A happening in the Hunter
14th Annual Coalfields Classic Motorcycle Show
15 March, 2015 – Tattersall’s Hotel, Greta NSW
The third weekend in March seems to be the perfect time to have a Classic Motorcycle Show. Perfect autumnal weather and a great selection of machines from all eras attracted a big crowd to the 14th Annual Coalfields Classic Motorcycle Show. There were 124 classic motorcycles entered, and many more that were not entered parked outside along the New England Highway. The earliest motorcycles on show were a 1912 500cc Brooklands Racer, a 1912 Rudge, (which won Bike of the Show and Pre 1925 Awards), a 1923 Waratah, and a beautifully restored 1929 350cc Douglas which won the People’s Choice and 1926-1945 Awards for its owner, Tony Fitzpatrick.
The Tattersall’s Hotel certainly enjoyed the increased patronage, while members of the CCEMCC Committee were kept busy selling sausage and steak sangers, beef and gravy rolls, and cold soft drinks. The highlight for me this year was seeing a motorcycle called a Nourish, also owned by Tony Fitzpatrick. I had never even heard of one before the show. A search on-line when I got home revealed that it was a company in Kent, England, that makes “go-fast” bits for Classic British twins, as well as the Weslake 8 valve motor. The bike on show appeared to have a Norton 850 motor. The weather stayed fine until after the judging and prize giving and the crowds started to disperse just before a wave of rain clouds swept in. Just like last year, those who delayed leaving the hotel grounds probably got a bit damp, but at least they could have sought shelter in the bar. If you didn’t make the show this year, be sure to mark 20th March 2016 in your calendar. The show is open to all motorcycles, with an emphasis on the Classic Era: 1945 to 1980.