Committee members
Scott Palmer, Branch Chairman (smpalmer57@btinternet.com)
The beginning of the new millennium, the year 2000, was the ideal excuse for Scott to realise a personal goal: to pass his motorcycle test. He had owned and ridden a motorcycle before, in his teens, but only on a provisional license, having already passed his driving test. He put himself on a three day direct access course which ran straight into the test on the third day, to his delight he passed.
His first couple of motorcycles were exotic Italian machines, Ducati, before he turned to a more classic motorcycle, a 1949 BSA C11, which he has carefully restored. Like the rest of us, his garage has since become filled with a few more classic motorcycles.
Ian Clare, Branch Secretary (ian.clare1@virgin.net)
As a Londoner Ian started off with a Lambretta scooter and travelled extensively on it to places such as John o' Groats and parts of Europe. However, as an engineering apprentice he soon graduated to a B31 and Panther outfit for travelling to places such as Switzerland while working in the Panther Spares Dept of George Clarks in Brixton Hill. His other bikes included a Super Rocket and Vincent Rapide also with a chair. He also restored a 197 Norman that was soon swapped for a B33, that he still rides today.
After working on the London buses he moved to Basingstoke as a railway guard in 1974. He then became an AA Patrol man for 26 years before eventually retiring and is now a fountain of knowledge for many cars/bikes/buses and even steam locomotives. As well as the B33 Ian also rides, restores and maintains an A7SS Shooting Star, M33 and Velocette Viper. As a font of all sorts of information Ian is a very valuable member and Branch Secretary to the Thames Valley Branch and is always willing to help out and advise other members.
Mike Ho, Runs-coordinator and Webmaster (ho_mike@hotmail.com)
A keen biker since moving to the UK many years ago, taking to 2 wheels as a way to beat the London traffic. Having grown up in the era of Japanese superbikes, he's always had a few of those in the garage for his daily commute but decided to enter the world of classic biking with a BSA A10 - the same bike his dad rode in Australia in the 50's. He likes getting out on the BSA on club ride-outs - either to bike shows and events or just cruising country lanes - so became our youngest committee member and Runs Coordinator.
History of the Thames Valley BSA OC
As these letters in The Star show (if you could read them - thank goodness for modern printers!), the idea of a local gathering of BSA enthusiasts in the area was first proposed in a letter by Cyril Benn, published in January 1989.
This was followed up by Brian (Nobby) Norbury in The Star in August 1989 announcing that a group had been formed and met at the Lord Derby, Odiham. There were 7 attendees at this meeting, including Cyril Benn, Brian Norbury, and current members Tony H-S, Geoff H and Mike T.
By March 1990 the group had grown into a branch and we resurrected the “Thames Valley Branch” name and was published in that March Star.
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