Opening
of the Minter Cafe
After
a long time with efforts from everyone our old cafe area has been
transformed. It was a little past its best but nothing that new
flooring a lick or two of paint and cabinets to hold the trophies of
the late Derek Minter. Best know as “King of Brands” and a fierce
competitor but one who is remembered as a King in Motorcycling.
It
has taken the better part of two years to get this collection to our
Museum and Monday 18th May was the grand unveiling of the
trophies in display cases now for all to see.
Many people came to see
this with Colin Seeley making the address to everyone. Those people
who know the former greats like Dave Croxford and Paul Smart will
remember them from reading about their racing achievements in the
Motorcycle News in the 50's, 60's and 70's.
It was an honour to meet
the people who rode those big singles on British short tracks at that
time. There are many others and there is another signed board to grace the
museum archives.
There were so many people there that I must
apologise if I have missed more of our motorcycling greats. I had
seen their pictures as a lad but time has moved on for all of us and
also my memory has faded a bit so the combination of failing memory
and years has made some of the people difficult to recognise. However
as volunteer I did my duty to give tours to those who wanted them and
I think most of the people knew more than me about the bikes we have
as they have lived and worked on them in their time. Tales of daring
do and close riding filled the air.
It was a day to be remembered.
Eric Patterson was there with his Viscount, the Vincent powered
Norton that will be going to Bonneville soon for another record
attempt.
I wonder if this bike will be at the Kempton Park Southern
Classic bike show on Saturday 23rd May? I will be there
with my little Valiant on the LE Velo Club stand.
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