Erskine folk were wheely glad to see the bike
DOUGIE MEEK was secretary and treasurer of The Avon Valley Motorcycle Club until very recently.
The club has a proud history, having been formed in the years following the end of the Second World War by ex-service personnel.
The first meeting was held in Stonehouse Public Hall, Lanarkshire, on October 30, 1949 and 18 people attended.
Once officer bearers and committee members were elected, they drew up a constitution, of which one of the most pertinent parts was to improve the image of motorcycling and to create a better social spirit among motorcyclists through the likes of tours and sporting activities.
They did this for many years, holding road rallies, treasure hunts and club runs, and in the winter months they met every Wednesday to play snooker, darts and table tennis.
The club went from strength to strength and, in 1960, bought premises in nearby Strathaven.
Unfortunately, membership has reduced in recent times, meaning they didn’t have the same manpower to run events and the maintenance of the building often far exceeded the income.
When an offer came in for the premises, they made the difficult decision to sell.
The other main rule drawn up in that constitution in 1949 stated that should the club ever disband then, once all debts were cleared, surplus money should be donated to veterans’ charity, Erskine.
When a letter of explanation arrived on the desk of Erskine chairman Andrew Robertson recently, he invited the club to visit the main care home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, to thank them for their incredible generosity.
Dougie and five other club members went along to the home recently not just with a cheque for £28,952 but also with two motorbikes, including a 1966 red BSA, which created lots of interest among the residents.
Erskine is celebrating its centenary this year and its needs for residents remain the same now as it did when the Second World War veterans were setting up Avon Valley Motorcycle Club, as well as the 32 years before that.
Dougie and the boys enjoyed their visit so much that they’re already planning another one, and the veterans can’t wait to see which wheels they bring along for one more ride.