1 We welcomed twenty members to the meeting.
2 Malcolm updated the meeting about his serious hand’s accident, having an argument with a lively hedge trimmer. He was slowly on the mend.
3 As a result of Les’ extensive campervan travel arrangements, it had been suggested that a Temporary Assistant Regional Rep be appointed. He had been consulted and was happy to follow the wish of the meeting. The meeting discussed the matter and unanimously decided to appoint Lester as the new Temporary Assistant Regional Rep. His position would be subject to renewal at the AGM being held in November, 2026.
4 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Bob & Sonja, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Jeff & Teresa, Phil & Joy, Dave W, Mark and Harry.
5 If anyone has not had a CRASH card, please contact Barry.
6 Vale Foodbank Monthly newsletter had been received. The appeal for food items this month was included in the email invite to the monthly meeting. Many donations had, as a result, been received and would be passed to the Foodbank accordingly. Many thanks.
7 South Wales Fire & Rescue Services still intended to arrange a free Biker Down three-hour course. Any more names please to Barry.
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 has now closed and we have 44 people attending, balance due 1 October, 2026. Two people have dropped out of coming to the event so if you know of anyone that would like to come to Torquay, please speak to Barry.
9 Lester reported on the Brynmawr Classic Vehicle Show which had been very well supported with cars but not so many motorcycles. No one from the Region had exhibited.
10 Lester also reported on the Trago Mills Bike Night which had attracted over 200 exhibits including some ex-regional members.
11
a. The 2026 South Wales Wing Ding had been held from 14 to 19 July, 2026 at Caerphilly RFC. All members had received a Draft set of accounts for the event and Barry provided the following de-brief:
Upsides:
Generally, very good South Wales (SW) member support for event, including loading/unloading, set up/derig of site & Inscription/Welcome tent /Raffle. Great big thank you from the Officers.
Excellent compliments have been received from our guests; a good atmosphere was present over the weekend.
Magical run outs which were well supported.
In House Catering was excellent and profitable – Thanks to Myra and Irene.
Toilets and Showers were much better this time. Showers had been cleaned by the Region. We had a discount on the Site charge as a result.
Portaloos and skip bag worked well. Thanks to John for overseeing their collection
Charity raffle and head shave were amazing, a large amount raised. Thanks to Roy and Chris for organising and providing first three prizes.
Number of raffle prizes was appropriate, not overkill.
Donations of welcome tent items very good.
Soloist Phil Elliott was excellent, was two DJ’s overkill – perhaps?
Bar staff were extremely helpful.
Caerphilly RFC would be delighted to see us back in 2028, but at what cost I wonder!!! Bedwas RFC may be an alternative.
Downsides:
Inscriptions of 48 plus 9 Day Visitors way down on 2024 when we had 68 plus 10 Day Visitors, sign of the times (82 in 2022).
Poor inscriptions turn out compared to 2024 as a result a financial shortfall. Very few cash donations this year. See attached financial statement.
Some SW members did not turn up at all which is very disappointing, unfortunately, there are always a few.
Minimal maintenance was necessary at the rugby club.
Some of our stock supplies used up so for 2028 will have to re-stock including goody bags.
Our fire extinguishers are nearing the end of their lives. If they are serviceable, it would be worth sorting. However, if not, dispose of them and use water buckets only which most other regions seem to do.
b. Highlights on accounts:
i. Saving on site fee of £100, because of work carried out by Region.
ii. Saving made on a few items as not required.
iii. Fortunately, Beaufort Scouts came to the rescue with the loan of their tables and benches.
iv. Music was good but expensive, review next time.
v. The hire of a vehicle with driver was an unexpected and surprise large cost. Next time we will have more time to plan and arrange.
vi. In-house catering very profitable.
vii. Only a small amount of cash donations received.
c. Agreed that a donation of £50 be made to Beaufort Scouts for their equipment loan.
d. A Financial Shortfall of £518.58 was incurred. Following a discussion, it was agreed that the Treasurer seek reimbursement of the loss from GWOCGB. In this respect, it was noted that since 2014 the Region had donated £1,613.02 to GWOCGB when our Wing Dings had been profitable.
e. The Raffle/Head Shave proceeds amounted to £807.00 and, in normal circumstances, this would be given to Blood Bike Wales (BBW) in November following the AGM. However, because of the event shortfall it was agreed to defer any payment to BBW pending the response from GWOCGB (see above). It was also noted that the Region had previously agreed that £1,200 of our deposit bank balance be set aside to cover any potential Wing Ding shortfalls.
f. Twenty WD raffle prizes had been unclaimed and it was agreed that some be used for the monthly raffle draw, some be used as prizes for the Turkey & Tinsel weekend and the balance be donated to the GWOCGB British Treffen raffle.
g. Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that the Treasurer contact Caerphilly RFC concerning the possibility of the 2028 Wing Ding being held at their site but with a lower site cost as attendance numbers had fallen substantially. In the event that was not possible, further investigations into the use of the Bedwas RFC site would be initially explored by the Officers.
9. Pennants need restocking at £28.00 each from Sew Wing. An alternative had been sourced at £21 each based on twenty being purchased. Regional funds still existed to pay for an order. It was agreed however, that purchase be deferred pending the results of the discussion with GWOCGB (see above).
10. An invitation to attend the Swansea Motorcycle Show on Sunday 6 September, 2026 1000 to 1500 at the Swansea Bus Museum, SA1 7DA had been received. Unfortunately, no members were available.
11. Also, invitations from Caerphilly Council had been received to take part in the Bargoed Christmas Light Switch on Saturday 14 November at 1615, the Caerphilly Light Switch on Friday 20 November at 1730 and the Blackwood Light Switch on Saturday 28 November at 1615. Names will be collected at the October and November, 2026 monthly meetings
12. Events coming up:
a Irish Treffen 20 to 23 August, 2026 at Castlebar, County Mayo.
b British Treffen 27 to 31 August, 2026 at Abingdon Rugby Club, Oxford, OX14 5TJ.
13. Finances as at 8 August, 2026:
Current Account £17.31, Deposit Account £4,016.69 (this includes WD raffle/head shave monies).
14. AOB:
a. The Treasurer was asked to request the Web Master to change the password on the SWW Website members only section, following the recent departure of six regional members.
15. The raffle raised £24 00 for regional funds, thanks to all involved.
16. The date of our next meeting is s Sunday, 13 September, 2026, at Taffs Well RFC starting 18.30
