Obituary: John Holmes

Westmorland Motor Club’s John Holmes passed away at the beginning of October 2018, aged 79. The talented Cumbrian bike builder had been known in more recent years as the builder of successful specials which riders such as Tony Calvert took to victory in events as prestigious as the Pre-65 Scottish. Much of John’s work was accomplished in a quiet way utilising hacksaws and files on materials sourced from such unlikely places as Hillman Imp or Volkswagen cars. His talents didn’t stop there as he constructed frames from oval tubing, as did the Honda factory, when making his own version of an RTL Honda. This talent for making things had tended to overshadow his earlier riding career which included winning three Scott spoons and being counted as one of only nine British finishers from 77 starters in the super tough Manx ISDT of 1965.

John’s funeral was held at Beetham Crematorium, Milnthorpe. Our thoughts go to his wife Maureen and daughters Kate and Lisa.