Latest news with #BloodBikesWales
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Annual model railway exhibition to make return to Prestatyn
An annual exhibition organised by Rhyl & District Model Railway Club, it will take place at Christ Church Parish Church and Community Hall, on High Street, on June 28 (10.30am-4pm). it is adopting a "little and large, old and new' theme this year, due to the variety of small and large scales represented among the layouts. The show will feature working layouts from "N" and "009" scales, through "OO" (the most popular scale), up to "O", "G" and "16mm:1ft" scales, as well as modelling demonstrations, club and retail sales stalls, plus light refreshments. Some of the exhibits which will be on display at this year's show (Image: Martyn Wild) Full disabled access is available, while visitors can also find out more about this the club, which meets twice a week. Exhibition organiser Martyn Wild said: "We are really excited to be holding our town centre summertime show again, particularly with this year seeing widespread events celebrating 'Railway 200' across the UK, to mark the bi-centenary of railways. 'Indeed, we have a layout which features a procession of trains from the past two centuries running on it, as well as the highly popular, large working layout of traditional 'O' gauge Tinplate Toy trains from the past 125 years, neatly highlighting the 'old and new' part of the theme. 'Following on from the success of last year's show, we hope to show visitors that, far from dying out, the model railway hobby is, in fact, thriving. 'Whilst it is true that many modellers now connect through social media rather than in physical model railway clubs, we hope to show that the social experience of club membership still brings huge positivity and benefits to those involved. 'Without clubs, most model railway exhibitions up and down the country simply would not happen.' As part of the club's ongoing aim to help Welsh charities, it has chosen to support Blood Bikes Wales this year, which is an entirely volunteer-led organisation based in Wales. Some of the exhibits which will be on display at this year's show (Image: Martyn Wild) It provides free courier services to the NHS, delivering blood samples, plasma, donated human milk, documents and other items throughout Wales. Admission to the event costs £5 for adults (cash only), with up to two accompanied children (five to 15 years old) permitted free entry.
Pembrokeshire Herald
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Major disruption to Cardiff rail services after embankment fire
Dozens of historic motorcycles, local legends and rare finds mark a standout vintage event HAVERFORDWEST'S HaverHub echoed with the sound of history on Saturday (May 3) as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club rolled into town for their annual showcase — and by all accounts, it was a roaring success. More than 50 vintage motorcycles, some dating back over a century, were proudly displayed by their owners. Each machine came with its own story, offering a living, polished timeline of motorcycling history. The event drew enthusiasts from across West Wales and beyond, raising funds for local charities including Blood Bikes Wales, VC Gallery, the Welsh Air Ambulance and Milford Haven Sea Cadets. One of the standout bikes was a 1922 Velocette E2, believed to be the sixth-oldest Velo in the world, featuring the oldest known example of the Velocette tank badge, applied 103 years ago. This 220cc two-stroke machine was the first of its kind to be fitted with both a clutch and kickstart. Exported to France in 1922, it passed through the hands of famed French trials rider M. A. Burger. Another remarkable machine was the 1969 BSA Rocket 3 MK1, a 750cc three-cylinder powerhouse capable of up to 120mph. Previously owned in the US, the bike was brought back to the UK in 2016 and lovingly refurbished by John Mackay in 2017. With many original parts still intact, it remains in top condition and has featured in multiple club runs. Adding a poignant local connection to the event was a 1933 BSA Blue Star Junior, once owned by the late Jack Garland of Milford Haven — the father of event organiser Captain Glyn Garland and grandfather of Herald editor Tom Sinclair. Originally supplied by Bowens of Llawhaden, the bike was recommissioned in 1971 and passed down through the Garland family. Now owned by Phil Hallett, it remains largely original and fully roadworthy. Also on show was a 1958 Velocette Venom, registered XOJ 81 and owned by Milford's Gary Kimber, which has clocked over 130,000 miles and toured across Europe, including Germany. It has been carefully updated over the years with modern electrics and safety features. For those with an eye to buy, a 1970 BSA B25 Starfire, owned by Mike Harries, was listed for sale at £2,700. And for the Italian enthusiasts, Phill Walker's 1975 Ducati 860 GTS — a complete barn find restoration — proved a talking point. Once featured in Classic Bike Guide, the red-framed machine had been rescued from obscurity in 2020 and took 18 months to fully restore. Live music from Becket 'The Bullet' Thomas brought extra atmosphere to the free event, which invited donations to a number of causes. Organisers say they were delighted with the turnout, and hope to return next year with even more rare and interesting machines. Organiser, Captain Glyn Garland said: 'The club is thankfully for the 2800 visitors who attended the show and supported the charities at the event. 'We were delighted to award the following prizes: Best Vintage 1915 -1930 – Mile Jones (1922 Velocette E2) Best Post Vintage 1930 -1945 – James Colley (1939 Norton International) Best Classic 1945 -2000 – Jim Buck (1957 Super Rocket) Best Two stoke – Gary Richards (1975 Suzuki Titan 500) Most technically Interesting – Dai Garland (1965 Honda 77) Judges' Award – Kelvin Williams (1970 Suzuki Hustler) Kelvin Williams being awarded the Judges Award for his Immaculate 1970 Suzuki 250cc Hustler.
Pembrokeshire Herald
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Hundreds of vintage tractors descend on Pembrokeshire for annual run
Dozens of historic motorcycles, local legends and rare finds mark a standout vintage event HAVERFORDWEST'S HaverHub echoed with the sound of history on Saturday (May 3) as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club rolled into town for their annual showcase — and by all accounts, it was a roaring success. More than 50 vintage motorcycles, some dating back over a century, were proudly displayed by their owners. Each machine came with its own story, offering a living, polished timeline of motorcycling history. The event drew enthusiasts from across West Wales and beyond, raising funds for local charities including Blood Bikes Wales, VC Gallery, the Welsh Air Ambulance and Milford Haven Sea Cadets. One of the standout bikes was a 1922 Velocette E2, believed to be the sixth-oldest Velo in the world, featuring the oldest known example of the Velocette tank badge, applied 103 years ago. This 220cc two-stroke machine was the first of its kind to be fitted with both a clutch and kickstart. Exported to France in 1922, it passed through the hands of famed French trials rider M. A. Burger. Another remarkable machine was the 1969 BSA Rocket 3 MK1, a 750cc three-cylinder powerhouse capable of up to 120mph. Previously owned in the US, the bike was brought back to the UK in 2016 and lovingly refurbished by John Mackay in 2017. With many original parts still intact, it remains in top condition and has featured in multiple club runs. Adding a poignant local connection to the event was a 1933 BSA Blue Star Junior, once owned by the late Jack Garland of Milford Haven — the father of event organiser Captain Glyn Garland and grandfather of Herald editor Tom Sinclair. Originally supplied by Bowens of Llawhaden, the bike was recommissioned in 1971 and passed down through the Garland family. Now owned by Phil Hallett, it remains largely original and fully roadworthy. Also on show was a 1958 Velocette Venom, registered XOJ 81 and owned by Milford's Gary Kimber, which has clocked over 130,000 miles and toured across Europe, including Germany. It has been carefully updated over the years with modern electrics and safety features. For those with an eye to buy, a 1970 BSA B25 Starfire, owned by Mike Harries, was listed for sale at £2,700. And for the Italian enthusiasts, Phill Walker's 1975 Ducati 860 GTS — a complete barn find restoration — proved a talking point. Once featured in Classic Bike Guide, the red-framed machine had been rescued from obscurity in 2020 and took 18 months to fully restore. Live music from Becket 'The Bullet' Thomas brought extra atmosphere to the free event, which invited donations to a number of causes. Organisers say they were delighted with the turnout, and hope to return next year with even more rare and interesting machines.
Pembrokeshire Herald
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Haverfordwest roars with nostalgia as classic bikes take over HaverHub
Dozens of historic motorcycles, local legends and rare finds mark a standout vintage event HAVERFORDWEST'S HaverHub echoed with the sound of history on Saturday (May 3) as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club rolled into town for their annual showcase — and by all accounts, it was a roaring success. More than 50 vintage motorcycles, some dating back over a century, were proudly displayed by their owners. Each machine came with its own story, offering a living, polished timeline of motorcycling history. The event drew enthusiasts from across West Wales and beyond, raising funds for local charities including Blood Bikes Wales, VC Gallery, the Welsh Air Ambulance and Milford Haven Sea Cadets. One of the standout bikes was a 1922 Velocette E2, believed to be the sixth-oldest Velo in the world, featuring the oldest known example of the Velocette tank badge, applied 103 years ago. This 220cc two-stroke machine was the first of its kind to be fitted with both a clutch and kickstart. Exported to France in 1922, it passed through the hands of famed French trials rider M. A. Burger. Another remarkable machine was the 1969 BSA Rocket 3 MK1, a 750cc three-cylinder powerhouse capable of up to 120mph. Previously owned in the US, the bike was brought back to the UK in 2016 and lovingly refurbished by John Mackay in 2017. With many original parts still intact, it remains in top condition and has featured in multiple club runs. Adding a poignant local connection to the event was a 1933 BSA Blue Star Junior, once owned by the late Jack Garland of Milford Haven — the father of event organiser Captain Glyn Garland and grandfather of Herald editor Tom Sinclair. Originally supplied by Bowens of Llawhaden, the bike was recommissioned in 1971 and passed down through the Garland family. Now owned by Phil Hallett, it remains largely original and fully roadworthy. Also on show was a 1958 Velocette Venom, registered XOJ 81 and owned by Milford's Gary Kimber, which has clocked over 130,000 miles and toured across Europe, including Germany. It has been carefully updated over the years with modern electrics and safety features. For those with an eye to buy, a 1970 BSA B25 Starfire, owned by Mike Harries, was listed for sale at £2,700. And for the Italian enthusiasts, Phill Walker's 1975 Ducati 860 GTS — a complete barn find restoration — proved a talking point. Once featured in Classic Bike Guide, the red-framed machine had been rescued from obscurity in 2020 and took 18 months to fully restore. Live music from Becket 'The Bullet' Thomas brought extra atmosphere to the free event, which invited donations to a number of causes. Organisers say they were delighted with the turnout, and hope to return next year with even more rare and interesting machines.
Leader Live
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham man's Land's End to John O'Groats charity trek
Stuart Jones will be travelling on a small 125cc motorbike, towing a trailer from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Caithness, Scotland. Due to the specially adapted trailer, the 70-year-old will be unable to use motorways, so is having to take a much less direct route. He hopes the 1,200-mile ride, in aid on Nightingale House Hospice and Blood Bikes Wales (who he has previously ridden for), will take between a week and 10 days. Read more: Social care heroes' birthday boost to children's hospice charity Stuart aims for cover 150-200 miles a day, and en route he will sleep under a tarp sheet attached to the side of the bike, with a Welsh flag. He said: "It's all a big zigzaggy, and have no real set time, so will just have to see how it goes. "The plan was originally for me to do it both ways, starting from Wrexham but members of the family weren't too keen. Read more: Wrexham man's weight loss journey leads to Three Peaks charity challenge "But now two of the lads from Blood Bikes are taking me in a van to Land's End, and picking me up from John O'Groats. "It's a long way for them to come and they're very good offering to help." Not one for taking it easy, he added: "I'm fairly fit for my age but you've just got to keep going while you can." Stuart, who has already secured sponsorship ahead of the trek, will also be collection donations during his travels, with 100% going to the two causes. Read more: Humphrey Ker completes marathon to raise over £125,000 for Wrexham Miners Project Setting off for his solo ride on May 8, he hopes to be completed by his birthday on May 24. Lifelong friend Mark Richards added: "Stuart has a heart bigger than anyone I've ever met." Before his journey, Stuart and his bike set up at The Turf to collect donations, ahead of what would be Wrexham AFC's big league promotion match. Hopefully the good luck will continue, and he will be in for some decent weather on the way.
