1 We welcomed twenty-one members to the meeting including a potential new member Jeff, who we met at the Brecon Show.
2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Bob & Sonja, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Phil & Joy, Tom, Stuart, Dave P, Mark, John and Harry.
3 We received a presentation from Jason Hall, Public Relations Officer for Blood Bikes Wales (BBW). The presentation focussed mainly on how to keep safe on a motorcycle and the problems that BBW riders had with other road users. The Group had been in operation for over forty years with a very good accident record. However, BBW are now increasing their efforts with biker training to try to ensure no fatalities occur. Unfortunately, they have had two this year. Jason was keen to hear from their supporting groups for any advice they could provide bearing in mind the riding experience of those group riders.
They continue to transport sepsis samples, blood, blood plasma and expressed milk around Wales and elsewhere assisting the NHS where they can out of hours. Educating any new NHS staff of the services they provide is an ongoing challenge. The fleet of motorcycles they use has been expanded to meet the changing needs of riders including new lady riders. Jason thanked us for the £250 donation that we made to them earlier in the year and offered to provide a BBW merchandise stall at our July Wing Ding which we warmly accepted. Jason was thanked for attending in the usual way.
4 GWOCGB Membership Cards have all now been distributed to those who have renewed their membership.
5 If anyone has not had a CRASH card, please contact Barry.
6 Barry shared with the meeting details of the Vale Foodbank (FB) Monthly newsletter for April and thanked everyone who had donated much needed food items. Tonight’s donations would be taken to the FB Warehouse later this week.
7 South Wales Fire & Rescue Services are still intending to arrange a free Biker Down three-hour course. Any more names to Barry please.
8 Malcolm provided feedback on a remarkably successful and well attended by the public Brecon Classic Motorcycle Show. It was unfortunate that we only displayed three Gold Wings and it was hoped that for future shows, wherever they are held, they are better attended by the Region’s members. Congratulations to Eddie for winning a Trike award.
9 Barry provided a further update on the 2026 Christmas Away Weekend in Torquay. It is from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December. Cost £119.95 per person, non – refundable Deposit £40 per person payable on booking which will now be up to 30 April, 2026 not 31 May, 2026, balance due 1 October, 2026. Forty-three members from our region and other regions have booked so far.
10 Barry also talked about our 2026 South Wales Wing Ding and confirmed the dates as 14 to 19 July, 2026. Venue: Caerphilly RFC. Since the meeting have now heard from the Caerphilly Club that their kitchen is no longer fit for purpose. In the circumstances, it was agreed that we would provide attending members with a limited breakfast with Myra leading the catering as a holder of a current Hygiene Certificate. If any other member is prepared to attend a Hygiene Course the Region will pay the cost. Eddie kindly offered to talk to his Caterer friend about the loan of possible cooking equipment. We would, however, not be able to provide evening meals to attendees but there were plenty of restaurants and Take Aways in the area.
11 Barry outlined a Draft Budget for the Wing Ding which identified a shortfall of £900 which would be met by our reserves, if found necessary. The budget provided for two Portaloo (one standard, one disabled), a 4.5 cu yard Skip Bag (thanks to Eddie for mentioning this alternative to a Skip), a DJ for Thursday and Friday and a soloist for the Saturday evening. Barry asked the meeting to make extra special efforts to secure any donations from businesses/members that might be interested in supporting/sponsoring the event.
12 Another request had been received to provide a Ride Out for an 82-year-old from the daughter of Mr Terry Williams, ex-member of South Wales Wings, suggested date Sunday 19 April, 2026. Unfortunately, there was no one available to provide the Ride Out and the Region’s officers would be attending the GWOCGB AGM. Barry would let the daughter know and see if an alternative date could be found probably for a trike or a quad to assist.
13 The request to provide a Ride Out for an 80-year-old OAP, same lady as last year, would like to go out again in possibly April/May, 2026, was still outstanding and it was hoped that a date could now be found in May.
14 The invitation to attend the 2026 Classic & Contemporary Motorcycle Show at Llanishen High School, Cardiff on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, 2026 being organised by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club was being supported by the Region and attending Wings should go direct to the School with their Wings on the Friday after 1700 or Saturday before 0830. Overnight accommodation is now available on the Saturday, but you will need a sleeping bag and a camp bed.
15 The invitation to attend the Panteg House Classic Vehicle Show at Griffithstown on Saturday 16 May, 2026 is being supported by the Region. Please meet at McDonalds Car Park, New Inn, Pontymoile, Pontypool NP4 0XBA, A4042 at 0915, leaving at 0930
16 The invitation to attend the 2026 Vale of Glamorgan Classic Vehicle Show at Sully Sports Fields on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, 2026 organised by the Dinas Powys Rotary Club is being supported and Entry Passes have been distributed to those attending. Meet-Up arrangements will be confirmed at next month’s meeting.
17 An Invitation has been received to attend the South Wales Classic Car Club Show at Cardiff City Football Stadium on Sunday 28 June, 2026 from 1130 to 1730. Exhibitors on site before 1030. Names please to Barry asap.
18 Events coming up:
a. GWOCGB AGM at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa on Sunday 19 April, 2026 at 1100.
b. Motorcycle Show – Llanishen High School – Saturday/Sunday 2/3 May, 2026.
c. Panteg House Vehicle Show – Saturday 16 May, 2026.
d. Vale of Glamorgan Show – Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, 2026.
e. 2026 South Wales Wing Ding, 14 to 19 July, 2026, Caerphilly RFC.
f. South Wales Classic Car Club Show – Cardiff City Stadium – Sunday 28 June, 2026
19 Finances as of 11 April, 2026:
a. Current Account £31.85, Deposit Account £3,872.33, of which £640.00 is Turkey & Tinsel deposits.
20 AOB:
a. Malcolm informed the meeting that all regional Reps had been asked by the GWOCGB National Committee to research the history of their individual regions so that the main Club could be promoted further by providing additional public information thereby attracting new members. The history and a resume of our Regional activities were at present being created but, if any member was able to assist, would they please contact him.
b. Malcolm reminded the meeting of the importance of the GWOCGB AGM which would provide Regional members with how the main club operated and the role of the National Committee. Both he and Barry would be attending and car spaces were available for those interested.
c. Lester expressed concern about the physical condition of our Wing Ding caravan and whether it was still suitable or safe for use this year. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed to dispose of the caravan soonest and Malcolm offered to advertise it for free to someone interested in its parts. If that was not successful, it was also agreed that it would be given to a Caravan Scrap Yard. For this year’s Wing Ding Inscription would take place in the Party Tent.
21 The raffle raised £23.00 for Regional funds thankyou to Chris and all those that supported her.
22 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 10 May, 2026, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830.Ride safe and stay healthy
South Wales Wings 