1 We welcomed twenty-six members to the meeting. It was especially good to see Roy & Chris and Phil & Joy at the meeting following illness. Welcome back, we all missed you.
2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Stuart, Dave W & Harry.
3 In the absence of Jason Hall, due to a motor-cycle accident, we welcomed Phil Graham of Blood Bikes Wales who gave a presentation on the Group’s on-going charitable work in the NHS sector. The emergence of sepsis had become a major requirement for BBW’s daily transporting of sepsis samples to the laboratories from the South Wales hospitals to speed up the disease diagnosis time. This increased demand for their services had raised substantially the need for more IAM riders, they would always welcome any enquiries. Because of the previous and constant mechanical failures of their historic fleet of three BMW machines they had moved to Honda models and, so far, the switch had been very successful, maintenance costs had fallen, breakdowns had reduced and the riders were very happy with the new machines.
Les and Barry then presented to Graham a cheque for £2,000, the amount representing the sum that the region had raised for the charity at its July Caerphilly RFC Wing Ding. Graham was very grateful. The meeting congratulated BBW for its on-going work and wished them every success in the future; it was hoped that we could continue to support them financially.
4 The 2025 GWOCGB Renewal Subscriptions are now due; costs are Single Membership £28.00, Joint Membership £35.00. From a straw poll taken, it appeared that everyone present at the meeting had renewed their membership which was very encouraging.
5 Barry reported that nine South Walian Wings would be attending the Belgium Treffen in May, 2025 their ferry places for the Harwich/Hook of Holland ferry having been booked. Nearer to the date, travel arrangements would be organised. It was noted that due to the high costs of enhanced travel/medical insurance Barry would not be making the trip – what it is to be medically unfit!!!!
6 The GWOCGB Wing Ding and the GWEF Treffen calendars for 2025 are now available on the GWOCGB Website.
7 Barry reminded the meeting that voting on-line for the GWOCGB National Committee positions was now open on the GWOCGB Website. Members are asked to ensure they use their vote for this important part of the Club’s business.
8 Barry provided feedback on discussions he had with alternative Weston Super Mare Hotels for a potential Turkey &Tinsel Christmas Weekend in December, 2025. He reported that two hotels (Grand Atlantic & Smiths) were prepared to offer a three-day (not TWO day) package in the early part of December similar to that previously provided by the Sandringham Hotel. The cost quoted varied between £54 and £60 per person, per night, so for a couple the weekend cost would be about £360. On top of this cost would be overnight parking.
The amount of interest shown by the meeting for organising such an event was muted to say the least. In the circumstances, please let me have your urgent thoughts; unless there is real support for an away weekend, we will not be proceeding.
9 If anybody has not had a CRASH Card for their helmet, please contact Barry.
10 The February 2025 Vale Food Bank Newsletter has been received and re-emphasised the need for on-going food supplies to feed concerned families. Perhaps Roger can talk nicely to Unilever Limited to see if there is any chance of obtaining some Pot Noodles.
11 A big thank you was given to Malcolm for repairing, re-jigging and donating a Static Display trailer which was now being stored in our container. We also have a gazebo and a feather flag and now need supplies to support those South Walians taking part in static displays. Following a discussion, it was agreed that the Treasurer could purchase the necessary supplies to kit out the trailer, this would include for example a camping table, a gas cartridge fed cooker, water container, ancillary items etc., etc. The costs were estimated to be about £80.
12 We had received a reminder about an invitation to provide a static display at the Bargoed May Fair in Bargoed Town on Saturday 3 May, 2025 from 0900 to 1700, the event being organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and they are prepared to pay a token fee to our charity. Following a discussion, it was agreed that we would support this event and the Council be informed accordingly.
13 It was further agreed to support the Classic & Contemporary Motorcycle Show at Llanishen High School, Cardiff on Saturday/Sunday 3/4 May, 2025.Organised by VMCC. 1000 – 1600. Barry would inform the organisers.
14 We had also received an invitation to attend the Field of Dreams Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday 1 June, 2025 at Riverside Holiday Park, Swansea from 1000 to 1600. Weather permitting, we would attend this event.
15 We had received a request from a Ms Carrie Watkins of Blackwood to take her aged Mother and Mother-in-Law on a Wing Bike Ride. Something which was on their “bucket list”. A number of trike riders agreed to provide the transport for the ladies, supported by a few solos for company. Weather permitting, Barry would find a suitable weekend day for the ladies and let members know.
16 Events coming up:
a. GWOCGB Annual General Meeting – Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa on Sunday 27 April, 2025 at 1100.
b. Panteg House Classic Car Show – Saturday 17 May, 2025.
c. Dinas Powys Rotary Club Classic Vehicle Show at Sully – Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, 2025.
17 Finances as at 8 March, 2025 were as follows:
a. Current Account £69.80, Deposit Account £3,766.08.
18 AOB:
a. Lester advised that a special event to mark the 50th Anniversary of the first manufacture of the Honda Gold Wing is being held. The date is Sunday 6 July, 2025 at the Ace Café, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, London, NW10 7UD from 0900 to 1700. If there is enough interest, he is hoping to organise a South Wales Wings Run Out. Please note that the venue is within the ULEZ zone and for GL1500’s and possibly early GL1800’s there would be a £12.50 congestion charge payable.
b. Eddie reported to Barry after the meeting that the Chepstow Racecourse was looking to expand the activities they held at the venue, and it might be a possible place to hold a British Treffen. Barry would investigate.
19 The raffle raised £27.00 for regional funds, thanks to everyone concerned.
20 The date of our next Meeting will be Sunday, 13 April, 2025 at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830.
South Wales Wings 