Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
I hope you ALL sent your mileage in to Don so, as a club, we can have a go at getting a trophy this year! The weather is perfect for clocking up those miles and the calendar is full of rides and events to suit all tastes. If you missed the first Poker Run, it’s not too late to join in just turn up next time!
I was chatting to a member in The Pineapple at the Poker Run, and he said he liked last month’s mag - he said he’d read it all. I asked why he didn’t read it all every month and he replied that he didn’t always find it interested him. So I responded by asking him if he’d ever sent in any articles about bikes that did interest him; any pictures, news, events, write-ups… something that would interest him and others in the club. Of course, he hadn’t ever sent anything, hadn’t even thought about it. My job, as Editor, is taking responsibility for assembling and organising the copy sent in for this mag. I am not a photographer, journalist, reporter or a magician! I can’t fill pages without help from YOU! A couple of months ago I found myself with 6 empty pages the day before the mag needed to be sent to the printer. So come on, all of you. If you want a mag that interests you, send me something you’d like to see printed.
Sue
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Inside this issue… Front cover:
Sue Dodds, among others, on a ride-out
Page 2
Start your Engines
Page 4, 5
Director’s Update
Page 6, 7
LoH - Sue’s Scribbles
Page 8, 9
Ledbury Union
Page 10
Poker Run
Page 11
First Ride-out
April/May Birthdays
Gemma Cotsford 28
th
Apr
Page 12, 13 Meet the Members Page 14, 15 Calendar Page 16
Blazin Blazers
Page 17
News and Events
Page 18
Pioneer Run
Page 19
Photo Gallery
Page 20, 21 News and Events Page 22
Whose bike?
Page 23
Fine Pig
Gopher 30th Apr Mick Friend 9th Mar
Happy birthday to you all!
Page 24 -27 Safety First Back cover:
Meet the committee
Thanks go to this month’s contributors: Don, Sue, Gopher, Paul, Nick, Toni, Pat and Linda.
Hi all, welcome to April’s Tales from the Riverbank. Since our last magazine, our official riding season has started. The first ride of the season, Blow out the Cobwebs, up to Jacks Cafe in Towcester, has been arranged for the day. The weather is looking a bit unsettled but, who knows? The weathermen have been known to get it wrong a few times. Last week the first Poker Run was held at another favourite venue of ours, The Pineapple pub in Dorney. The evening was attended by 25 members who enjoyed a large choice of sandwiches and fries from the menu, a great start to the Poker season.
Ledbury Convergence Ride The bookings for Ledbury are going really well with 39 members confirmed from Thames Valley to attend the convergence weekend. There are still plenty of spaces available either camping or at local hotels. We have a full program booked for the weekend including a parade through Ledbury town centre and a visit to Westons Cider Mill. If you would like more information or want to book up for the weekend, get in contact with me.
Dealership Update Things are moving forward with the site at Reading, at last. Outline Planning permission has been granted and Russ and Mike are now talking to contractors, so we should see a dealership by the end of the year on the site. Great news.
SofER 2015 Over the past few weeks I have been busy looking for locations in our area for the SofER Rally in 2015. I came up with Windsor Race Course. Pat, Colin and myself attended a meeting at the Racecourse to have a look round and discuss our needs for the Rally. The site has a lot to offer and the surrounding areas are full of great rides and places to visit.
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The aerial view of the site makes it look very impresssive, which it is. We are having a meeting of the SofER committee very soon to discuss all the options for the rally next year and look at all the sites put forward for consideration by the other chapters. Fingers crossed for the Racecourse.
Mileage Chapter Challenge A great response from you all. So far 45 members have signed up for this year’s challenge but we still need many more VIN numbers and mileages. Email the information over to me to be part of the challenge, with prizes and gift vouchers for the highest mileages at November’s club night. Miles of Fun cards are available from Nick for a £1. Remember to carry them with you on every ride you attend and get them signed by the lead or tail road crew member on the day. We have many prizes to be won at the end of the season.
Rallies & Rides The Cider Rally is only weeks away now and fancy dress is of a Tropical theme this year. Let’s make an extra effort for a large turnout from Thames Valley in fancy dress. The Cider Rally is the first of the season and is always a great weekend away. April 27th is the Toy Run to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. We are meeting up with Rolling Hills and Oxford Chapters for a Police escorted mass ride to the children’s wards at the hospital. As always the dress code for the day is to wear YELLOW and decorate your bikes with YELLOW ribbons. I will have ribbon at Sportsable for decorating the bikes on the day. Please bring an Easter gift for the sick children - games, books, colouring pencils... things they can do on their beds. A little Chocolate for the nurses and doctors is always appreciated. Let’s make this year a big turnout from Thames Valley for the kiddies.
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Don
Sue says... Hello everyone. It was good to see a good representation of Thames Valley members at Oxford for their coffee and cake morning which was held on a lovely sunny spring Saturday in March. Dave and I escorted six bikes which included two gents who were new to ride-outs, so a big welcome Ron and Malcolm. Many others joined us at the event which I understand raised over ÂŁ230 for the air ambulance Just a reminder that the Saturday Social on 19th April ( this Sat) is at The Shire Horse along the A4 in Littlewick Green. Please feel free to join us for a chat and chomp from 12.30 6
Sun 27th April sees the annual Toy Run to John Radcliffe Hospital. We will be riding to join Oxford Chapter at their dealership where the main ride begins. They usually put on a bit of a do, with DJ Rob Paston creating the musical backdrop. Please bring along a new, unwrapped toy, book or CD/DVD suitable for any age of child (remember fluffy toys, food or chocolate are not suitable). For anyone who hasn’t joined this ride before, it’s in memory of a young lad called Jake Spicer who loved Harley’s. Jake sadly passed away through his illness two years ago. He always enjoyed the sight of bikers dressed up in bright colours and to commemorate this we are all invited to wear or decorate our bikes in yellow. Pink was also one of Jakes favourite colours so I am sure there will be a joyous mix It’s fantastic that Oxford invite us to their events and make us feel so welcome, too, and its great that we are able to support them, but I can’t wait for news of when we might be getting our own toy shop so we can reciprocate. There was a fantastic response for the Bath Christmas Market with 16 ladies already confirming Where are you hiding the cake, their hotel rooms… Bath doesn’t Don? know what going to hit them! If you would like to come it’s still not too late to book. Dates are 28th -30th November 2014. Please may I collect any outstanding monies by 1 May I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, enjoy lots of over indulging on lots of chocolate and let’s hope the sun shines!
Sue x 7
Ledbury Union
1st-3rd August
This is the answer to what we do on the SofER weekend. We arrange a get together in a nice location where we can camp, have a few beers, some good food, a great parade through Ledbury, and a ride out to a famous Cider Press. What could be better? For those who do not want to camp, there are hotels situated very locally, and more within a short distance from the site. Program Friday Leave Guildford & Maidenhead to ride up to Ledbury stopping for lunch on the way. Arrive Friday afternoon and have Chili / Fish ‘n’ Chips supper in the club house.
Costs £10.00 per person, Tents, Caravans & Camper Vans are £10 per night to include use of shower/changing rooms. A great weekend for £40 for two persons plus food and whatever you drink. Fish & Chip supper £5 per head English Breakfast £6 per head BBQ £7 per head
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Music provided by Dave’s band, from Hogs back.
Music to be an open mike type event. Saturday Full English Breakfast. Parade through Ledbury, with flags flying, and then off on a ride-out through the Herefordshire countryside with a lunch stop, and then a trip around a local Cider Press. Take samples back to campsite for later. Music in function room, and BBQ. Sunday Breakfast Ride back with a lunch stop.
Why Ledbury Rugby Club? It is a modern club with eight changing rooms , a function room that seats 150 and a bar.
The area is fenced and gated. There is ample parking, and room for tents.
Hotels in Ledbury Leadon House Hotel - £95 per night 01531-631199 www.leadonhouse.com The Feathers Hotel - £130 per night 01531-635266 www.feathers-ledbury.co.uk The Talbot Hotel – Phone: 0203-564-2773 www.thetalbotinn-ledbury.com The Royal Oak Hotel - £95 per night 01531-660300 www.royal-oakinn.com Premier Inn Ross on Wye - £69 per night 0871-527-8944 www.premierinn.com
Drinks Carlsberg Xtra £3.20 Bitter £2.90 Becks £3.20 Cider £3.20 White wine £3.50
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1st Poker Run The first Poker Run was a great success, at The Pineapple in Dorney. It was well attended with 25 people turning up, 6 of whom were on 2 bikes & 2 trikes. The choice of food, as usual, did not disappoint. Huge sandwiches filled with every conceivable combination of ingredients, with chips or salad. The evening was filled with laughter and conversation - a really enjoyable start to the Poker season. Linda
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Dust-off-the-Cobwebs Ride By Paul Houghton
The 1st official ride-out of the season. After the briefing, a vote was taken and it was decided, overwhelmingly, by a landslide victory of 1 (me) to divert the ride to The Ace Cafe instead of Jacks Hill Cafe. The drop off system was a bit tricky as once I'd dropped myself I had to engage 1st and start off again real quick... Oh, and as it’s customary for the 1st ride, the Road Capt bought everyone breakfast!
A photo of all the bikes lined up for the first ride of the season‌ Oh, wait a minute, is that a drop of rain I see? Yes, well done Paul Houghton for being the only member to brave the weather and turn up for the ride! 11
Meet the Members
Spotlight on... Gopher
(aka John Clark)
Are you married? Yes, we’ve been together for 43 years. Do you have any children? We have four children. Any pets? Not any more. How long have you been riding motorbikes? 50 years! What was your first bike? Francis Barnet When did you get your first Harley? In 1995 I got a Wide Glide What do you ride now? I ride a 1997 Heritage Softail Springer
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How long have you been a Thames Valley member? Day one was on the first ever ride-out to Cheltenham Any hobbies apart from motorbikes? I’m an Aston Villa fan! Any special Harley experiences? Went to100th anniversary in Milwaukee, done Sturgis, Myrtle Beach, Daytona, Las Vegas Bike Week, Phoenix Memorial Ride to commemorate 1st anniversary of 911 7,000 bikers took part. It’s been nice getting to know you, Gopher, thanks for the chat.
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April
May
Saturday Social Sat 19th The Shire Horse, Littlewick Green, 12:30
cont.
Poker Run - 2 Weds 21st May, 6:30 Venue TBA check website
Ace Café Southend Shakedown Monday, 21st 8:45 Sportsable, 10:30 leave Ace Café
Ace Café Harley Night Thursday 29th 6:00pm
June
Ace Café Harley Night Thursday 24th 6:00pm
Committee Night Tuesday 3rd, 8:00pm
John Radcliff Toy Run Sunday, 27th, 9:00 Sportsable
Picnic on the Green Froxfield Pat & Barry welcome all Sat 14th, 12:00 - 5:00
May
Club Night Thursday 19th, 7:30
Cider Rally Friday 2nd, 10:00am Chieveley, to Mon 5th
Ace Café Harley Night Thursday 26th 6:00pm
Committee Night Tuesday 6th, 8:00pm
Chapter Chill-Out Weekend Fri 27th -Sun 29th Fri 9:00 am Sportsable
Seaside Fish ‘n’ Chips Sat 17th, 9:00am Eastbourne & Shaw’s HD
Ride to Tewksbury
Cassington Bike Night Mon 30th 6:30 S’Able
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Dates, events, ride-outs and activities Details correct at time of going to print. Check the website for updates and amendments www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Club Nights
Entries for your Diary 2014 Oxford Toy Run 27th April 23rd Cider Rally 2nd - 5th May Big Brum Bash 23rd - 26th May Ireland Bike Fest 30th May - 1st June European Rally Biograd Croatia 2nd - 16th June Wake the Lakes 3rd - 6th July Fenlanders Rally 24th - 27th July Hog n Bog Provience wide 1st - 3rd August Sherwood Rally 15th-17th August Thunder in the Glens 22nd - 25th August Deva Legion Circus Maximus 12th - 14th September
May
15th
June
19th
July
17th
August
21st
September
18th
Mag contribution Deadlines
Check website for Changes / further details on all events 15
M ay
8th
June
12th
July
10th
August
14th
September
11th
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Get ready to Party at the Fenlanders Chapter 22nd East of England Rally
You know it’s going to be a fantastic year when you’re still four months away from an event and already have record ticket sales! And why is this years Rally selling fast? Well its all down to careful planning, a magnificent programme and the hard work of the Rally organisers in making this a ‘go-to’ event in the calendar every year. The now famous Ride-in Street Party @Sheringham is again guaranteed to bring the crowds back out as we enter a fantastic seaside town where the Ride-In bike show will again take centre stage. It’s a sight to behold when you arrive in a town where the roads have been shut to allow us to ride into the centre and if last year is anything to go by, expect about 10,000 people to be on the pavements cheering us on. In addition we have Yippee Yurts for those wishing to glamp it up as well as the excellent facilities at the Fakenham Racecourse Four Star touring Park and for those not keen on camping there are hotels just a short walk from the Rally site. For those not out and about enjoying the great Norfolk countryside the Prince of Wales stand bar is open all day and late into the night, there is a variety of catering options including an on-site restaurant serving meals and plenty of traders to visit. The music line up this year features our headline band The League of Mentalmen as well as three nights of music in the main marquee and the late night bands in the Prince of Wales bar which start at Midnight and continue into the wee small hours – now that’s the way to party! And remember we are also a ‘Flag Event’ as part of the National Chapter Challenge so don’t forget to take that all important Chapter photograph alongside the flag by the Prince of Wales stand! Visit our website at www.fenlandershog.com print off the Booking form, order your tickets and we look forward to seeing you. Neil Billig
Director
director@fenlandershog.com
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75th Pioneer Run The Club has organised the Pioneer Run since 1930 and it is widely recognised as the premier event for pre-1915 veteran motorcycles. The run starts at Tattenham Corner (Epsom) and finishes at Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront.
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hts has been a pple in Dorwere on their nd choices did ng was filled ations about upts.
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Ride to visit Tony Lassiter April 6th Tony is suffering with terminal cancer and will shortly need to go into a hospice. He's a lifetime biker, and owns a rather nice looking Triumph America. A few riders from Middilgard RC, Sue and Edd (friends of Nij), and me went
round to surprise him. When we arrived he was still in bed as he’d been too ill to get up. So Julian (the organiser) popped inside to go and fetch him. He'd heard us arrive, so Julian told him that because he wouldn't go to any bike shows, he'd brought one to come and visit him! He really seemed to enjoy seeing all the bikes, and would have hung around for ages, but it was getting very cold for him. We stayed for just over an hour and left him with his family. Going on the comments from Tony's friends and family, seeing all the bikes really made his day. Toni Charles
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Whose Bike? Our ‘Jammy’ photographer, Linda, has been taking candid shots of our bikes when we weren’t looking! Do you recognise your bike, or that of another club member? If you correctly identify the bike and owner, you will win a bottle of wine, to be presented at club night. If there’s more than one correct answer, names will be put in a hat and one drawn out - at club night. Good luck!
If you can identify this bike, send your answer to Linda, c/o: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk February’s winner: Ron Jackson
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Bike: John Colyer
Nick Lees for calling HOG to renew his membership but called child-line instead (reported by Lee White) Brian Wilson for parking his Posh Porsche in a disabled parking bay at club night in Feb. - Ha Ha you thought you had got away with it then! Nick West for admitting that he hadn’t had his ‘shooter’ out for 5 years! Fred for the ‘deliberate mistake’ in his report for committee night Ditto for Colin our treasurer.
Mystery Man? Well, as you can see, it’s a lady this month. All our mystery people are very regular members, almost always at club nights. So, look closely, who is this beautiful bride? 23
Last month: Jack Parry with his Indian
Hi folks, lets hope the recent spell of fine weather is a sign of things to come.
I hope that none of our lady riders will mind my use of the term "man" throughout this article, I'm using it just for continuity with the name "second man drop-off".
Some months ago I was asked if I could publish an explanation of the Second Man Drop-Off system in the mag. I was reluctant to “re-invent the wheel� and so I have taken some information I found on the net and tweaked it a little to suit our riding style. Here at Thames Valley HOG, we usually prefer to adopt the second man drop-off system where there are 6 or more riders in the group. Such a group will consist of a minimum of a LEAD Road Captain and a TAIL Road Captain. The lead road captain and/or their pillion will be wearing a YELLOW hi-vis vest and the tail road captain will be wearing an ORANGE hi-vis vest.
The second man drop-off system for group riding
When will the lead Road Captain drop The second man drop-off the second man to system of ride management mark the route? is designed to allow each member of a group of The Road Captain leading riders to arrive at a given destination, irrespective of a ride SHOULD ALWAYS the delays that riders drop off a rider to mark a behind the lead Road change of direction Captain may experience. when at roundabouts, junctions etc. The lead Road Captain The system is based on may not drop a rider the principle of leaving a rider (the second man) at where the route is straight on and where there is no key points on a route to doubt about which road is direct following riders to the straight ahead route. the correct route. .
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Exceptions to this rule apply where a lead Road Captain has identified that a rider cannot be dropped to mark a route for legal reasons (such as marking a motorway exit) or where they judge that there is no safe place at which to drop the second man to mark the route. In these exceptional situations, the lead Road Captain should have clearly identified the correct route during the pre-ride briefing.
When the lead Road Captain points at the kerb, this indicates the point at which he/she wants the second man to stop. The lead Road Captain may give signals with his/her left or right hand indicating on which side of the carriageway the second man should stop.
and the lead Road Captain in order to have adequate time to follow the lead Road Captain's instructions. The second man should be aware that the lead Road Captain may wish to drop a rider off at any time - sometimes a lead Road Captain may, for instance, wish to drop a rider off on a long straight stretch of road.
The second man must always be vigilant for these signals - particularly when approaching The lead Road Captain junctions/roundabouts etc. may indicate that the second man should drop off to the left or right hand side of a lane in the road If you find yourself so the second man needs to be in a good position to behind the lead stop where indicated - for Road Captain, you are the second man! this reason, the second man should ride in the The second man in a ride middle of the lane. Lead Road Captain wears YELOW group should maintain a The second man, when minimum of 2 seconds stopping, must ensure that gap between him/herself The lead Road Captain he/she stops in a safe will give clear hand signals place. If he/she is not to indicate where he/she satisfied that the stopping would like the second man place indicated by the lead to drop off to mark a route. Road Captain is safe then Initially, the lead Road he/she should look for an Captain's arm will be bent alternative which is safe with a finger pointing to and from which he/she the sky. This is the sign can clearly communicate that the second man the route that following should be ready to drop Tail Road Captain wears ORANGE riders should take. off.
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When a rider has been dropped off to mark a route, he/she must make it clear which direction the following riders should take. This may be achieved purely by their position on the road where stopped (as indicated by the lead Road Captain), or by pointing out the correct route to following riders by appropriate hand signals.
Points to note for riders following the second man
When a rider has been dropped off to mark the route, the following riders MUST NOT switch to the opposite side of the The rider behind the second man should retain stagger - this introduces an unnecessary additional his/her place on the road element of risk. (i.e. on the left or right of the stagger) and should ensure that he/she is far enough behind the second Points to note for man to allow the second riders who have man to stop safely in the place indicated by the lead been delayed and When the tail end Road Road Captain. are no longer with Captain arrives at the The two second gap the lead group. point at which a dropped should be maintained off rider is stationed, the between the second man When approaching tail end Road Captain will and the next rider. junctions/roundabouts etc. clearly communicate that riders who are detached the stationary rider can If the second man does from the lead group now leave their station not stop when the lead should be aware of any and will give the rider an Road Captain indicates particular instructions opportunity to re-join the that he/she wants to leave given by the lead Road ride. a rider as a route marker, Captain during the prethe third rider should drop ride briefing. As explained in the off to indicate the correct If the rider is on a motorsecond article in this route to following riders. way section of the route, series, riders may have to Again, this should only be the pre-ride briefing will wait a significant amount if this rider can find an include details of which of time (20 or 30 minutes appropriate and safe exit to take from the is not unusual) before the stopping point. motorway. tail end Road Captain Riders who are close arrives at their position. behind the third rider If there is a rider dropped It is crucial that dropped should therefore be very off to mark the route, then off riders do not leave their aware that they may need the rider should follow the station until the tail end to drop off if the second direction indicated by the Road Captain arrives as man does not stop. dropped rider. the ride will break down if they do.
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If there is no rider marking the route and no specific instruction relating to this junction, then riders should always assume that the route is straight ahead. This is a situation in which it is vital that dropped off
riders on the correct route maintain their stations to enable the second (lost) group to re-join the main body of riders. Group riding can be great fun but it does require that good practice is observed by everyone to ensure
that all riders arrive at the same destination in safety. Arriving at the correct destination is the responsibility of the lead Road Captain, but that's another story! Best wishes and ride!
Lower Lode Inn, Forthampton, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL19 4RE Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June 2014
Tel: 01684 293224
Lower Lode Inn is a 15th Century riverside inn offering en-suite accommodation, camping & touring pitches. Set in a stunning location overlooking the River Severn, with views of Tewkesbury and it's historic Abbey, it’s a perfect place to spend a few days chilling out with friends. Fine locally sourced, home cooked fayre and real ales are available in the bar.
There are still camping/caravan places available Contact Barry Adams Tel: 01488 683136 or 07771 646263
Camping package to include : Breakfast Sat & Sunday morning and BBQ meal on Sat…….£17.50 per person There are 8 Caravan/ Camper van pitches + electric hook up available @ £10 per night Please let us know if you require this option
Don Don Wibberley Wibberley Chapter Chapter Director Director Email: director Email: director@ director @thamesvallyhog.org.uk thamesvalleyhog.org.uk @thamesvallyhog.org. uk
Pat Adams Pat Adams Assistant Director Assistant Director Email: assistantdirector@ Email: assistantdirector@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Colin Wilkins Colin Wilkins Treasurer Treasurer Email: treasurer@ Email: treasurer@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sue Moyler Sue Moyler Secretary Secretary Email: secretary@ Email: secretary@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Fred Cotsford Fred Fred Cotsford Cotsford Membership Officer Membership Officer Membership Officer Email: membership@ Email: Email: membership@ membership@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Nij Jones Nij Jones Head Road Captain Head Road Captain Email: headroadcaptain@ Email: headroadcaptain@ Thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Nick West Nick West Safety Officer & Safety Officer & historian Historian Email: Historian @thamesvalleyhog.org.uk Email: historian@
Barry Adams Barry Adams Activities Officer Activities Officer Email: activities@ Email: activities@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Lee White Lee White Webmaster Webmaster Email: webmaster@ Email: webmaster@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sue Knight Sue Knight Editor Editor Email: editor@ Email: editor@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Bernie Meason Bernie Meason Photographer Photographer Email: photographer@ Email: photographer@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sue Brown Sue Brown Ladies of Harley Ladies Harley Email: of ladiesofharley@ Email: ladiesofharley@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
facebook.com/groups/facebook.com/groups thamesvalleyhog thamesvalleyhog
youtube.com/user/ tvwebmaster1 Linda Friend Friend Linda Photographer Photographer Email: photographer@ photographer@ Email: thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Shirley Shirley Churchill Churchill Merchandise Merchandise Email: Email: merchandise@ merchandise@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
youtube.com/user/ tvwebmaster1
Toni Charles Club Venue: Club Venue: Activities Officer SportsAble, SportsAble, Braywick Sports Ground, Email: activities@SL6 1BN Braywick Sports Ground, Maidenhead, thamesvalleyhog.org.uk Maidenhead, SL6 1BN