Tenterden & District MCC
After Karl Pugh got the club up and running in 1946 he remained very much involved with it. He soon held the position of chairman and either officiated or competed at events, which continued to grow in number and scope. It was obviously not all plain sailing as a note in the club history recalls interest from the local constabulary in the state and manner in which motorcycles were being ridden at a club event.
However, things improved and a number of well known riders joined and entered sporting events under the club’s name. The depth of talent was demonstrated when the club could enter teams in trials and record significant success. The Fifties subjected the club to mixed fortunes. Member Derek Farrant became a big name in road-racing, riding works machinery for AMC. He was also a very useful trials rider. Some club-organised trials suffered a lack of entries, yet others attracted almost 180, finding
sufficient observers on such occasions was a constant headache.
The grasstracks became more popular and the club continued to expand activities, getting involved in many other interests, including hill climbs. Well known riders joined the club and helped it achieve successes in team competitions. The club’s ambitious Weald of Kent Trial acquired National status and became a round of the British Sidecar Trials Championship.
The club has an impressive roll of honour of past members, including Gordon Farley and John Giles from off-road; Tom Turk, Dave Jessup, Malcolm Simmons and Barry Thomas from speedway and grasstrack; Barry Sheene, Paul Smart and Derek Farrant from road racing
In 1984, Karl Pugh became an Honorary Life Member of the club, by which time he had served it in virtually all capacities at various times over 38 years.