1 We welcomed twenty-six members to the meeting. It was good to see Jeff Howells who had not been able to attend for some months. We also welcomed new members Mike Jones, Gareth Evans and Jeff Hallett to his second meeting.
2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Bob & Sonja, Nigel & Sarah, Roy, June, Brian, Lester and Harry.
3 If anyone has not had a CRASH card, please contact Barry.
4 The Vale Foodbank Monthly newsletter for May had been received and support for needy families had continued to rise. Our appeal for selected food items had been successful with members donating many of the items requested; thank you for your wonderful donations to date.
5 The South Wales Fire & Rescue Services intended to arrange a free Biker Down three-hour course. Any more names to Barry please. Stuart reported that he had talked to the course organiser and it was hoped a date would be sorted shortly.
6 Barry provided feedback on the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club Llanishen Motorcycle Show which had taken place the previous weekend. The show had 115 motorcycle entries including 6 Wings from the Region on the Saturday and 4 on the Sunday. Public footfall had been good; an excellent improvement on the previous year. Eddie had won a couple of awards, so congratulations are due to him.
7 Eddie and Sue had attended the Wales on Wheels Event in Swansea on Saturday 9 May which had been an excellent show with lots of different vehicles being displayed, although no motorcycles. It was hoped that that might change next year. There had also been a local trader’s market held with the event which had been extremely popular with the public.
8 Barry provided a further update on the 2026 Christmas Away Weekend in Torquay. From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December. Cost £119.95 per person, booking had now closed and we have 46 people attending, balance of the cost is due 1 October, 2026.
9 The 2026 South Wales Wing Ding 14 to 19 July, 2026 at Caerphilly RFC. Breakfast food now being organised by Myra, there being plenty of local restaurants available for dinner. We are meeting with Caerphilly RFC at the Clubhouse on Thursday 14 May, at 1530 to finalise arrangements. If anyone is free to assist Malcolm and Barry, please come along.
10 As usual, we are asking for supplies for the Wing Ding. Items needed are on the attached list. Please bring any donations to the June or July regional meetings. In addition, we are also looking for raffle prizes and donations if you know of anyone who can help.
11 The SWW Caravan has been emptied and it has been advertised on Facebook to anyone who wishes to take it away for free. If that is not successful, it will be taken to the caravan dismantlers at Cwmbran.
12 The SWW Pennants need re-stocking and Barry had sourced new ones at £28.00 each which seemed rather expensive. Both Eddie and Stuart kindly offered to check with suppliers they knew to obtain alternative and competitive prices.
13 We agreed that on Tuesday 19 May we will, weather permitting, provide a Ride Out for 82-year-old Mr Terry Williams, ex-member of South Wales Wings. Meeting arrangements to follow.
14 We also agreed the date of Thursday 21 May to take, weather permitting, an OAP lady Phylis out for a ride. Meeting arrangements to follow.
15 The Panteg House Classic Vehicle Show at Griffithstown is on Saturday 16 May, 2026. Meeting arrangements – Please meet at McDonalds Car Park, New Inn, Pontymoile, Pontypool, NP4 0XB, A4042 at 0915, leaving at 0930.
16 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. Meeting arrangements – For those with Entry Passes, please meet at Barrys, 8 St Teilo Close, Dinas Powys, CF64 4TY at 0830/0845 leaving at 0930. If you want a bacon butty at Barrys, please let him know before Wednesday 20 May, 2026.
17 We have received an invitation 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.
18 Also, an invitation to attend the Brynmawr Classic Car Show in the Town Centre on Sunday 26 July, 2026 1000 to 1400. Names please.
19 And, an invitation to attend the Swansea Motorcycle Show on Sunday 6 September, 2026 1000 to 1500 at the Swansea Bus Museum, SA1 7DA. Names please.
20 Further, an invitation from Caerphilly Council to take part and the Region to be paid to attend the Bargoed Christmas Light Switch on Saturday 14 November at 1615, Caerphilly Light Switch on Friday 20 November at 1730 and Blackwood Light Switch on Saturday 28 November at 1615.
21 Events coming up:
a. Panteg House Vehicle Show – Saturday 16 May, 2026.
b. Terry Williams Ride Out – Tuesday 19 May, 2026.
c. 82-year-old Phylis Ride Out – Thursday 21 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.
22 Our finances as at 10 April, 2026 were:
a. Current Account £6.80, Deposit Account £3,175.14.
23 AOB:
a. Malcolm mentioned that weather permitting he is trying to organise a regional all day Run Out to the Elan Valley and Devil’s Bridge. Regular comfort breaks would be planned. Date to be advised.
b. He also mentioned that Craig and Lyn Mears had re-joined the Club; he hoped they would be able to attend future regional meetings.
c. Myra asked if she could attend the Vale of Glamorgan Show despite it being after the Show closure date when a fee of £10.00 is normally charged by the organisers. Following a discussion, it was agreed that if a fee for her attendance is charged the Region would pay it. Barry would speak to the organisers accordingly.
d. Jeff Howells advised the meeting of a change of password for the Member’s Section of the SWW Website (https://south-wales-wings), it is now SWW2026 He also requested articles and photographs for the Website, if you are going out for a trip please take some photos and write an article to publish. Jeff’s email address for such items is gl24carat@hotmail.com Malcolm advised that he would be taking Member photographs for the SWW Website at future regional meetings.
e. Dave McF advised the meeting that a Winger in Rhoose was selling a 1997 GL1500SE Solo wing, 54K miles, 12 months MOT and full of extras. Price £3,500. If interested, Barry and Dave have photos which I will try to attach to these Notes.
f. Eddie reported that he had seen drugs advertised on the GWOCGB Facebook page which was inappropriate. Barry would talk to the GWOCGB Webmaster accordingly.
24 The raffle raised £29.00 for regional funds. Thanks to Christine and those members who had purchased tickets or donated prizes.
25 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 14 June, 2026, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830 (Barry and others will be returning from the Norfolk Wing Ding and may be late).
South Wales Wings 