1 We welcomed Jason Hall; the Public Relations Officer of Blood Bikes Wales and he provided us with an update of the activities of his Group. This included a move away from BMW motorcycles to the Honda brand. With their twenty-three support bikes they are travelling over 340,000 miles each year and changing a set of bike tyres each five weeks. The motor bikes they use therefore need to be very strong work horses. They are also looking at and have initially started a project albeit still in its infancy with Singleton Hospital, Swansea and the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend carrying Sepsis samples for laboratory testing at Swansea. This has required the need of a dedicated rider and bike from the Group being available 24/7, moving samples and test results between the hospitals. If this initial work is successful, the project is likely to be expanded to include other hospitals around the area. Following Jason’s talk, Malcolm presented him with a SWW Charity cheque for £250.00 as agreed at our last AGM. BBW will be able to support us at our Wing Ding, providing both a merchandise display and items for the Goodie Bag.
2 Following Jason’s departure, we then welcomed twenty members to the meeting; it was especially good to see Chris White there.
3 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Bob & Sonja, Jeff & June, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Stuart, Joe, Les and Ken.
4 We are still looking for someone to fill the vacancy for an Assistant Regional Rep. If you are interested, please talk to Malcolm or Barry.
5 The 2024 date for a Show with Merthyr Scooter Club at the Labour Club, Merthyr Tydfil is still awaited, watch this space for a precise Saturday date.
6 GWOCGB Membership fees are now overdue, most South Walians have renewed but some are still outstanding. Please remember £28 single, £35 Joint. The GWOCGB Website for non- renewing members will close on 1 March, 2024 so get cracking.
7 The Treffen Pre Inscription form is also now available on the GWOCGB Website. It is £50 per person at Rutland Showground.
8 Malcolm provided a report on the funeral escort that we supplied at past member Anne Townsend’s funeral. Five Wings had attended in indifferent weather conditions and with some traffic chaos resulting from roadworks. Ken, was very grateful that we had provided him and his family with support at this sad time, he said that Anne would have been proud to have Wings escort her on her final journey.
9 Malcolm also reported on the GWOCGB Open Member’s Meeting that had been held earlier in the day at Bromsgrove. The minutes of the meeting together with the minutes of the National Committee held on Saturday will be published on the GWOCGB Website shortly. Two important issues – this year at the AGM there will be various National Committee positions due for election and applications for the positions from different members have been received. From 1 March, 2024 (to the AGM date) you are encouraged to cast your vote for the person you think is best suited for the available rolls, you can cast your vote online. The various CV’s will appear in the March edition of WingSpan. Secondly, the National Committee will be providing every renewed member as at 31 July, 2024 with a free Honda Goldwing 50th Anniversary T shirt. In time, you will be asked to submit your preferred size. Please keep an eye open for that request, it will be on the Website and Facebook.
10 Several South Walians are planning to go to the Dutch Treffen at De Steeg from 15 to 20 May, 2024. Travelling the 250 miles to Harwich, boarding the overnight Ferry to Hook of Holland, then only ninety miles from the Treffen site. If you are interested, please contact Lester or Malcolm.
11 We have agreed to attend the Vale of Glamorgan Classic Car Show which will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, 2024 at Sully. 1000 to 1700. This year, individual entry forms will need completing, signing and submitting to the organisers before 31 March, 2024. Barry has a supply of blank forms. Please let Barry have your completed forms soonest.
12 We have also agreed to accept the invitation to attend the Classic Vehicle Show at Panteg House on Sarturday 18 May, 2024, more details to follow. Several South Walians will be missing as they will be at the Dutch Treffen
13 We will also be attending the Field of Dreams Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday 2 June, 2024 at Swansea. More details to follow.
14 The Draft 2024 Wing Ding Flyer was circulated at the meeting and several changes were agreed. Barry will produce a final version for Malcom to approve and this will then be sent to the GWOCGB Events Secretary for publishing. A5 Printed versions will also be made available at the GWOCGB AGM.
15 A meeting with Caerphilly RFC representatives concerning our Wing Ding will take place during early March, 2024. Watch this space for a date and time.
16 Sponsorship is required for our Wing Ding, as this year costs are likely to be higher than 2022, please let Barry know if you know of anyone who might be interested. Some interest has already been shown.
17 A Flyer has been received for the Thames Valley & White Horse Wing Ding at Reading, dates 27 June to 1 July, 2024.
18 If anyone has not received a CRASH Card for their helmet, please contact Barry.
19 Events coming up:
a. GWOCGB AGM at Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa on Sunday, 21 April, 2024 starting at 1100.
b. Panteg House Vehicle Show Saturday 18 May, 2024.
c. Vale of Glamorgan Classic Car Show at Sully on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, 2024.
d. Field of Dreams Classic Vehicle Show at Swansea Sunday 2 June, 2024.
e. South Wales Wing Ding at Caerphilly RFC Thursday, 18 July to Sunday, 21 July, 2024.
f. British Treffen at Rutland Showground 22 to 26 August, 2024.
20 The finances as at 6 February, 2024:
a. Current Account £227.82, Deposit Account £3,720.61.
21 AOB:
a. Malcolm reported that Roger had donated to the region a number of bike parts which were available to members by making a small donation. Barry can report that £14.30 was raised, thanks to all especially Roger.
b. Barry forgot to mention at the meeting that Eddie and Ray had also donated to the region a large number of plastics for a GL1500. If interested, photographs of the items are displayed on the GWOCGB Website under “Sales and Wants”. We are open to all reasonable offers.
22 The raffle raised £23.00 for regional funds thanks to all who donated prizes and purchased tickets.
23 Date of our next meeting will be on Sunday, 10 March, 2024, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830.
Ride safe and stay healthy.
South Wales Wings 