Nortons at D-Day 2008

The Norton stand at the Uttoxeter show this year was organised by the Shenstone (formerly South Staffs) Branch. We had a very good turnout of 13 bikes ranging from a Big4 to the trusty Commando’s.

Myself and Geoff Horne arrived early on Friday morning to setup the Norton banners, desk and lighting. We thought this would only take an hour or so…wrong. Some confusion ruled for a while being that we had no idea what the backdrop should look like when together.

Some kind friend from another club had an announcement put out over the speaker system for volunteers to help us out being that the show was only for two days.

This of course was not needed and our corner position in the Premier Hall was soon looking the part.

One of the problems we did have was naming the race circuit in the Norton club banners. This situation was solved when Mick Grant stopped to have a look around the bikes and started to name the actual riders in the pictures. So I asked him if he knew where the actual race was being held, he said Oliver’s mount isn’t it, problem solved thanks Mick.

Various members of the Branch took turns at manning the desk to answer any questions during the weekend giving time for everyone to have a look around the rest of the show, Martin Stones from the Birmingham Branch can be seen in one of the pictures taking a turn as well .

We had a good amount of interest from people about the club and handed out a few membership forms and web site details.

The corner plot we had was excellent giving us good access for electricity and more important water for the kettle. We have asked for the same place next year.

Bob Francis’s 650ss won second best in show, a fabulous looking bike, well done Bob. He can be seen in the picture shaking hands with Mick Grant.

A very quick strip down was done on Sunday afternoon by all, thank you everyone for that.

The bikes supplied were Ian Ryder’s 750 Commando, Bob Johnson’s 750 Fastback and 650ss, Geoff Horn’s Interpol 11 Classic, Terry Ansell’s 600 Dommie, Ray Wildman’s ES2, Bob Hill’s Big4, Barry Owen’s 750 Commando, William Donaldson’s Jubilee, Bob Francis’s 650ss, Tony Brown’s Module 18, Jeff Norrie’s 850 Command, Dave Bennett’s 850 roadster.

A nice selection of bikes and again a thank you to all the Branch and none Branch members that helped out with these bikes.