Ardingly event wasn’t just about Nortons

After three years of hard work, my partner and I finished our latest project, the rebirth of an old lady who’d been born in 1942 – an Indian motorcycle (or rather a collection of parts described as a motorcycle).

We spared no effort in making this machine one of a kind, a bike to turn heads and be talked about wherever riders meet.

Having completed the bike, we looked around for somewhere to show it, and decided that the October show at Ardingly would be the place, particularly as a good crowd would be there for the Norton Commando’s 50th birthday celebration.

The accompanying photo shows that we came away with a hugely satisfying first place, and to give some idea of the standard of finish of the machine, our appearance also generated an invitation to attend the prestigious August Bank Holiday Festival of Transport at Blenheim Palace.

I accept that the article that duly appeared in OBM was focused on the Norton display, but it does seem harsh to have excluded all the other entrants – after all, it was we who drove home that day with a large
rosette that said “First, 29th Oct, Ardingly Show” and the old lady is still sitting in our workshop with this testament to our efforts stuck on the headlamp.

Peter Williams gave out a number of plaques to winners who would have been happy to see their names recorded, and after all we work long hours for no reward other than to keep these bikes for future fans
to enjoy.

I hope you give this matter serious attention, and to give OBM subscribers proof of your fairness by publishing this letter.

Patrick J Millar,
Guildford

Your point is well taken, Patrick, and will be borne in mind when deciding which future
events to attend. Congratulations on such a beautiful-looking machine. – Ed.

Read more Letters, News, Opinion and Features in February’s issue of OBM – on sale now!