Classic bike show raises cash for church restoration project

More than 38 classic motorcycles – some over 100 years old - went on show in the sunshine at the Holt United Reformed Church in Trowbridge.

On Saturday, June 22 classic bike enthusiasts led by Steve Morris organised the 5th annual classic bike show to raise money for the church restoration.

The bike show has become a firm favourite among motorcyclists with classic machines on display in the church car park.

The event is traditionally limited to classic bikes, with trophies awarded for the best British bike and the best contribution to the show.

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Rob Josey with his limited edition 500cc Trial Bullet. Trevor Porter 77155-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Morris said: “It was a very good show. The sun came out and everyone seemed happy. The whole ethos is that it’s a classic bike show, not a bike meeting.”

One of this year’s trophy winners was George Hutton, who last year turned up too late in the afternoon and missed the show.

He was so disappointed that organiser Steve Morris this year went and collected his 1927 Douglas so he could put his rare machine on show.

The other winner was Brian Mortimer, whose trailer was used to collect some of the bikes and bring them to and from the event.

Got a lot of bottle: enthusiast Alan Hibberd with his 1946 Dot milk car one of only five in the world The vehicle is powered by a 123cc Villers engine.  (Image: Trevor Porter)

Other rare machines on display included a 1946 Dot milk car, one of only five in the world, owned by Alan Hibberd. The vehicle is powered by a 123cc Villers engine.

Biker Terry Walder exhibited with his 1954 350cc Velocette, a gleaming machine that he inherited from his uncle.

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Alan Mills travelled all the way to Holt from Burnham on Sea in Somerset with his 100-year-old motobecane bicycle, an early form of racing bike.

All the way from Burnham on Sea Alan Mills with his 100-year-old motobecane. Trevor Porter  (Image: Trevor Porter)

Reverend Tracey Lewis, of the Holt United Reformed Church, says they are slowly moving forward with the restoration of the Grade II listed building.

“We have employed an architect and are seeing things happening. We are just waiting for the bat surveys to come back.”

The church was built in 1799 and has been in continuous use in Holt for the last 224 years. It was once used as a village school.

The Holt Classic Bike Show raised £540 towards the project to help mend the church roofs and renovate the building on the main road through Holt.

Rev Lewis added: “It was a lovely day and great to see people there with a comment interest. Some of the machines were 100 years old or older.”