1 We welcomed nineteen members to the meeting.
2 Apologies had been received from Malcolm & Irene, Roger, Bill & Pinky, Harry & Gaynor, Bob & Sonja, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Stuart, Tink, Les, Keith and Ken.
3 Lester reported on the Cwm Carnival that took place on Saturday 12 August, 2023. South Wales Wings had led the Carnival Parade with four solo wings (Lester, Gerald, Harry & Vaughan) and one quad wing (Barry). The day had started very wet, but it was dry for the parade itself. We parked off the field under the trees, giving some protection from the constant rain showers that happened. During the slow parade the quad had suffered an overheating problem which was solved using Gerald’s water bottles. Come mid-afternoon we all decided to make a move as the rain was not letting up. A journey home in the rain. Barry was held up at the en-route traffic lights, Vaughan and Harry had gone on, but Vaughan had kindly waited for him only to discover that he had gone a different way via the A470 rather than the M4. Anyway, we all got home safely albeit a bit wet. The Carnival organisers were very grateful that we had made the effort.
4 Barry reported on the fund-raising night for a teenage rugby club at Penarth Athletic Club on Wednesday 12 July, 2023. Three solos (Lester, Phil & Vaughan), one trike (Bruno) and one quad wing (Barry) had met at Barrys and travelled the short distance to Penarth. The event was well supported by the local Harley Chapter and during the evening about £600 was raised for the junior rugby team’s Overseas tour next year. The burgers were delicious, and the raffle well supported, a couple of us won small prizes. The organiser was very grateful for our attendance.
5 Barry reported that the Field of Dreams Classic Vehicle Show at Riverside Caravan Park, Morriston, Swansea had taken place on Sunday 16 July, 2023. There were no wings in attendance as the weather forecast was poor although it turned out that it was reasonable. Our members, Ian and Jayne from Carmarthen had attended the event in their car with their dog and noticed that the organiser had kindly reserved an area for us including a sign. It was well supported by Classic cars but not many motorcycles. Perhaps, one for next year – weather permitting.
6 Barry also reported on the Tudor Rose Wing Ding held at Yardley Gobion near Milton Keynes which had been attended in mid-July by many South Walians. It had been a good weekend but unfortunately the Saturday had been a washout with heavy storms and high winds. During the evening, both Myra and Chris nearly lost their tents with extra pegging necessary. That said, it was not all bad as we visited a local and very interesting historic aerodrome and Myra won the award for farthest travelled female triker. South Wales also won the largest number in attendance award being helped by Ian & Jayne’s friends from Brighton and Kevin and Jo from West Wales. We also came second in the quiz. There were sixty inscriptions and ten regions in attendance. A good weekend slightly spoilt by the rain.
7 Barry reported that no South Walians had attended the Swansea Classic Bike Show on Sunday 13 August, 2023 at the Swansea Bus Museum. Barry had advised the inviting organiser that we were not happy with the location, it being a little out of the way for both exhibitors and the public to attend. There was nothing else around the venue that attendees could visit which was so different when the show was previously held at the Maritime Museum in Swansea Marina. Roger, the organiser, accepted this worthwhile criticism and advised that they were looking for a new more assessable venue for next year.
8 The GWOCGB British Treffen will take place at Uttoxeter Racecourse between Thursday 24 to Bank Holiday Monday 28 August, 2023. If you are prepared to work at the Treffen you can arrive at the site from Monday 21 August BUT NOT BEFORE with a charge of £5 per unit per evening. Inscription Forms are on-line which you can still use. Several South Walians are attending the event either on the Monday, the Wednesday or the Thursday. If you would like to go in convoy and, not already made the necessary arrangements, please contact Barry soonest.
9 Weather permitting, we will be providing an escort for a Bride, daughter of Derek Hackett of West Wales Wings at Begally, Pembrokeshire on Saturday 2 September, 2023 at 12 noon. We will advise the meet arrangements in due course.
10 Also, on 2 September, 2023 at 2000 is the Llandudno Light Parade with several South Walians attending. Hotel accommodation is available from Thursday 31 August when a run out is planned. There will also be a static show of the Wings on the promenade on the Saturday morning and early afternoon. Contact Malcolm for more information nearer to the date.
11 We will be attending the Fonmon Castle Classic Vehicle Show on Saturday 16 September, 2023 from 1000 to 1700. Meet arrangements will be advised at next month’s meeting.
12 An Emergency First Aid at Work course is booked for Thursday 16 November, 2023 from 0930 to 1630 at Dinas Powys. Definite names soonest please. (Barry, Malcolm, Jeff, Tink and Les so far).
13 We had received an enquiry concerning repairs to a GL1100 engine. Unfortunately, the accompanying photograph was insufficient to make any worthwhile assistance. More information would be requested.
14 Barry informed the meeting about a GL1500 1999 Canadian import Solo Goldwing which was being sold in Neath. Based on the photographs provided it would need a lot of TLC. No interest in purchase was shown.
15 Barry reported on the Monthly Update newsletter that had been received from the Vale Food Bank. It was noted that the need for Food Bank donations continued to rise as the number of requests for support from needy families had risen dramatically. It was hoped that very soon Unilever would start to help us again with their donations of Pot Noodles.
16 Events coming up:
a. British Treffen Uttoxeter 24 to 28 August, 2023.
b. Bride Escort Begally 2 September, 2023.
c. Llandudno Light Parade 2 September, 2023.
d. Fonmon Castle Show, Barry, 16 September, 2023.
e. South Wales Wing Ding at Caerphilly RFC Thursday 18 July to Sunday 21 July, 2024. Please note in your diaries.
17 Finances as at 11 August, 2023:
a. Current Account £213.08, Deposit Account £3,932.65.
18 AOB:
a. Barry confirmed that, weather permitting, small weekly runouts with stops for refreshments/lunch would take place during the next few months. He would ensure that all members received mobile phone text notifications of any arrangements planned.
b. Eddie advised that for those not attending the British Treffen, a motorcycle show was taking place on Bank Holiday Monday 28 August at the New Inn in Rhigos (CF44 9YU) from 1100.
c. He also mentioned that Trago Mills at Merthyr Tydfil (CF481HT) was holding a weekly motorcycle show on a Tuesday from 1800.
19 The raffle raised £22 for regional funds, thanks to everyone.
Following a member’s enquiry please note that, in future, if you purchase more than one ticket for the monthly raffle and you are lucky enough to have more than one winning ticket you will have the opportunity to choose more than one prize. You will still have the personal choice to refuse the second prize if you so wish.
20 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 10 September, 2023, starting at 1830 at Taffs Well RFC.
South Wales Wings 