Waterlooville Motorcycle Club celebrates its 90th birthday at Horndean Technology College

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the 90th anniversary of an award-winning club.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2018, 08:50 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2018, 09:52 BST
Dave Cox, Rob Doney, Bob Peet and Male Read with the 1928 Sunbeam 500cc Long Stroke owned by Rob Doney since 2017. Picture Credit: Keith WoodlandDave Cox, Rob Doney, Bob Peet and Male Read with the 1928 Sunbeam 500cc Long Stroke owned by Rob Doney since 2017. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland
Dave Cox, Rob Doney, Bob Peet and Male Read with the 1928 Sunbeam 500cc Long Stroke owned by Rob Doney since 2017. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland

More than 230 past and present members of the Waterlooville Motorcycle Club turned out to mark the milestone earlier this month.

Dubbed a birthday party, the fixture at Horndean Technology College was organised to best coincide with the timing of the the club's very first meeting, which was held at the Heroes pub in Waterlooville in November, 1928. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One of the group's vice-presidents, Dennis Miles, said the evening get-together on November 10 was among the best in the club's history. 

Some of the trophies the club has won over the years. Picture Credit: Keith WoodlandSome of the trophies the club has won over the years. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland
Some of the trophies the club has won over the years. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland

'˜We welcomed a huge number of people who were very closely connected to the club in the past,' the 68-year-old said. 

'˜Some people travelled from places like Wales and Wigan, and even though they came from afar, they are all very much still part of the club. 

'˜We have run so many events over the years but few have had the success that the 90th anniversary did.' 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Organisers opted for a stripped-back event geared at giving visitors who may not have seen each other for some time the chance to catch up and enjoy refreshments. 

Dennis Miles with his 1967 Honda CD 175a, which he inherited in very poor condition and restored himself. Picture Credit: Keith WoodlandDennis Miles with his 1967 Honda CD 175a, which he inherited in very poor condition and restored himself. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland
Dennis Miles with his 1967 Honda CD 175a, which he inherited in very poor condition and restored himself. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland

Some even took along their own machines, including a 1948 Harley Davidson, a racing-specification Ducati and a 1967 Honda '“ which Mr Miles restored himself. 

But while many of the club's former members once enjoyed its historical timetable of sporting trials and motocross events '“ which have garnered trophies on a local and national level '“ it's the people behind the bikes who took centre stage. 

Mr Miles, a member for around 40 years, said: '˜We've seen a surge in enthusiasm for road-riding in more modern times. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜But our real strength is the social side and our members' desire to promote the sport as a whole '“ that's the driving force.'

Cuttings and photos from the club's history which were displayed at the celebrations. Picture Credit: Keith WoodlandCuttings and photos from the club's history which were displayed at the celebrations. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland
Cuttings and photos from the club's history which were displayed at the celebrations. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland

In a poignant toast, party-goers took time to remember the lives of late club members before a cake was cut to mark the club's 90th anniversary. 

Attendees also enjoyed a display of trophies earned by since the club's inception, as well as a spread of memorabilia and historic photographs.

In offering up its Barton Hall, Mr Miles said Horndean Technology College '˜did the club proud' on the night '“ which was free to attend for members past and present.

Related topics:OrganisersHondaWales