28th BRISTOL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW

This year our Club was again represented at the Bristol Show with two slight changes. Firstly the weather was kind to us considering it was 9th-10th February and this brought record crowds of visitors. Secondly I took over the organising from John Baker who has done this since the shows where held at the dockside premises in Bristol, and his indisputable ability made the task a difficult one to follow! Therefore, my thanks go to all members who helped me to make the event run smoothly.
Bikes ranged from Ted Lloyd's 1922 Model 3 to Keith Young's 1966 Model 96 (one of the last FB's to leave the Greet factory) with a spread of machines in between. Other pre-war models included Arthur Wall's eye-catching and immaculate Condor 26, Trevor Well's Cruiser 39 and Ted Lloyd's Cruiser 45 in serious road-going trim. The larger post-war group also included Des Heckle's newly restored Powerbike 56 and his Overseas Falcon 65, Mike Chislett's Plover 78, John Baker's Light cruiser 79, Gordon Pugsley's Cruiser 89, Alan Sweeney's newly finished Trials 92 with parkinson (?) head and barrel. And the very tidy Sports Cruiser 91 of Paul Steel was given a "Highly Commended" award - well done Paul - I know you ride this machine on local runs as well.
Finally, I would welcome any comments about having a larger stand next year which would allow a "walk in" layout giving more space for visitor and stand members alike.     

                                            Robert Hughes. 

“ANOTHER BITSA”

I was most interested in Keith Charles article “Bitsa” in the spring issue. I have a 1960 Plover 86, with an AMC engine. The rebuild of which (note I don’t use the word restored) is now complete.
The AMC engines bottom end and top end seem OK, but the engine will not run, as yet I don’t know why. I managed to get hold of a Villiers 8e, which was a solid lump, but was quite easy to rebuild. This was done with the intent that it would power my Plover. And after finding the front end section of a James frame with the right holes for the 8e and a few other alterations, none of which are permanent, the 8e is in and is running well. I noticed from the photo of Keith’s bike, he has managed to fit the Villiers air filter, which I could not get to fit, as there was no room.
So I cut up my wife’s stainless steel coffee container (she was none to pleased) to make a pancake type filter, which works well and has a choke mechanism, that swings in front of the carb mouth. I hope to see Keith’s bike sometime and compare the two Plovers.
                                 John Wrench

Please note the cutting up of your wife’s coffee container is a very dangerous practice. The FBOC does not condone such practices!
John please send me a picture of your bike and I will put it in the next issue. Ed

Here we have Bill Humphries receiving the “Fred Lloyd Memorial Trophy” at the lunch stop at the end of the Bournemouth & New Forest Section (VMCC) Good Friday Run. The selection and presentation was made by the Under Manager of the Langton Arms Mrs Sue Bell.
This is the ex Colin Dean (FB Tester) machine which fronted our stand at last years Shepton Mallet Show and also appears in the top corner of our show stand screen.
I delivered the trophy to him after it had been engraved, and took the opportunity to have a look at the electronic lighting and ignition system he is developing, very promising , more about that later.

Alan Sweeny

These are just a small sample of pieces taken from this quarters club magazine "The Directory". To see more please become a member. Membership is open to all with or without a bike. Just as long as you have got an interest in this Great British Marque and it could'nt be easier. Just click on the image of Lord Kitchener at the top of the page and print off a membership form.

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