1 We welcomed twenty-four members to the meeting; it was hoped that a couple of newly registered members would attend next month.
2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Bob & Sonja, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Harry, Stuart, Les and Dave W,
3 Lester reported back on the Yorkshire Wing Ding he and Angela had attended. It was a good Wing Ding with sixty-six inscriptions and eleven regions represented. Good run outs, nice site and brilliant company. No food in the Clubhouse but that did not seem to bother the attendees, they made their own arrangements, the town was in close walking distance.
4 Malcolm reported back on the Trent Drop In which he and Irene had attended. Excellent runouts as organised by Alan Roulston and attended by twenty-four Wings. One run-out ended with attendance at a Steam Fayre at no cost and a very worth while event with a static display by the Wingers. Good raffle, acceptable Disco and DJ. Fifty-four inscriptions with thirteen regions represented, £630 raised for a local charity. A brilliant weekend, very well organised.
5 If anyone has not had a CRASH card, please contact Barry.
6 The Vale Foodbank June and July monthly newsletters had been received which told the continuing story of the ongoing need for Foodbanks. Families and especially children going without regular food and using the donated resources for nourishment. It was hoped that at sometime in the future the Region could again donate the pot noodles once provided by Unilever Limited.
7 Eddie reported back on the Bedwas Transport and Motor Day held on 22 June, 2025; Eight Wings had displayed at a not so well public attended event. It was hoped that a local motorcycle club could organise the event in the future at a different venue, possibly in a local school.
8 Eddie also reported back on the South Wales Classic Car Show at Cardiff City FC held on 29 June, 2025 at which three regional members had attended. A very good, well supported show with many of the public showing considerable interest in the Wings. The organisers had apologised for the failure of an invite to the region for the event which had clashed with another event on the GWOCGB calendar.
9 Malcolm provided a feedback on the Brynmawr Classic Vehicle Show held on 27 July, 2025. Eight Wings had attended a very well supported show by both exhibitors and public alike. The site for motorcycles was a bit cramped but we managed. One for the calendar next year, I am sure.
10 We did not attend the Fonmon Castle Car Show on Saturday 5 July, 2025 despite there being some interest which unfortunately did not materialise.
11 We have received an invitation to attend the Swansea Festival of Motor Cycles at the Swansea Bus Museum on Sunday 24 August, 2025 from 1030 to 1530. Unfortunately, many of us will be at the British Treffen that day so will not be able to attend. That said, three members not going to the Treffen indicated that they would support the Show and make direct contact with the organisers to book themselves in. Barry would arrange the appropriate Public Liability Insurance for our regional attendance.
12 We have also received an invitation to attend the first Rougemont School Classic Car Show in Newport on Saturday 20 September, 2025 from 1000 to 1700. Eight members indicated an interest in attending, weather permitting, Meet up arrangements would be discussed at our next meeting.
13 Dates for your diaries: Weather permitting – Saturday 29 November, 2025 Caerphilly River of Light Lantern Parade. For those not going to Torquay, Saturday 6 December, 2025 Bargoed Music and Light Lantern Parade.
14 South Wales Fire & Rescue Services intend to arrange a free Biker Down three-hour course. Any more names to add to the five who have already said they would like to attend? Please contact Barry accordingly.
15 Any more interest in attending the Christmas Away Weekend in Torquay? Barry has to contact the hotel at end of August to finally confirm numbers. It is from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December. Cost £119.95 per person, Deposit £40 per person due on booking. Please contact Barry soonest.
16 Barry posed the question as to whether we are wishing to host a Wing Ding in 2026? Following a discussion, it was agreed that we would at a venue and dates to be decided. Barry advised that he had been in contact with Caerphilly RFC and they could host the event at a cost of £1,000 (same as 2024) and dates during July, 2026 were currently available. It was also possible that food at the Clubhouse would be served. The suggested dates were 7 to 12 July, 2026 or 14 to 19 July, 2026. Please, would everyone consider whether there are any other Wing Ding sites that might be suitable and available for whilst Caerphilly is an excellent venue with smaller numbers attending such events the site cost could be a struggle unless we can get some sizeable donations. Bring your thoughts to the next meeting.
17 Events coming up:
a. Irish Treffen at Birr. County Offaly, Eire 14 to 17 August, 2025.
b. British Treffen at Bishop Aukland Rugby Club 21 to 25 August, 2025.
18 The regional finances as at 9 August, 2025:
a. Current Account £29.14, Deposit Account £3,887.41.
19 AOB:
a. Barry reported that a request had been received from the British Treffen Co-ordinator for regions to support the Treffen by donating small but suitable items for the Goody Bag. Ideally, 450 items would be needed. Following a lengthy discussion, it was unanimously agreed to donate £100 to the Treffen, it was felt that the cost of supplying that number of suggested items being too excessive for the region.
b. Dave McF reminded members that wooden (in rosewood or yew) models of GL1800 bikes were available at a cost of £40 each. If interested, please contact Dave via Barry.
20 The raffle raised £26 for regional funds, thank you to Chris and all those members who donated prizes.
21 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 14 September, 2025, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830.
South Wales Wings 