First online branch for motorcycle enthusiasts’ club

WITH many activities curtailed and clubs unable to meet up, some people have taken up new interests or rekindled former hobbies during lockdown 3.

Jason Reeves writes, “Prior to the pandemic, I used to teach people to dance and jive to rock n roll music at Broughton Gifford village hall. We regularly attended the excellent rock n roll club in Melksham and various other venues to watch live bands. We regularly performed dancing displays at public events.

“I have also been an active member of the Royal Enfield Owners Club for 14 years, for those with an interest in Royal Enfield motorcycles. Since the necessary limitations on meeting other people, both these activities have had to be somewhat halted.

“Despite the restrictions, with the aid of modern technology and social media, I have made advancements within the Royal Enfield Owners Club.

“I have been made an appointed officer for the club in the form of branch coordinator. This means I am responsible for the initiation of all new branches within the UK and the smooth running of existing branches of which there are currently over thirty, with six new branches currently scheduled. Established since 1977, the club has currently seen a rise in new members as a result of the latest generation of Royal Enfields, which can still be purchased via click and collect from dealers such as Bike Treads in Swindon

“Royal Enfields have been built since 1901 and used to be made in Redditch and Westwood. In 1939, they were also sold to the Indian army as border patrol bikes. From 1955 India were also making Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. India continued to make a 1955 model Bullet for many years after the English factories closed, ending production of that model in 2006 due to new emission laws.

“The latest models are still built in India, but designed much closer to home in Bruntingthorpe.

“New branches have been traditionally initiated with a posted letter to all members within a 30 mile radius of the proposed location. A meeting would be scheduled at a café or a pub and it would begin from there.

“With lockdowns etc this is currently not possible.

So, since starting 1977, the club now has its first ever “virtual branch”.

“The South Wiltshire branch of the owners’ club have all yet to meet in person, but will eventually all meet at White Horse Country Park, Westbury.  We will be having a monthly meeting during the week, followed by a group ride out at the weekend.

“It’s never been mandatory to even own a Royal Enfield to join the club as the bikes tend to attract people of a similar mindset, who are happy to take things a little steadier than the average racer type. So, if anyone is interested in joining, please contact Jason Reeves at branchcoordinator@royalenfield.org.uk

“Currently I own a “1955” Bullet which I bought new in 2007 and one of the new generation Interceptor 650 twins. The Interceptor was built as a 750 at Westwood, near Bradford on Avon until 1970.”