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The Club

The Club was formed in 1907 as the Bradford Motor Cycle Club, following an inaugural meeting on the 12th.February 1907 at the Royal Hotel in Darley Street, which forty people attended. The meeting reported in Motor Cycle of the 20th.February, had been initiated by Mr.Bernard Read, who had asked through the columns of Motor Cycle for those interested in motor cycling in the Bradford area, to correspond with him, with a view to forming a club. A Mr.G.E.Vint of Idle who chaired this first meeting was elected President.

Messrs JR Kelly and H.Wheater of the Leeds M.C.C. attended and provided advice on the formation of a club. Bernard Read was elected Secretary, and Mr Bullus Treasurer. The annual subscription was set at 7/6d (37 1/2p).

The provisional Committee included Messrs, A.Hodgson, W.Mitchell, Barraclough, Brook, Lamb, ES Myers and Fowler. The Club rented premises in New Inn block, (now Bradford Law Courts at the bottom Manchester Road, where they had a bar, snooker table and piano. With the outbreak of World War 1, the premises were closed down and the piano and snooker table stored at Mr.T.G.Bullus's home.

Amongst others prominent members Alfred Scott, Percy Shaw (Works Manager P & M Motor Co) Charles Sydney (Then a manager for E.S.Myers, he later established his own business and was responsible for reconstitution of the Club as Bradford and District Motor Club in the 1920s, Clarrie and Tim Wood (TT winner) and J Arnold Smith (Bradford garage proprietor). Felix Scriven (Secretary Scott Motor Cycle Co.) was involved in the administration of the Club and indeed many of the early members worked for the Scott Company including Alec Dovener.

The Club resumed its activities after the Armistice and from 1919 Alec Dovener undertook the secretarial duties. The Club was instrumental in the formation of the Yorkshire Centre, Alec being the Centre's first ever Secretary and W.Haggas at Keighley its first President,

In 1926 the Club HQ was at the Belle Vue Hotel, Manningham Lane and meetings continued to held at this venue until the late fifties. The Club also had a Country HQ at the Golden Lion in Settle.

Members competed with success in the TT securing Club Team Prizes in 1923 and 1924. By 1926 the Wood brothers A.W. and CH were enthusiastic members, T.G.Bullis was Captain and his son one of the sports rising stars.

Bradford Piston Ring Manufacturer's Joe and Geoff Hepworth were Vice Presidents and it was Joe who discovered Hepolite Scar, the venue for Bradford's hill climb after speed events on roads were banned. Eddie and Stan Flintoff were making names for themselves on Sunbeams. Alec Jackson (Winner of the first Lancashire Grand National) was probably the Club's best all rounder, Harry Langman, Tim and Clarrie Wood the leading road racers. Charlie Helm and Allan Jefferies were junior members creating some furore by their riding ability and in Alan's case a lack of consistency (but he did have fun)

In the 1950's the Clubs's meetings were held at The Girlington Hotel. In the early 60's, The Hare and Hounds Toller Lane, then the Kensington Club (once The Girlington Liberal Club) followed by The Victoria at Sandy Lane. Then from the late 70's to the early 90's, The Frizinghall Conservative Club. We then moved to The Bridge Inn Silsden and from 1999 moved to The Punch Bowl Silsden. The Club meet on the 4th Thursday of each month. All are welcome

Snippets from previous newsletter
June 1972 The start of the Scottish saw many old competitors of years gone by at the weigh-in at Gorgie Cattle Market, Allan Jefferies, Tommy Wortley, Artie Ratcliffe to name but a few. Some were up just for the day, others for the whole week, so read our Newsletter in June 1972. It also recorded our misfortune in loosing Martin Lampkin from our number 1 team on the Monday morning, and later on in the week our No 2 team went out when Bill Wilkinson had to retire, leaving our Third team to struggle on. These were the days when the whole of Bradford seemed to be in the Imperial for knees up every night, and a good gathering also took place out at Glen Uig on a Mid-week lunchtime. Those were the Days!
On returning we had plenty of events to chose from and our own June Center Trial at Yarnbury, with a 4 mile lap and the Ladies providing refreshments at the end, this was closely followed by the Esholt Sprint, the event which drew the public, and also revealed just who would turn out and work on the stake bashing nights when the roping of the course was being done, and so we had another month of pleasure.

February 1972- The Annual General Meeting hed at the Lilycroft Club in Bradford passed off very quietly, with W.R.C.Cowling being elected President for the start of l972. Subs remained at a £1.
The clubs trial at Kilnsey had an exceptionally good turn out, but the weather gradually got worse as the day went by, so the Dixon Metcalfe, who was Clerk. of Course knocked off a lap out of consideration for those who hadn't really come prepared for standing out in the rain.
February saw a change of meeting place, apparently a number of members did not feel happy at the Lilycroft Club, so we went back to out previous place at the Kensington Hall Club, also arranged were the Annual Dinners of the Club and the Centre, plus a Film Show arranged by Donald Hudson. It was in this year that the Club was given a sum of money to provide an Award to commemorate Eddie Flintoff's exploits in the past. The club asked Eddie to rack his brains as to what it should be used for and it was thought likely that it would be the Best Performance in the Allan Jefferies by a rider born and living in Yorkshire.
March brought the Annual Dinner at the Bankfield Hotel, with a good attendance and everyone enjoying themselves, with rude jokes from Tony Jefferies and Jack Tordoff going down very well. Also great news was that Allan Jefferies was going to be a Grandad before the year was out, and Tony had sent his mechanic on a course at Triumph, but really it was about how to wash nappies in the paddock.

August 1971 --- The month of August has been a quiet time after ther Sprint and the Alan Jefferies Trial. The main headline was stolen by Tony Jefferies who had been offered works rides for MZ in the Italian Grand Prix and there is much speculation as to whether the next year will see him on the Continental circus, it was suggested that his 'ace' mechanic John T Whitaker was going to go to night-school this winter to swot up on two-stroke tuning and Italian. However everyone in the club wished him all the very best. Discussion on the format of the Alan Jefferies had taken place with a view to shortening the time that the Observers had to be at their posts, due to the large entry that this event attracted and it was not thought that it was likely that the entry would be reduced next year. A trial had been held at Lippersley Lane, Silsden on some land not used for a long time, and the landowner had been so happy with the event that he had offered us some additional land for use on our next visit. The next event would be the Yorkshire Grand National Scamble to be held at Jack Chippendale's land at Tyersal on Sept. 12th, and members with surplus energy were asked to lend a hand with staking out the course, and consequently the September club night would be held at that venue. July1971---The July Newsletter reported a very busy month and all of it accompanied by glorious weather and as a result both the Sprint at Esholt and the Allan Jefferies had been a great success, and a vote of thanks had been passed to the Clubs Ladies who had taken on the formidable task of catering for both these events, and contary to all expectations had made a good profit for the Club, apparently remarks had been passed by some Southern Riders that they had never had such good food at such reasonable prices. The Club had bought a number of Car Window stickers and these could be purchased by sending 5 Two and a Half penny stamps. ( What a bargain) After all the hectic events in July, it would appear that lots of the workers of the club were looking forward to some holiday, as the next Club trial was to be at Lippersley Lane, Cringles on the 15th of August, and as the course was all on private land Youth classes would be included. The Newsletter was rather short for this month and finished half-way down the back sheet. See you next month. Old Hoarder. June 1971--- The June Newsletter reported a very busy month, Tony Jefferies having success in the Isle of Man, and mention also that he was to get married in October, something about the Law having caught up with him at last. The Esholt Sprint was to be held on July 4th, with the Allan Jefferies the week after on the 11th, so a lot of work was in hand. The Club had bought a supply of window -stickers, similar to the design on the lapel-badge, it was thought that the cost would be 15pence each .(Wonder what they would these days). Alan Lampkin was well in the results, he had won every race at the Ripon Clubs Scramble except the Schoolboy and then had gone on the a field-day at Bainbridge Sports, winning Grass track, Scramble and Hill Climb events all on his scrambler. The Newsletter also included a little note that the Ladies Section would be meeting at the Rosse Hotel to arrange the catering for Esholt Sprint, those were the days when we made good money out of selling grub that boosted the clubs funds. May 1971--- Since the last Newsletter the Club has obtained new Headquarters and all future meetings will be held at the Kensington Hall Club, Girlington, this move had to be made because of pending alterations at the Hare & Hounds. Concern was expressed about a recent trial at Howden Woods, the Clerk of Course had been worried about the risk of Fire as the woods were so dry, but fortunately the day before the event the heavens opened and the danger was averted. What was not so fortunate was the fact that it continued to run on the day of the trial itself which caused a very poor entry, so the C of C was then grumbling about all the work that had gone into the event for such a small turnout. The beginning of May was quite, as everyone was in Scotland (I wonder why) Ron Winterburn was having his ample figure 'massaged' in Peter Roydhouses sidecar and George Abbey had been abondoned by his Trail Rider Friends in a raging torrent that they were crossing, fortunately he managed to get out, only to be taken to task by his good lady for neglecting her. However in the Scottish itself we had 9 finishers out of eleven starters and the 'A' team won the Club Team Award. April 1971--- Appears to have been a funny old month with the Newsletter start off by saying that there was not much news and then it runs out of room at the end because it wouldn't fit on the page. The Club night on the 13th had been a really good do, with a trip to Sheffield Speedway, these were really good nights out complimentary tickets from Frank Varey, a coach to take us all together, good racing, a few drinks and fish & chips on the way back. A good trial had been held at Tyersal with both solos and sidecars taking part. Reports of trials at Bury, the Cleveland, Burnley, Wetherby and Ireland and on a more light-hearted note Pete Roydhouse and Tiger Payne had chaperoned some of George Abbeys Trail Riders round the Dales for a hectic weekend. Preparation for the Scottish was in hand and we had three teams entered; A'Team M.C.Rathmell,A.R.C.Lampkin,H.M.Lampkin. B'Team B.Wilkinson,M.Wilkinson,P.A.England. and C'Team N.Jefferies,T.Ashby,A.Redman. The Newsletter runs out of space with a bit about an Old Timers trial being held on the 25th of July, but then thats it. Hope it was a success, see you next month, I Hope March 1971--- Apparently from the March Newsletter we had a missing newsletter for February due to a Postal strike, as it starts off by saying that we were back to normal. A trial, which was held at Wycoller, had been such a success that there had been congestion with parking and the Police had been called by a countryside lover who had been most uncomplimentary about motor-cycles. However no one was summoned by the police and nobody was clapped in irons.(This of course was before Wycoller was closed off and we started right in the middle of the place). There were loads of events taking place, Tyersal, Stonehouse, the Ilkley Grand National and a host of National status events, whilst on the social side the club had a visit to Peter Blacks vintage car collection at Keighley. So March 1971 was much busier that this March January 1971--- The A.G.M. was held at the Hare & Hounds Hotel on the 21st of January. Elected President for the forthcoming year was W.R.C.Cowling, Sec; P.Hainsworth. Treasurer: A.Rumbold. Sports Sec; R.Winterburn. Committee;B.Patefield,K.Blackburn, R.Sunderland,M.Appleyard, B.Payne,J.M.Whitaker. The dates for Committe meetings were fixed and final arrangements for the Annual Dinner to be held at the Connaught Rooms on the 4th of Feb were made. Tickets 35/- each for a 5 course meal with choice of menu, followed by music by the Aristocrats, tickets avaiable from Colin Appleyard. Strong Support was requested along with donations for Raffle prizes. A Final Note that Subs for 1971 were now due. Jottings from the 1930s to 1940s. 1931 7th. April, Easter Tuesday, Bradford Special Constables Association promoted the first road race meeting at Esholt. 140 entries were received. 350 race -1. CJ.Williams (Raleigh) 2. R.Baines (Raleigh) 3. N.Croft (Norton) 20 miles -25mins 16secs Unlimited -1. N.Gledhll (Norton) 2. A.Hodgson (Rudge) 3. W.Hey (Rudge) 2 Omiles -25mins. Novice - 1. N.Croft (Norton) 2. C.Sowden (Rudge) 3. W.Webster (Ariel) Smiles - 8mins 27secs A rapidly deteriorating surface and an accident; Smallwoods 'semi- flexible' sidecar collapsed and ran into the crowd causing casualties and the meeting was abandoned. 26th.April - Bradford Main Road Trial. (69 miles - 19 checks) Best performance H.Brown (car) 2. J.W.Tweed (AJS S/C). Ist solo J Jagger (Ariel). 2. J.Booth (AJS) 3. B .Roper (Rudge) 7th May - Bradford Sporting Trial; due to a misunderstanding with landowners one of the best sections had to be bypassed. I.C.Helm (Sunbeam) 8.2.H.Feamside (Norton) 12. 3.G.FIetcher (Ariel) 33. 1/8/31 Bradford Rodeo Scramble at Shay Grange Heaton Novice I.G.Clay 2-H.Eamonson (AJS) 3. Siightowler (Velo) Club Handicap I.G.Clay (Scott) 2. H.Eamonson (AJS) 3. S.FIintoff (Sunbeam) 350cc I.W.Walker (AJS) 2.W.S.Ajillo (AJS) 3. H.Eamonson (AJS) Over 350 I.G.Clay (Scott) 2. S.FIintoff (Sunbeam) 3. W.Walker (AJS) Unlimited I.G.Clay (Scott) 2. R.Wilkinson (Rudge) 3.W.S.Ajillo (AJS) 20/9/31 Bradford (Rodeo?) Grass Track at the Royalty on Otiey Chevin. 4/10/31 Bradford Grass Track at the Royalty on Otiey Chevin 25/10/31 Bradford broke the Hkley Club's 8 year stranglehold on the Centre Team Trial; the winning team being Allan Jefferies (Scott), Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam) and Charlie Helm (Sunbeam). November - Blackburn Holden (350Velo) 2nd.in Lancashire Grand National 1932 Bradford team of Allan Jefferies, Eddie Flintoff and George Gill again won the Centre Team Trial with a total error of 29 secs, Allan's error being only 3 secs. Former eight on the trot winners; the Ilkley Club wryly observed the Bradford riders had received their training in the Ilkley ranks. November, Allan also lead theYorkshire Centre's Team to victory in the first ever Inter CentreTeam Trial. Alee Dovenor (now Secretary of Leeds Motor Club) was seriously injured in a car accident at Rodley. He recovered to serve as Yorkshire Centre President. September -Allan Jefferies (Scott) won the Scott Trial, the last ever win on a Scott. 1933 Eddie Flintoff on his Sunbeam dominated the Esholt Road Races organised by Bradford Special Constables Motorcycling Assocaition. Allan Jefferies joins Triumph trials team and established himself as one of the country's top offroad riders. Trader's Trial - Best NoviceT.R-Walker; his award, a cup was presented by Alien's Motor Mart was donated to the Club in December 1997 by his executor Mr.P.Hannon. 10/9/33 Bradford organises W.Yorks Group Trial. C of C Eddie Flintoff, selected a route round Haworth and Oxenhope. New sections at Ryecroft and Isles Lane Leeming (considered worst of all) . lst.K.Wilson (BSA)10-2nd. G.day (Sunbeam) 17 - 3rd. H.Pearnside(Norton) 31. 1934 Bradford wins Centre Team Trial K.Wilson (Panther) wins Scott Trial (it was run in January 1935) 1935 President - WJagger, VicePresidents - E.Sutcliffe, J.W.Colton, N.C.Mansley, C.Helm, J.Russell Rose, F.AIIen, E.Tattersall, F.Varey, W.Moore Secretary and Treasurer - J.W.Colton c/o 2 Ivy Place, ldle Rd. Bradford Solicitor - J.L.Windle : Captain - T.E.FIintoff: PressSec - E.W.Morrell (well known photographer) Committee - J.W.Tweed, K.Wilson, T.R.Walker, R.G.Breary, A Jefferies Sports Committee - T.E.FIintoff, K.Wilson, F.Varey and A Jefferies September -T.E.FIintoff now Secretary. Ken Wilson riding a Panther won the Scott Trial 1936 A mountain grass track was run inside the newly constructed Odsal Stadium. Use was made of the north end embankment, which cut up badly. 25/10/36 - W.Yorks Group, Semi-Sporting Trial: Start & Finish - HopperLane: Lunch - York Arms Ramsgill. Total mileage 56 Date unknown - W.Yorks Group Trial - Whiteley Garage .-3 Sections at Blackshaw Head - Widdop Reservoir Gate - (12.5 m, 37.5 mins) - Gorple Hill (Obs 14min allowance) - Worsthome (16.25 m, 51.5mins) - Shay Lane splash (Obs)- Brink End Splash (Obs) - Stanbury - Shaw Hill (Obs) - (Obs) - Long Ridging Splash & Hill (Obs) - Brake Test -Main Road Junct. above Pecket Well (35.25m, lbr.51.25mins) - (Obs) - Midgley- (Obs) - Short & Sweet (Obs) - Rishworth -Station Hill (Obs) - Ripponden Bank Hill (Obs) - Nont Sarah's Hill (Obs) -Both Weals Ink (Obs) - Stainland - Yewill Foot (Obs) - Finish Jet. with main road. (60.75 miles, time allowed 3hrs.7mins) 1937 April - Group Trial: - Hetton to Hawes via Countersett Crag 7th. June Yorks Centre Team Trial- Start Hopper Lane - Moorside Hall near Padside CHECK No.l -Middle Tongue. Road CHECK No.2 - Eagle Hall - Hardcastle Road CHECK No.3- CHECK No.4 - Pockstones - Hey Slack Gill - Start 2nd.Lap - Hopper Lane FINISH (66 miles Time allowed, 3hrs.l8mins) 12 sections lst.Bradford No.I Team A.Jefferies/J.H.Wood/R.Wilkinson - 2nd. .Bradford No 2 Team E.Langton/E Flintoff/T.Kitching 3rd.llkley-No.l August John Midgley won the Clayton Trial riding a Langton Rudge October-Allan Jefferies won the Scott Trial,a previous evenings storm left the course snowbound. 1938 IstApril Semi-Sporting Trial Start at Angel Hetton via Horsehead Pass to Countersett Crag and return - 1st A Jefferies 75, 2nd. J.H.Wood 98,3rd. O.Langton 199, 4th. C.Helm 221, 5th.R.Wilkinson 257, 8th .D.Walton 362 22/5/38 Bradford ?- Snaygill - BRADLEY LANE - Dog & Gun Glusbum - FARLEY LANE - TOW TOP - Elslack - E.Marton - Gargrave - Grouseinn - Coulthurst Lane - Otterbum SPLASH - CHECK (28m. lhr.24min) - LANGBAR LANE -Scaleber Bridge - Calton - Hetton - Cracoe THREAPLANDS GHYLL - Thorpe - Threshfield - Skythornes - THE ROCK GARDEN - Skythorne's Mil - HEIGHTS LANE - Bordley - FINISH Angel Hetton (54m, time allowed 2hrs.42min) Charlie Helm of Skipton elected as Club President and served as 'Caretaker' President during the war years. IstJuly Bradford organised Centre TearnTrial, Start at HopperLane Hotel,- Redmire Bank - Tawnyscote etc. to Nidderdale and back. Bradford's teams finished 1-2-3. Winning Team A.Jefferies/J.H.Wood/C.Helm 2nd September Bradford organised the first ever Yorkshire Solo Championship. Mr.F.H.Timperley donated the silver cup still used for the December Centre Championship Trial. Run in the Hebden Bridge area, Clerk of the Course Ralph Baron devised a two lap route of 60miles. It was won by Triumph 'works' rider J Howard Wood, whose loss of 22 marks saw him comfortably ahead of Allan Jefferies (Triumph) on 32. Charlie Helm was on 42. Mr FH Timperley donated the cup still used for the December Centre Trial. 3rd.November. Allan Jefferies won the British Experts held in the Stroud area, riding a 500sv Triumph; having blown up the 350 ohv engine whilst practising. The side valve unit was the only item quickly available back in the factory at Coventry. 3rd.December. Stuart Hyslop driving a500 ohv Triumph outfit won the sidecar class of the Northern Experts, held in the Buxton area. 1939 Bradford's E.S.Myers Semi-Sporting Trial for the West Yorks Group was the first standard tyre event in Yorkshire. The route plotted by EddieFlintoff and J.Howard Wood started from Pateley Bridge and went to Middleham. Snow prior to the event made things very difficult. lst.R.Wilkinson (Panther) 19, .Watson (Triumph)20, AJefferies (Triumph)22. R.Hinchcliffe (Ariel)32 he later changed his name to Bill Mitchell Best Novice - NortonCup J.W.Wood (Tiriumph) 34, H.Sillott (Triumph) 46, J.H-Cooper 46, W.Ensor 50 May Allan Jefferies riding a 350 ohv Triumph,won theScottish Six DaysTrial. August J.Howard Wood gained the 500 Cup in the Clayton Trial having borrowed Allan Jefferies 500sv August - Bradford's Team (AJefferies, R.Wilkinson, J.H.Wood) in the ISDT in Germany was unpenalised when all British riders with drew and retreated home. War was declared IOdays later. At the outbreak of war Bradford lead the Group points table. TOP of page WORLD WAR II Allan Jefferies was robbed of victory in the Experts due to an observing error. As most events had been cancelled for the duration of hostilities, this event was run because of its prestiguous status. Not all qualifiers could participate. Club Member Dougie Walton was one of the wars first prisoners, serving on a merchant ship, which was torpedoed, he was picked up by the U boat and taken to Germany. 1940 19/4/40 - Bradford's Time and Observation trial over Fountain's Fell.(0n C.H.Wood colour film) 1941- 26th.December Boxing Day Trial started at the Fleece (DickHudson's) Eldwick and went via Otliey and Dob Park to Hopper LaneHotel. Guest riders from the Army's D&M School at Keswick patricipated. Best Performance SgtA.West: 2nd.=Sgt.J.WiUiams 20, R.Wilkinson (Panther) 20:4th.E.Pearson 21: 5th. S.Watson 25: 6th.M.Rhodes 28:7th.Cpl.J.Hodgkinson 31: 8th. F.Holroyd 32. Team Award Major Herbert- Stepney, Sgts.West and Williams. Runners up E-Pearson, M.Rhodes, F.Holroyd. Allan Jefferies plotted the 20mile course. The entry was almost doubled by 'Servicemen'. 1945 Bradford's first post war trial was held at the Skythornes (Threshfield) 25th. August - 5 years and four month after its last use, Bradford ran a trial on the slopes of Fountains Fell. Organised by Eddie Flintoff as the President's Trial, time and observation were taken into account. Best and winner of the Triumph Cup was Edgar Sharp on a T)big 'Matchless. Best Novice winning the New Imperial Rosebowl was Billy Bolton of the Vagabond's Club. 1946 5th.January Bradford ran a sporting trial the E..S.Myers Trophy from Altar Lane and up to Long Lee. Winner was Stan Watson on his 350Triumph, whilst Tom Ellis on a new comp Matchless secured the Greenwood Trophy for best Novice. 21st.July Bradford organised the Centre Team Trial. Comfortable winners were Bradford No.l comprising StanWatson, John Midgley and DickWilkinson; their loss of 67 marks, headed Middlesbrough and Bradford No.3 with a loss of 108. ROUTE - Timble - Blubberhouses .0. - CATCRAGS - BRAMLEY HEAD SPLASH - Hey Slack Gate - HEY SLACK SPLASH & HILL - TIMED SECTION 1m. for Ties - Appletreewick - Bumsall - Skyethome Village Green CHECK (16.5m, 48.5mins) - LOW HEIGHTS - HIGH HEIGHTS - Kilnsey CHECK (21.5m,lhr4.5min) -Yambuiy-HEBDEN GHYLL SPLASH - BRANDSTONE BECK SPLASH & HILL - LOWWOOD SPLASH - KirbyMalzeard - SKELL GILL - REDMIRE HILL - Fish Pond Wood WATERGATE - Duck Street - Hoodstorth Bridge - BRAMLEYHEAD - Blubberhouse - Timble FINISH (60m, 3hrs) September Artie Ratcliffe won first post-war Yorkshire Solo Championship (Timperley Cup) Run in the Hebden Bridge area. 1947 June First ever Allan Jefferies Trial - Secretary Jack Whitaker; Clerk of Course Jack Cooper. Started at Long Ashes Threshfield, RockGarden, Moor End, Countersett Crag, Buckden, Horse Head Pass, Fountains Fell, Threshfield. 12 groups of sections, winner Tommy Wortley AJS. 20th. July (Sunday) Yorks Centre Inter Club Team Trial for Haggas Shield. Clerks of Course Charlie Helm and Jack Whitaker (also Secretary) Start 1.30pm Timble Inn; Course 60miles in Blubberhouse, Pateley and Grassington areas. Average speed 20mph, time penalties at stated and secret checks plus observed sections. Entry fee 15/- per team. Best Performance - Bradford September Eric Briggs riding Nortons won Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix Bradford also gained the Team prize in the Senior Race. Eric, Albert Moule and J.M-Crowe. October - Stan Holmes won Yorkshire Solo Championship (Timperley Cup) Ralph Baron Clerk of Course, again in Hebden Bridge area. 18th.0ctober. Bradford organised the British Experts Trial on behalf of the Birmingham Club. Starting at Snaygill near Skipton it was won by L.A.Ratcliffe on his "Works 'Matchless, with Tozer on a BSA taking the Sidecar Class. Clerk of Course Jack Cooper. 1948 Withdrawal of the'basic' petrol ration restricted motorcyclesport, Esholt Sprint organised with machines on 'dope' July Allan Jefferies Trial started at Ilkley and used most of the route and sections employed for British Experts. Clerk of Course Jack Cooper. August 9th.Road Races at Esholt Eric Briggs major winner. 1949 Allan Jefferies Trial returns to Long Ashes and Upper Wharfedale. Artie Ratcliffe on a Matchless won the British Experts held in Devon. 1950 Artie Ratcliffe won the Scottish Six Days Trial on his Matchless. October -Geoff Broaodbent won Yorkshire Solo June 1910--- Bradford to Edinburgh and Back An innovation in the way of competitions is to be introduced by the Bradford Motor Cycle Club in connection with its twenty four hours run to Edinburgh and back on July 16th and 17th. Mr S Johnson, an energetic official of the club laid the scheme before the club committee on Tuesday evening, and briefly it is as follows: Mr Johnson considers that long distance reliability trials are too monotonous and will die a natural death on the account of the unfailing reliability of present day machines, instancing the fact that only 11 entries were received from a membership of 120 for the recent Bradford to London and back twenty fours run. By inviting entries of teams of 3 riders, novices and others who do not care for solitary twenty four hour jaunts will be encouraged to enter because a team may be formed of a party of 3 friends, and all will be allowed to ride together and help each other, and it is to their advantage to do so, as the team scoring the highest number of marks will win the trophy. A team at checks and the finish are timed in accordance with the last man's schedule, so that on the last man practically depends on the success of the team. In addition to the trophy a gold medal will be presented to each member of the winning team (should a team not an individual rider be successful) and clubs may nominate teams or individual teams may enter as desired, the event being open, and under ACU rules. Another new departure is in connection with the passenger class. To encourage further entries, it has been decide to present gold medals to the passenger as well as the driver of successful passenger combinations, and further a change of driver will be permitted.