A great day at Samford
Australia Day Historic Motorcycle Display • 26 January, 2018 – Samford Historical Museum, Qld.
The Samford Museum is run by a hardy bunch of volunteers and every Australia Day they hold an event to raise funds to keep the Museum functioning. To compliment the Museum’s collection many historic clubs are invited to display their specific genre. The Historic Motorcycle Club of Qld (HMCCQ) has displayed bikes at this event for many years now. Our designated display area has recently gained picnic seating and a shade structure which was appreciated given the heat on the day. In appreciation, the museum volunteers also provide displaying club members complimentary smoko and lunch. HMCCQ member Brian Harmsworth coordinates with the Museum and supplies an esky full of cold water to keep us hydrated. More than 30 motorcycles and three outfits were on display this year. It was good to see so many veteran bikes including Ian Mould’s 1912 Zenith Gradua, Dave Dettmar’s 1914 Rover and Rob Patrick’s 1916 Indian Powerplus all in exceptional condition. To take a step further back to the origins of the motorcycle it was good to catch up again with local resident Trevor Ryan as he rode around on his 130year-old Penny Farthing. The veteran era was also well attended with Jeannene Mould and Bob Pritchard debuting their 1927 BSA and 1923 (US built) Neracar respectively. Bob is really a car guy and this is his first motorcycle project. There is an historical link of this Neracar being from the ex-John Finglas Museum many decades ago. It lived under a sheet in a car collectors shed until Bob purchased it a couple of years ago. It took some time to get it to a runner and Bob took particular pleasure in starting it and showing visitors the way the unique friction drive transmission worked. The other eras up to the ‘80s were also well patronised with many
having been on display before. A few other debut motorcycles were noted. Bruce Boldery rode his shiny new Harley WLA in civilian colours. There was also a beautifully presented 1950 Triumph GP replica. Chris Berry gave a young boy the opportunity to don his helmet and sit on his 1948 Matchy. The smile on his and his mum’s face was priceless. Dave Dettmar as usual entertained many with his demonstration of the finer workings of his 1914 Rover. A wonderful day was had by all. Thanks to the Museum, Brian and to all the members who supported this worthy cause. Hopefully we get to do the same again next year.