This section of the site contains reports from attendees at Section meetings. Journal Jottings are based on the Section Secretary's monthly report in the Journal. Out to Lunch reports are from members attending the Section's regular monthly meetings. If you would like to send in a report please email Liz. |
posted 5 Dec 2009 14:14 by Liz Sandland
Jason writes: First, my apologies for being too late to get this in the journal, due to being away, and not realising the deadline was a week earlier, I missed the boat. Second, to wish you all a good Christmas and new year. It is time to think about events for the coming year, and there are one or two new events planned, one a definite and others are in the planning stage, more details in due course.
17 members were present at the Hopeville Social Club, Inverurie, to see Scottish Ambulance Service Rapid Response Motorcycle Paramedic, and Section member, Keith Jensen presented with a total of £320, collected over the year by the North East Group. Keith will use the collection to purchase an item of medical equipment which will be carried on his R1200RT. The presentation was made by Section Secretary Marjorie Burnett. The Group, and Keith, wish to thank all those who donated to this very worthwhile cause. On Monday Jan 11th 2010 there will be a New Year dinner in the Malletsheugh Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 6RT. Then beginning from 8th Feb 2010, the Glasgow meetings will be held here on the Second Monday of the month at 7.30. For information on the meals and to gauge numbers please contact Ron Deacon by Christmas if interested. To access the hotel, it is junction 4 off of the M77. There will be no meeting in January at the Eagle’s Lodge as stated, apologies for the error.
On the second weekend of January, we have our famous Lochearnhead bunkhouse weekend; contact Jim Lepley, (01592 874592), for booking details. This is a great event to start the year with, come by car or bike. As we head towards spring, Mick Reed’s Glenluce camping weekend is booked again for 12th to 14th march 2010, contact Mick (01461201760), for details.
The Rogart weekend is on 23 & 24 April 2010. Places will be allocated on a first come basis. The cost for the accommodation is £14pppn and has to be paid to Carole Meikle by 31 Jan 2010. This is a new event, but is a popular bunkhouse. As there are only 26 beds, places are limited and so a list will be made of interested parties with priority being given to who pay in full first. Please contact Carole Meikle either by email carmeikle@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01292 262782 for more information.
If anyone has anything to contribute to section news, please e-mail me [scottish.social@bmwclubuk.net]. Also, as it is your section, if you have any ideas for events, please feel free to submit them to the committee. Whilst there is no guarantee that they’ll happen, they will be considered. |
posted 8 Oct 2009 07:57 by Liz Sandland
Hello again, by the time you read this,
the AGM will have been and gone. There will probably be new members
on the committee, perhaps with some fresh ideas.
The camping weekend at Blair Atholl was
a very enjoyable weekend, with good weather, although the Friday
night was very cold. There was a good turn out with around twenty
people turning up. As usual, the hospitality tent was in attendance
with a supply of coffee and burgers; along with good craic.
On the 13th, Bill Nelson led
a run by to The House of Trouser across The Atlantic Bridge to the
Isle of Seil. The weather was fantastic and it was a superb, well
organised run. The run went up to Oban dropping off 10 of the
20 who stayed overnight in B&B while the rest returned home
on the day. It’s hoped to make this another yearly event as it was
so successful.
The Glasgow Monday Natter Nite had 16
people turn out, with having lots to natter about after a great
weekend and the AGM looming on the 11th October.
A quick comment about Glen Coe, about
twenty people turned up. It was very, very wet and windy. Lots of
tents broken.
The member of the year award for this
year is given to Kalvin Mayo of the Hopeville Club in Inverurie. He
is always looking after us with good food an free buffets at least
once a year since he has became a member. His tea and coffee pot
never seems to run dry when we are there, also on occasions we have
borrowed pots and pans from him for our weekends, i.e. Ullapool and
Fort Augustas.
Apart from the regular bar lunches and
natter nights, the last weekend of this year has passed. A fuller
report from Glencoe will appear in the next issue of the journal.
Lochearnhead has been booked again for the second weekend in January.
Nothing needs to be added about this excellent weekend, to make your
reservation, contact Dick Boyd on 01343 870389. Also there will be a
bunkhouse weekend in Rogart in April, contact myself for details.
Ron Deacon will be organising his
annual toy run to Yorkhill hospital in December, the date is still to
be announced, details should be in next month’s journal. He can be
contacted on 01360 313279 for more information.
|
posted 8 Oct 2009 07:49 by Liz Sandland
Welcome to another edition of your
social secretary’s ramblings. The usual bar lunches happened, and
in our parish John Clarks BMW had an open day.
9 members were at Hopeville. Only one
hardy lad turned up on a bike, and
that was El Presidente. As
usual, good craic, good company and good
food. Pity about the
weather.
There will be a presentation to the
Scottish ambulance motorcycle paramedic at Hopeville on the 22nd
November, Calvin has offered to do a free buffet for those
attending. If you intend to go, can you please contact Norman in
advance to give Kalvin a rough idea of numbers for catering. E-mail
Norman on norman650@btinternet.com. Hopefully
the club has collected enough to purchase a new modern piece of
equipment.
In the nearer future, we have the
annual pilgrimage to Glencoe on the 2nd – 4th
October. The following week will be our AGM. This will be held at the
village hall, Bridge of Cally on Sunday 11th October from
1130am. Any volunteers will need to have had their proposals in, and
all posts are available.
In the further future, I have booked a
bunkhouse for a section weekend in Rogart for 24th –
26th April 2010. Numbers are limited, and will be
allocated on a first come first booked basis. Contact me for details
or check the website http://www.sleeperzzz.com
|
posted 4 Jul 2009 12:51 by Liz Sandland
Jason writes: My apologies for no report for last month, I have tried to get my act together for this time, a downside of shiftworking is losing track of dates.
A report from Ron’s glens run:
13 members left Stracathro Services on the 2009 Glens Run. Our route this year missed out Glen Esk in favour of a run up Glentrusta, near Brechin. Unfortunately, the Caterthuns were also missed out due to a pick-up truck blocking the road while a herd of cows was brought down. After Glentrusta, it was on to Glenclova, where, as we were well ahead of time, a stop was made at Cullow Market, Dykehead. The lunch stop at the Glenclova Hotel was enjoyed by all, after which it was on to Glenprosen, then over the ford at Kinwhirrie, near Kirriemuir. Then we went via Balintore to the Backwater Dam for the final stop before heading down to Alyth and the end of the run. It stayed fair until the Backwater when a light rain came on. This had stopped by the time we reached Alyth, just in time for a cuppa at the new cafe in the Square. Next year will be the Wrang Wey Roond, starting from the Square, Alyth, on Sunday, 6th June 2010.
We all had a good weekend at Ullapool, Gerard turned on his GS (First ride after the crash) Good weekend overall, fair amount of wind when we were putting up the marquee. 45 burgers served up on the Friday night + about 10 hot dogs, marquee
completely packed out. As most years a number of the attendees had a run to Achiltibuie and then the pie shop in Lochinver. 
A little note from Gerry, on two wheels at last, and appears to be enjoying it: Well after 18 months I finally made it back onto two wheels to make Ullapool, and very pleased I was too. Every thing is falling back into place and confidence returning. What made it a special pleasure was the tremendous greeting I got on arrival at Ullapool, thanks chaps!!. A days run round the west coast soon reminded me what motorcycling in this country is all about and how great it can be in the right weather! Even including all the gravel on the racing line on the wee mad road to Lochinver!!
There have been mutterings about resurrecting the club St. Andrews Night do. Gerry is making some enquiries about having it at The Bridge of Cally Hotel. Watch this space.
We have been getting a good turnout at our Natter Nites every month now at Glasgow, and certainly good for our 3 day away trip to Rogart. This turned out to be a fantastic trip with 22 people attending. We had a few runs, one to John O' Groats and another to Ullapool. Also a group got together to go on an after breakfast hike round the countryside. Needless to say a few beers and drams were consumed, especially one night as Audrey had sneakily arranged a surprise birthday party for me! I did ask her not to say anything! I must thank everybody concerned for a great night, and the specially printed t-shirt that I received! The dinner speeches were good, so good that they would have brought a tear to a glass eye. Again this was a great trip, already plans are being made for one south of the border next year.
By the time you read this the BMF will be over at Kelso and the Scottish Committee will know if we are going to attend the BMF in 2010, by what happened this year. Don't forget the Blair Atholl event on the 5-7 of September. You will need to take your own cooking equipment to this event, as the campsite aren't allowing the Marquee to be in attendance. So drinking and eating will be at the Atholl Arms for some of us, while others will be cooking their own. Don't forget that Glen Coe has reverted to 2-4 October, as it was clashing with the East Anglia Black Bull rally on the 25-27th September.
As a footnote, can I ask any for write ups from natter nights, lunches, runs out etc and also for any runs etc that are upcoming to be e-mailed to me for inclusion. The deadline would be the end of the month preceding the journal (eg for September journal, I would need items for 31st August), thanks. |
posted 7 May 2009 05:41 by Liz Sandland
Ron here with the Section News, having been asked by El Presidente to step in at the last minute.
Let's see now - what happened. Well, not a lot really. April saw the regular Natter Nites and Lunch Meets and I suppose the biggest news of the month was at the AGM in Somerset, where our own Dick Boyd was elected Club President, and Liz Sandland was elected Club Membership Secretary, taking that post over from Dick. Congratulations to both and we look forward to them taking the Club forward. May again had the Natter Nites and Lunch Meets as well as the second Lochearnhead Bunkhouse Weekend and Willie Meikle's Rogart Weekend. No doubt there will be reports from both in the future.
One thing that did happen on the first weekend in May, was a dealership open weekend held at John Clark BMW Motorrad, Dundee, to which the Section was invited. Here's my report on that event, including a pic. of Member of the Year 2007, Robert Carson, being somewhat belatedly presented with a tankard. I took the opportunity of asking Clarks Motorcycle Manager, Alan Dalziel, to do the honours. As can be seen from the picture, there were attractions other than motorcycles to be seen!! Over the weekend of 2nd/3rd May, John Clark, Dundee, hosted one of their BMW Motorrad open weekends with amongst other attractions, demo rides, clothing auction, appearances by the MCN girls, Knockhill publicity, Metzeler tyres, Arai helmet clinic and free burgers ‘n tea/coffee. The Scottish Section of the Club was invited to attend, along with the support trailer, which President Dick kindly brought down from Elgin, to give the Club exposure at a dealer’s function. Thankfully the weather was kind with sunshine and only a few showers. On Saturday, the “stand” was manned by myself and Gerry Watts and many members who attended on the day called at our stand for a natter and a seat. We took the opportunity to (belatedly) present Robert Carson with his tankard as Member of the Year 2007. He is now able to replace the polystyrene cup he was originally presented with way back!!.
Robert being presented with the tankard by Alan Dalziel, Motorcycle Sales Manager, John Clark, along with the MCN girls. I myself took the opportunity to test ride the HP2 Sport. Afterwards, I decided that it wasn’t for me. Very fast but nowhere to mount panniers for those camping weekends. That and the fact that you wouldn’t want to go very far on it. Comfy it ain’t. We also hosted the IAM presence on the stand, while the representative, Club member Rennie Ritchie, conducted IAM business on Saturday, and lead the demo rides on Sunday. Steve Shepley graced us with his presence on Saturday while he also attended to IAM business. On Sunday, traditionally the quieter of the two days, just about all the Scottish Committee were on the stand, with myself, President Dick, Soc.Secy. Jason Goodwill, Secretary Gerry Watts and Treasurer Jim Lepley all present. A pleasant day was had by us all and our many visitors, and many burgers and cuppas were partaken of while setting the world to rights.
Apart from one or two enquiries, we didn’t gain any new members directly, but many existing members paid us a visit. We must thank Alan Dalziel for inviting us to attend, so giving the Club valuable exposure, and cementing our relationship with the Dealership. Hopefully we will be able to repeat the exercise in the future. Thanks also to those who came along to lend a hand. You know who you are. That's the past put behind us, so on to the Future. June sees the traditional Longest Day Camping Weekend at Broomfield Campsite, Ullapool. The Section Support Vehicle will be in attendance along with the marquee, tea urn, BBQ etc. No need to pre-book, just turn up between Friday 19th and Sunday 21st June. It's a great weekend, so BE THERE. The weekend of 26th - 28th June is our Fort Augustus weekend. This year the venue has changed to Old Pier House campsite/B&B, Fort Augustus. No booking required for campers. *Limited chalet accommodation available* Contact Dick Boyd for details on 01343-870389. This should prove to be a great weekend. For further details/map see the Section website.
Almost forgot in all this excitement that I'll be holding my Angus Glens Run on Sunday 7th June, starting 10am-ish from Stracathro Services, A90, near Brechin. Lunch at Clova Hotel, Glenclova. Finish at the Square, Alyth. Those who have been before know the format. Those who don't can contact me on 01307-466311. Well, I think that's covered everything. Excuse me if I've missed something out - I'm new to this game. See you on the road somewhere, sometime. Ron Male |
posted 5 Mar 2009 10:06 by Asst Membership Sec
[
updated 3 Feb 2010 05:43 by Liz Sandland
]
Jason Goodwill Hello all, as the days are now lengthening, it’s time to look forward to spring and summer. February gave us several seasons as some of the following reports will show.
Despite poor weather, 8 hardy souls ventured up to Birnam for the monthly lunch meet at Katie's. Two even came on their bikes, parking on the roadside to avoid the icy car park. Thing was, there was hardly any snow at Birnam and the roads were dry. Never mind, surely it'll be better next month.
Another wintry evening in Glasgow with snow (and buses) and we have 18 members turn up at the Eagle Lodge. We had representatives from Motorrad Central and Dealer Principal Jon Clark outlined his vision for the future of the dealership. A demo photographic display produced by Duncan Fraser and displayed by Alistair Reid on his laptop gave an insight on what is possible for us to have as a record of our activities, hopefully this may encourage new members to join the Club.
Hopeville was down on our usual numbers cause several regulars were either down south or overseas, however one ex-regular was back from down south. Only eight of us, turned up, so we got bigger helpings.
A break in the weather gave a number of Scottish members a chance to make it to February's Rhino Rally in Beddgelert, Wales. This traditional winter meet, well organised as usual, was enjoyed by all. The Northern section's XXL marquee, which I am sure you will read about elsewhere, was appreciated.
For forward planning, here follows information for the Eilean Rally, being organised by Steve Shepley. This will be on the Isle of Mull at Shieling Holidays,Craignure, PA65 6AY. Camping is £15 for the two nights in a small tent but if you are feeling delicate they have shielings from £30 per night or a hostel at £12. Book your own accommodation direct with the site on 01680 812496, a deposit is required. A quote from their website: “A rich diversity of coastal, woodland, grazing and moorland habitats. You can see otters on site and there is a seal colony nearby. Dolphins are occasional visitors. It's a stroll to ferry, pub, shop and PO, bistro, car hire, steam railway, tourist information, and buses for Tobermory and Iona (for Staffa). It's a glorious walk to the swimming pool and Torosay and Duart Castles. Riding and golf are close by. A beautiful base for exploring the whole island. From the ferry, left on the A849 to Iona. After 400 metres, left again and follow the campsite signs out to the sea - only 800 metres in all. OS map 49 grid ref 724369.” There will be a ride out, a walk out and a sit out.
Also a reminder for those who have free time on midweek lunchtimes, there is a lunchtime meeting on tuesday, 14 April 13:00 at New Lanark Mill Hotel, New Lanark, ML11 9DB N 55 39.817 W 3 46.843. Contact Robert Carson by either E-mail: robertdcarson@btconnect.com or Tel.: 01899 309061.
Bye for now, ride safe. |
posted 12 Feb 2009 09:19 by Asst Membership Sec
As the days are now starting to lengthen, it’s time to start thinking of trips, events etc that are coming up. Our next weekend is Mick Reed’s Glenluce camping weekend, (contact Mick on 01461 201760). This is a well established weekend in an often overlooked area of Scotland.
Our year’s events however, began with our annual January visit to Lochearnhead bunkhouse. Although it seemed that numbers were going to be small, when I arrived early on Saturday evening, there was a good turnout despite the very wet and windy weather. A few hardy souls ventured there on their bikes, at least any salt would have been washed off. As usual, we were superbly catered for by Steve and Gerry with generous portions of hearty fare. There was also the occasional tipple or two. After the meal, I was presented with a 100000 mile bike and rider award, my scruffy GS unfortunately wasn’t present to enjoy it. I believe that a few of the attendees ambled off to check out the locality, but only got as far as the pub. After a good breakfast, though not for anyone’s cholesterol levels we went our separate ways, some to meet up an hour or so later.
The same Sunday was the monthly lunchtime meet at Katie’s tearoom. The wet weather must have put people off, as there were only five of us there, all in cars. |
posted 15 Dec 2008 06:27 by Asst Membership Sec
[
updated 15 Dec 2008 06:29
]
Katie's, Birnam, 14 December 2008
18 members/friends/family turned out today for lunch.
Those who came by motorcycle definitely made the wrong choice as Katie's carpark was almost solid ice a couple of inches thick. One intrepid adventurer admitted to making a fifty point turn with his wee feeties going ten to the dozen to keep his K11 rubber side down. Nobody admitted dropping it 'tho. Those who came by car had the advantage today, apart from the walk from the car to the cafe.
A good turn out again at this venue, which still seems a popular choice. Ron Male |
posted 5 Nov 2008 08:05 by Asst Membership Sec
[
updated 1 Dec 2008 09:16
]
December 2008
Jason Goodwill
Greetings all, this is my first missive as the new Scottish social secretary. To briefly introduce myself for those who haven't met me, I have been a member since 1992 and for a few years was the section secretary, my scruffy black 1150GS could regularly be seen at our camping weekends as it ambled it's way to 100000miles. I stood down to take a break, but am now back on the committee and will try and follow in Norman's shoes. As anyone who has attended any of our weekends will know, these shoes will be hard to fill. Many thanks to Norman for his sterling efforts that make our section events very enjoyable.
Another AGM has been and gone, due to work commitments I was unable to attend. The turnout was a reasonably respectable 30, almost double some previous years. We were extremely well catered for by Kathy Male who did an excellent job of feeding the attendees, with welcome help from Peter Marshall's wife, many thanks to both. The meeting was preceded by soup to warm up cold bodies, and with the lure of good food, the meeting was swiftly completed and the serious business commenced. A request was made for hotel weekends, in the past these have had variable success, but will be looked into for the coming year.
Regarding events, time is drawing nigh for our January visit to Lochearnhead for the famous bunkhouse weekend. As usual, places are limited so early booking is required as this event is regularly well attended. Contact Dick Boyd on 01343 870389 to secure your place and portion of Bambi stew and lumpy custard, not necessarily on the same plate though.
Finally, a few words from the outgoing social secretary
As the out going Scottish Social Sec I would like to thank Dick Boyd for his assistance latterly when I was not available at club events, also Ron Male for feedback on things , Steve Shepley ,and Liz Sandland, but most of all, the members who make the effort to come along to Hopeville and make it a great Lunch meet with the usual craic, and wind ups. It was Ian Munro's turn last month (re parrot) sorry mate, and not forgetting Kalvin and Linda for their first class catering and attention at our lunches, more tea any one! Thanks again. And last of all to wish Jason all the best in his post as the new Scottish Social Sec. |
posted 5 Nov 2008 07:59 by Asst Membership Sec
[
updated 1 Dec 2008 09:16
]
November 2008
Dick Boyd
Well here we are again almost at the end of the camping year and the beginning of the Winter. Next year we are going to run Glen Coe in October again, where it used to be and hope that it extends the Summer a little.
There were about thirty tents at this event and the run that went to Mull missed most of the rain, whilst on my run to Laggan Loch it only stopped raining when we started back to base. However will try that run again next year and revisit the story of Cpl Hendry and the increased production of Spitfires
Jim Wright 'yer actual Scotsman' (no one could look more Scottish) was awarded his 100,000 mile award with his R100RT during the Glen Coe meeting. It is now really a T as the fairing was swiped off a long time ago. I can remember following that bike many years ago on a Rannoch run, it wasn't that he went fast but that he didn't slow down for the corners. This is on single track roads where one slip or misjudgement will find you in the loch. Jim always reminded me of a wee model that I saw in a shop in Fort Augustus with his kilt swaying and the wind in that red beard, now turned silver. The model was called the "Sassanach Hunter". I went back to purchase that model for him, a week after seeing it but it had gone and I've never seen one like it since.
September was a busy month for me with an event every weekend to attend, covered 6000 miles in two months on my new K1200GT. It's funny how road tests of this bike seem to just gloss over remarks about the seat, (And the short mentions are always there) which was possibly the worst BMW seat I have ever sat on until they exchanged it, for the next to worst BMW saddle I have ever sat on. This item will be going away to an upholsterer's over the winter period.
The North East Section's Durham camping weekend was flooded out just enough (9 foot rise in River level) for the participants to be invited into the Rowing Club to sleep, so it turned into a very nice bunk house weekend, with an extremely tasty chilli con carne on the Saturday night.
Blair Atholl was an extremely good event with about 30 tents and we will certainly go there again if they will have us. We had the Marquee in action and the burgers were flowing off the BBQ and a good couple of social evenings were had by one and all. The club members that went on the Rannoch run certainly enjoyed it as the views there this time of year are splendid.
I think that the date needs to be revised but we will no doubt discuss this at the AGM, which is 10 days from the date that I am writing this newsletter.
Norman Robertson the Social Sec for the Scottish Section has sold all of his motorcycles now and has purchased a new tent. It has four wheels and a large Mercedes badge on the front and he was complaining at Glen Coe that he was far too warm overnight. If everything goes quiet on the campsite, there's most probably a party going on at Norman's place, so take your glass.
The next real event will be Lochearnhead and the bunkhouse or Log Cabins the second weekend of 2009. Don't forget to bring all of your left overs from Christmas and the New Year; we drink and eat anything. You will need to ring and book this event with me Dick Boyd 01343 870389 as we will be limited to about a maximum of 35 participants. There will be another crack at Lochearnhead in May when we hope that the Dutch will come over again and that gives us an excuse to reciprocate. Any excuse to get on the ferry again and enjoy the Dutch hospitality. |
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