an ex-police house opposite the pub.
There was a noticeable absence of church goers vehicles parked for St Chads Parish church, either the service had not lasted too long or the congregation arrived on foot.
Noon soon arrived and Phil opened the pub, Paul Mason (car) had already arrived and was also waiting to get in, we entered the pub together.
I already knew Jeff and Ruth Rowlands were at the rally organised by the Oxford section, Bill Hollis was elsewhere.
Mrs Tetlow had phoned up earlier in the week to inform us about Dave Tetlow being in hospital, we wish him well and hope to see him soon.
Listed in no particular order, Jane and I (car), Roy Johns (Round ETZ251), Roy’s Friend (?), Ray Hartopp (Saxon ETZ125), Ken Purcell (car), James Mather (Traby), Fred Rogers (car), Derrick Steele (BMW), Dave Ellis (TS150), Dave’s Friend (?), Don Halliburton (car), Fred Glover (car), Phil Banon (Supa 5), Fred Rogers (car), Jim Dutton (Scooter), absent for a few meetings Jayne Edwards and Barbara Truman (car), also for the first time a visit from Joe and Amanda in their Traby.
The front of the pub was now given over to 2 and 4 wheeled vehicles from east Germany, with Jayne’s Reliant Robin (manufactured in the midlands) parked nearby on the road
Phil was up to speed with the best coffee and sandwiches around, he also had another assistant manager with him.
I have for several months attempting to attract more exhibitors for the new Manchester Bike Show at the Event City next to the Trafford Centre unfortunately with little response, we have a large area for the display of our bikes and to try to attract more members.
James was fully occupied with introducing fellow Traby Club members Joe and Amanda to our section, our Summer camp at Carrog at the end of June will have the British 2T Club and Traby club as guests, hopefully it will be better weather this year.
For some reason this event has not been advertised in the current (late received) edition of the magazine, as a reminder it’s over the last weekend of June (Thursday the 28th June to Sunday 1st of July).
As always we hold a very informal meeting, hopefully as the weather improves we might be out in the beer garden during the future meetings.
I collected the Section Gazebo from James for use at the forthcoming events especially Houghton Tower Sprint on the 1st of April, if you are on an Mz you can get free entry to the Sprint, we are at the top near the main house,
We decided to leave, as members were drifting off home, I thought we would call in at the candle workshops on the way home.
After an excursion down a few unclassified lanes we arrived at a very large car park with a significant collection of parked cars, a reasonably sized, purpose built premises, housing several different businesses, the ground floor was given over to a large retail display of candles of all types, mostly with a significant price tag, a very small area was given over to the manufacture of candles and demonstrations.
A couple of wall charts gave all the relevant information about history, types and mass production processes. An open room was for teaching the process, with a large number of people dipping their wicks in wax making long candles to take home. They had a restaurant where you could buy pies and drinks (made from wax), I did not do any price comparisons. (Webmaster comment: Dipping you wick for a few quids sounds a good idea. I bet they are really busy! A drink made from wax? Pies from wax? I bet they were chewy!)
I have already looked at the Cheshire Shire Horse centre as a ride-out location, unfortunately it fails on 2 counts with admission being charged and the high price of the on site café.
PUSSY PORTIA'S Scratching CORNER By Jane Miller
Just as we thought our Pussy Portia (The Flash Black Cat with wet black nose) had taken to sleeping longer we were to be proven wrong.
I had mentioned in my last Scratchings that she had taken great exception to my occasionally feeding “the Pink Nosed Pussy” visitor which was making more frequent visits to Portia’s house. That is putting it mildly, I had glanced around the lower floor and garden of “Miller Towers” to see if our “Black Nosed Pussy” (Pussy Portia) was anywhere to be seen,
I went outside to the rear of the mansionlike dwelling to see if the normal meowing was emanating from the “Pink nosed Pussy” on the bike/car port roof. I put a dish of food out for her/him/it (its difficult to sex a cat when it seems loath to let you stroke it). When the Pink Pussy had finished eating, inhibitions seemed to have been lost and she/he/it came down for a stroke, I tentatively held out my hand to stroke the afore mentioned cat, when, no sooner had I made a movement the cat flap rattled and out shot “Pussy Portia”. The “Pink Nosed Pussy” made a break for it, but too late for within a tenth of a nano-second our vengeful pussy was nearly on top of the “intruder”.
I called out, and this made “Pussy Portia” halt for a micro second,.. just long enough for “Pink Nosed Pussy” to make good his/her/its escape. The quality of Portia’s mercy is definitely not strained. It would be dropping like drops of blood from Portia’s razor sharp talons if she had anything to do with it!
We still feed the sexless stray, but one eye is kept on the whole garden whilst eating is taking place. What will happen when there are two extra pussy's also sharing the garden?***.
(Webmaster’s note: ***Usually skin and hair flies!)
North Wales and Cheshire Section meeting held on the 8th of April 2012
Most who receive their tickets for the Stafford Bike Show by post will have received them, the others that do not I will be giving out at the meeting on Sunday.
The Houghton Tower Sprint we attended last Sunday was a pleasant day and reasonable numbers of the public attended, we had 3 other bikes from the North West Section who put in an appearance, unfortunately the meeting had not been advertised in the Magazine, I presume because the Editor had not thought it worthy of inclusion, There will be a report in the next issue of the Newsletter.
I mentioned in the last issue of the Newsletter I had been having trouble with the swinging arm on my ETZ250 and had succeeded in damaging the frame with the effort of removing the bolt, I have now removed the bolt and managed to repair the frame.
Due to the amount of oxidation and lifting paint I am in the process of refurbishing the cycle parts, I hope to have it finished for Carrog 2012, at the moment I have not got a bike on the road.
Bill Hollis has agreed to lead the ride-out at Carrog this year, we are still undecided where to go as some of the destinations charge an admission fee and I know “the MZ way is the cheap way” or so I have been lead to believe.
In July we have 2 Sunday Events in Wales, the Clwydd Practical Classics Show at Barlow’s Caravan site is of course on the second Sunday, and we can either hold an alternative meeting at the show or 2 separate meetings and share the members.
I will include a map with the Newsletter nearer the date, as last time it was a nightmare to find and the signage did not help.
The next event is on Sunday the 15th of July at Rhuddlan Hall, this is a new venue and will be yet another learning curve, I have asked for a reasonable amount of space, so bikes are needed to fill the space, we need as many as possible.
The show format is now fairly standard, the equipment is also easily available, the draw back is the quantity of bikes available to display hence the need for more, if you have not done a show before I would suggest you do, it never cease to amaze me the interest shown by the public and of course you can then explain to them the history about your bike.
Stafford Classic Show
Saturday the 28th and Sun 29th of April (all of the stand is now filled) set up Friday the 27th of April, Sandylands Hall, in the middle.
Carrog 2012, North Wales and Cheshire Section Annual Summer event
the summer rally at Carrog Camping and Caravan Site, is from Thursday the 28th of June till Sunday the 1st of July 2012.
With the draw of the raffle for the new Simson Sport 50, other entertainments, including the first apperence of the small East German Car Club.
And a ride-out to a local beauty spot or area of interest on Saturday morning/afternoon.
Clwyd Practical Classics show
Barlows Caravan Site, Sunday the 8th of July (confirmed place).
Rhuddlan Car and Bike Show
Rhuddlan Hall, Sunday the 15th of July (confirmed place).
St Asaph Car and Bike Show
Sunday the 16th of September (confirmed place) (promised to be cow pat free).
All the one day events will be free entry if you are showing a bike.
Stafford Mechanics Show
Saturday 20th & Sunday 22nd October.
As usual, the next meeting is on the second Sunday of the month at noon.
Ring 0161 928 5527 or e-mail repnwandcmzrc [at] sky [dot] com
Manchester Bike Show report March 2012, Written by Tim Miller.
The Event City Exhibition centre had only been open for eight months, the very large building had originally been constructed for Argos as a distribution centre for the North West.
I had downloaded a map from the Internet so I knew approximately the right place to wait for the opening times of the centre.
I had contacted the organisers about electricity for the stand, unfortunately they had quoted a large fee for supplying an extension lead, and this meant lighting would not be needed on this occasion for illuminating the stand.
After loading the van on the previous day with the items required for the stand excluding any electrical equipment, the trailer was loaded up with Jane’s freshly cleaned and polished ETZ125.
I had already received the instructions for Friday morning (setting up day), we arrived in good time for the 9.00am opening and waited with several other traders and exhibitors.
We waited, then did more waiting, eventually after some time we were able to gain admittance to the rear of the building (we had already been to the front of the building).
We lined up all facing the single loading door next to the numerous wagon loading bays, we did more waiting till finally the single door was opened and everybody started to pass through the entrance after having their tickets checked.
In the instructions I had been sent by post, warnings were issued about tank fuel levels, battery connections and strict notice about non admittance if the listed restrictions were not adhered to.
Amazingly when our turn arrived we were directed back to the front of the inside of the building after passing through a very large part of the building, eventually arriving at a neatly chalked out area, it was difficult to decide where the passageway was and where the stand ended.
We had been advised by somebody in charge there was a passage way on all four sides, quickly I stabilised the perimeter, I surmised the trailer would make a good active display and also double as a convenient storage space for our chairs and provisions.
I had a phone call from Tony Macadam to say he was just leaving home (in Stockport) and would be with us directly, I noticed there was a thoughtfully placed double socket on an upright RSJ that had been usefully placed in our marked out plot.
Due to restriction placed on the supply of an electrical extension I doubted if the socket was live, in the event the socket was live, careful parking of the trailer and we could use the socket to our benefit.
I had noticed the stand across the passageway was for the “Jawa/MZ Club”, it might have been a deliberate mistake or more meaningful.
Speaking of the devil, Glynn the Jawa/CZ section rep had just arrived ready to claim their stand, I mentioned the typographical error on his stand allocation, and he thought I had done it on purpose.
We continued to set up the stand (still thinking we had a passageway on all 4 sides) assembling the gazebo, with the improved MZ garage backcloth fastened to the back and the improved MZ banner across the front, (the banner now has a fibreglass tent pole to stiffen the sign and stop the tendency for it to roll up).
Sandy Morgan has donated some red and white bunting, this was used between the MZ sign and down one side of the Gazebo, Tony arrived and was able the place his bike under the bunting disguising the trailer behind it, Jane’s ETZ125 was placed on the other side of the Gazebo ,Tony had been followed by Fred Hudd he was going to give him a lift home on the back of his bike..
We had been told to get tickets for the following days from the organisers, there was some confusion over this aspect, but as the story unfolds you will discover the phrase “must do better” is very apt as is “ a party in a brewery”.
We finished off the stand setting up the MZ table with the various boxes of raffle tickets for this years Carrog prize a Simson 50cc sport moped (called a moped but it is misleading because it doesn’t have pedals) and other paraphernalia used at shows, our job was completed till the following day.
The following morning we arose bright and early, we had thoughtfully packed a few extras, an electric kettle, a quantity of beverages, plus sandwiches and other food carefully prepared by Jane the previous night.
We arrived at the front entrance of the Event City the following morning, after waiting for a significant time we and several others were told to go around the back of the building, I suppose in forethought the small sign on the lamp post should have instructed us, if we had known where to look we would have seen it.
I had been called on my mobile by Bill Hollis, he was waiting to get in to the back entrance, we rounded the corner and there was a traffic jam, we were then issued with a stamp on the hand to signify we were exhibitors, after a short wait we managed to get in and ended up going to the side entrance, this was for unloading only, there was no driving into the building at this time.
We started to move the few things we needed into the now more crowded hall, I noticed there was something different about our stand, but because it was in the distance it was difficult to understand the change until we got closer.
Unfortunately the gap between us and the Bikers with a Disability stand had now vanished as had the LC Club stand, this meant the gazebo was now facing the back of another stand this was far than ideal and would need prompt action to correct the miss-alignment.
I had been in contact with Mark Horobin, both he and Brendan Ruddy were showing their bikes, they had been having the same problems as us at the gate to the building.
They gingerly rode into the hall and parked up their bikes ready to help organise the display, James Mather (chairman) had meanwhile arrived and was unloading his bike trailer bringing in his ETZ250 and the raffle Simson Sport 50 into the hall.
Bill Hollis had brought his white ex-Police Saxon ETZ125 into the hall as well, he wanted some advice on his van and because we both had similar engines in our vehicles I was able to advise him whilst I went to move my van back to the exhibitors car park.
With the van parked in a suitable position I was able to carry the remaining few requisites back into the hall, after what seemed like an immense distance I arrived back at our stand, I realised my pneumonia was still present as I was quite out of breath, Jane made me sit down till I had recovered.
Meanwhile everybody had been busy by turning around the gazebo, it was now facing the Jawa/CZ stand, also all the bikes had been placed into a semblance of order, with the trailer hidden under the bunting the stand looked more like an old garage, all that was missing was the smell of old oil and new tyres , with a coke brazier burning in the back ground.
Most of the other stands had been set up on Friday, it was just a matter of a few finishing touches before the hoards of people arrived, of particular concern was an arrival on a chopped scooter the previous day, the owner had ridden it into the hall, presumably it was road legal, how it had passed an MOT was anybody’s guess (possibly done at Blind Pete s Testing station).
Access to the better toilet facilities in the Foyer to the building were by showing the passes on our hands, they were ultramodern with special hand dryers that worked in seconds, these were the opposite to the general building toilets inside the exhibition hall, they had the appearance of over use and worked just as badly.
Soon the doors were open to the visitors, every body else on the stand went for a walk around the halls leaving Jane, Bill, James and I to answer guests questions, we have decided to give surplus mags to the general public as well as information leaflets, it all adds to the prospective new members source of help and information.
Mark and Brendan returned and said there did not seem to be much to see, I said “have you seen both halls”, they had not and it was a revelation.
There was confusion over the requirement for tickets for the following day and collection times on Sunday, Bill and Mark were both hoping to get away early, it seemed to be out of the question due to Health and Safety reasons, Brendan was unable to collect his bike till much later in the evening.
The day progressed with visits by many people buying raffle tickets, asking for information and much discussion between us all on the stand.
There was a large stand given to the Salford Nights (Hells Scooter Riders), there did not seem to be anybody manning the stand or information available over the whole weekend.
In the far corner of the hall was a Trials Bike riding display, at various points during the day the relative noise level was broken by a load thud of a bike landing on a pile of pallets much to applause by the captive audience and a rock band who on regular sessions provided us with popular tunes or their version of them.
Jane and I went for a walk around the 2 halls, I knew most of the goods on offer would be expensive, but I was comparing with Stafford in October of the previous year, a large number of the exhibitors are at other shows as well, as normal several were in duplication, some were not connected in any form with motor cycling but I suppose they are a necessity as they make up the numbers.
I spoke to the people on the Cossack Owners Club stand briefly, before venturing further, I was seeking heat-shrink tubing, unfortunately all I could find was one stall with only one product available and this was not of the quality required.
Soon the end of the day arrived, I stashed what I could on the trailer and disconnected the extension lead from the wall socket, we and the Jawa/CZ Club had been making full use of the free power all day and did not want to loose the facility on the following day.
A short journey home, we prepared for the next day and retired to arrive the next day at the Event City rear entrance slightly later than yesterday, we waited outside the door to the exhibition hall till the gate was lifted, our supplies were taken in, hidden items made plain and chairs arranged.
I took the van back to the exhibitors car park and made use of an easy access parking spot, returning back after an excursion through the lower half of the exhibition hall.
Bill was the first to arrive followed by James later on, unfortunately one of stands had decided to bring a boom box in and keep us entertained by selections of “Rock Hits” , this was to the accompaniment of the Master of ceremonies on his PA not many feet to our rear, also with the band from the other day also giving their help to provide the general din created.
The noise level was becoming distracting making walking about the place a necessary evil, the sales of raffle tickets was proceeding slowly as was the requirement for information from the general public.
Tony and Eve arrived late morning, they went for a look around, on a frequent basis the MC would announce something unintelligible, I was asked by a member of the public about modifications to his Honda bike to make it easier to ride by a disabled person, with great difficulty I was able to convince him he was on the wrong stand and unless the bike was an MZ I would not be able to help him.
Because it was Mothering Sunday, the crowds were not as great as the previous day although it was only later in the day that people numbered less than exhibitors.
At 4.00pm we were entertained by a prolonged session by the MC who I believe was awarding prizes to various people, none of whom I had heard of and none of his words I understood.
The lack of visitors prompted dismantling by the other stalls, we decided to follow suit and soon had everything packed away for loading in the back of the van, amazingly people were starting their bikes after they had been disabled (supposedly, by disconnecting the batteries), because the doors had been kept shut the fumes created were undesirable to say the least.
More upset tingly was the owners of Hardley Davidsons (famous for the phrase “more mouth than trousers”) who had open exhausts fitted, they would sit revving their engines filling the building with carbon monoxide and noise.
Bill, Mark, Tony, Fred and James were all waiting by the door to enable loading and departure, Mark (having lost his ignition key and had borrowed one from James’ ETZ301) was keen to get away because of an urgent appointment with his family at a restaurant for Mother’s day.
Jane had left to collect the van from the exhibitors car park some time before, I was in the midst of packing up the remainder of the show equipment when I noticed some confusion on the far side of the hall, all the stands were being dismantled and already vans were in the hall blocking the passageways so passage was now fraught with problems.
I noticed the familiar shape of my van meandering across the hall with Jane in the drivers seat looking very worried, she was being guided by a security person, I had to wave violently to give a destination to her torturous journey.
We loaded up the van and trailer in record time, using the facilities a final (unhindered) this time, then made our way out of the now nearly empty hall into daylight and a easy drive home on empty roads, we will be there again next year and it will be better.
My thanks go out to my wife Jane (ETZ125) for her constant support, also for showing their bikes and support James Mather (ETZ250, Simson Sport 50), Bill Hollis (Saxon ETZ125), Mark Horobin (TS125), Brendan Ruddy (Scorpion) and Tony MacCadam (ES250).
RATTLING Number 94. APRIL 2012. Newsletter of Staffs & District Section
First of all I must apologise for last months Rattling. Don’t ask me what went wrong; I don’t know. Comes from being something of a computer Luddite who only uses one because I have to! Now I mentioned that the library was being sold off for Section funds due to it never being used. This has now been done with Brian purchasing 99% of the books. He thinks they should be kept together and available to members of the Section. I have a number of manuals and parts lists as well ; indeed many members have, so if you need such a book just ask and I am sure we can find what you want. I think between us we will be able to offer information on most models, including some rather rare ones. Also if it is only a specific matter that you need to know about you will be able to contact someone who has the relevant literature and ask for details, then perhaps that page or pages can be printed off and sent to you. This will mean that if someone has a book that they don’t wish to pass around the information will still be available. If you have any Manuals/ Parts list etc and are willing to share with other members, please let me know what you have so that I can point anyone who asks in the right direction. Maybe we could also do the same with special tools. I also have an old video covering several MZ models and a couple of Simsons as well. I know that not many people can play Videos now so we (Roy) are attempting to get it transferred to a disc. If this works out then other copies can be made and will be available to buy at cost plus a few pence for the funds. (Since writing this things have progressed so see the section at the end titled DVD).
DVD.
The video that I mentioned has now been copied and I hope to have a few copies for sale at this meeting. The total cost is three pounds fifty pence per copy and if you are an MZ nut I am sure you will not be disappointed. Running time is nearly fifty minutes and there is some very rare footage including a look inside the factory. After the half dozen that we have got have gone more can be obtained to order. Thanks to Roy H for doing the running about on this one.
Well it did it again!. Fine all the week then dreadful weather on Sunday. I went to get the bike out, saw snow falling so made a few calls and went in the car. Only Brian V and Richard arrived at the cafe by bike and they went home after a breakfast as they were rather wet. Then at the VC we had Dave Smith, Dave from Stone and one HC member on bikes but we did have a total of twenty five in attendance. Now if anybody wants a bike trailer for £100, (value £200), or a Suzuki 120 plus a new petrol tank for same, contact Ollie. A bit of sad news in that the Clubs show at Stanford Hall is no more; mainly due to the fees for staging the event going up and the VJMC pulling out. However there is a transport show at Weston Park later in the month if anyone is desperate for a fix of old vehicles. (Usually expensive).
I had a phone call from a new member mid month asking for information about a charging problem on a TS. Now I am not great on electrics, (understatement)(, but I know a man who is. Darryl agreed to help and by now I hope that the problem will be solved. So if you see a new member at the meeting say hallo to Kim Smith and make him welcome
Don’t forget that this newsletter is for everyone so if you want to write something for it just let me have it and it will be included; also use it to advertise sales and wants.
I have picked up a copy of the brochure for the Seven Valley Railway for 2012. There does not seem to be the usual vintage day in the autumn listed so I have picked another run that I think Dave the Famous suggested some time ago. It is to a small industrial railway and mine site in North Staffs. Please note that it is on a SATURDAY.
Just a reminder to everyone that Phil Speakman and his good lady will be up and running for MZ spares from the first of May. Have a look at their web site (www.theMZshop.co.uk). Their e-mail is mail@theMZshop.co.uk. If you order anything you will be able to pay by various means including giving them a ring and paying with you plastic, or even pay pal, (whatever that is). (0151 493 1390).
There is quite a bit in the diary now and I think it is as good as full for the time being although there is always room for one more as they say.
The weather has been great for a few days now so Roy H and I have been able to get a few miles in and sample the delights of various coffee houses; just for a change! Including the canal side one at Norbury Junction where bacon butties were the order of the day before a short ride to the ice cream farm at Haughton. Can’t be bad!
Well, that is about it for this month so ride safe. Cheers.................Barrie.
DIARY 2012 My Home Phone 01922 622 456 Mobile Phone (07716 268 055 ON CLUB RUNS.-I’ll remember to switch it on)
- Sun 15th April. Chasewater Classic Show. Free event. Meet in Railway Station Cafe at 12.30
- Afternoon ride; Cannock Chase Historic sites. Leave Railway cafe at 2.15pm
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- Sun 6th May Club day ride in from Norbury Junction. 10.15am
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- Wed 30th May The Cathedral of the peaks. Tideswell. Meet Ashbourne Garden Centre. 10.30am
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- Sun 3rd June Club Day ride in from Byrkley Garden Centre. (Nr. Draycot in the Clay). 10.15am
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- Sun 10th June Meriden Meg-a-ride. Details in Rattling. Start point later
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- Wed 20th June Matlock fish and chip supper.
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- Sun 1st July Club day ride in from Stone (Aston) Marina. On A51 just before Stone. 10 00am.
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- Wed 18th July Evening ride out . End up at Fradley junction. Meet at Blythfield Reservoir 6.30pm.
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- Sun 22nd July. Darley Moor Races. meet by bottom (1st) bend at 1pm.
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- Sun 5th Aug Club day ride in from Froghall Railway Station. A52, Five miles west of Ashbourne.10.00am
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- Sat 11th Aug. Apedale Railway and mine. Meet at Garden Centre at Clayton, S.O.T. 11am
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- Sun 19th Aug Classic vehicle day at Lupin Farm, Orgreave, Near Alrewas. Meet by burger van 1pm
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- Sun 2nd Sept Club day ride from Norbury Junction. 10.15am
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- Sun 7th Oct Club day ride in from Fradley Junction. 10.15am
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- Sun 4th Nov Club day ride from Tamworth garden centre. (I will not be at this meeting Holiday!) 10.15am
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