The Custom & Classic Show 2008

at the Bat & Ball, New Pound nr Wisborough Green on 2nd August 2008

As the Ellie is closed for refurbishment this year we were at the Bat & Ball at New Pound. The weather was not kind and heavy showers in the morning meant a reduced turnout, with 53 bikes booking in for the show and a few visitors who weren't staying long. However, the quality of the entry was superb, and Ralphy, our head judge was scratching his head a good deal. Shaun Jackson, with his incredible V-twin with it's 1928 AJS sidevalve engine, Enfield frame and gearbox off a Square-four, won best British and best Engineering, while Lynn Pritchard won best European with her most unusual Moto Guzzi SuperAlce, the military version of the bacon slicer, even if the judges did think it was a Falcone. CJ won furthest travelled on his 'lived in' GPz, riding from Taunton to help us out.
Clive Woods generously donated a free 6K service for a Hinckley Triumph which we auctioned, raising £85 for our charity, this year the St Wilfrids Hospice, who have helped 2 of our members in the last year or so. With the proceeds of the raffle, entry fees and donations from a generous crowd we should be able to donate at least £700 this year, so thanks to all who helped. The band in the evening were Vacant Lot, old friends who always get things rocking, we had reports of people dancing in the camp site next door.

Prize winners are as follows:-

Best Meridan Triumph - Wendy's 1970 Bonneville
Best Hinckley Triumph - Clive Woods - very special 675 Street Triple
Best British - Shaun's Jackson V-twin
Best Euro - Lynn's Moto Guzzi Superalce
Best Foreign - Softtail Harley
Best Paint - Paul Messinger - 900 Special Brew Triple
Best Custom - Darren Boxall - Triumph 750 Chop
Best Engineering - Shaun's Jackson V-twin
Longest Distance - CJ - Kawasaki GPz - 170 miles
Visitors Choice - Mr Smallbone's 1961 Bonneville