Milestone on the marsh

While looking after her own motorcycle fleet, organiser of the Romney Marsh Classic Motorcycle Show, Julie Diplock, is probably indirectly responsible for bringing more old bikes back to life than even the most prolific restorer, through her popular Elk Promotions shows and jumbles.

This year, 2022, marked 30 years since the inaugural event and the connection with Romney Marsh continues yet, as June saw the second of three visits to Hamstreet this year.

In 1992 Elk started with a field at Salts Marsh Farm, near Rye in East Sussex. The jumble was then a relatively new concept in the classic bike movement.

Elk expanded its operations with further jumbles. The newly rebuilt Ashford (Kent) Cattle Market provided a venue for an annual show established in 1999. Salts Marsh gave way to Lydd Airport and an eventual move to Hamstreet in 2005. Ardingly, over in West Sussex, was a major progression, organised shows expanded and saw many well known names of the classic scene invited to judge, award prizes and take part in talks and presentations.

The June 26 event saw, as ever, a fine, varied display of bikes from clubs and individual owners. Most of the bikes had been ridden in, and among them the concours contenders sparkled in the brilliant sunshine. Some of the entries have supported Elk events for a long time and some must have a tidy collection of awards.

This time, well-restored BSAs featured, from Malcolm Folwell’s Empire Star to Dave Harding’s runner-up A65 via John Joslyn’s first-time-out B31. But bling is not everything by Elk standards, riding history is a consideration, and Dan Carpenter’s 1936 ex-factory Model 30 Norton, is a competition machine that is still ridden in sprints and hill climbs.

Geoff Brooker had his Phantom Bantam on display. Hidden in a garage for years, it looked complete for a catalogue-correct restoration. Unfortunately, the bits came from different models! The finished bike is now a Bantam the way he wants it and the way he wants to ride it.

With plenty of projects and parts to be found in the jumble, the hobby of motorcycle restoration looks to be in a healthy state. We’ll keep checking back as the next 30 years pass.

The Norton Owners’ Club line-up – several of the bikes ended up with prizes.

In the days when Fizzies ruled youth culture, this Malanca Testarossa was exotic, unaffordable Italiana, now for sale in the jumble at less than Fizzy prices!

Many coveted the Velo but at £27,500 (oiro) it did not change hands.

Geoff Brooker’s Phantom Bantam – in the jumble, but not for sale.

Best British! That was the judge’s decision on Graham Pond’s 500cc AJS.