Birmingham Testers Run

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BSA MEMORIAL DAY 19th NOVEMBER 1940 - 2010

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Thank you so much to everyone who turned up last Friday (19th November) at Armoury Road to make the first BSA memorial event an outstanding success, I was astounded at the number of BSA motorcycles that attended, thank you very, very much.

A special thank you to Tony Rohan the RC (Holy Family, Small Heath) priest who stepped in at the last moment when the vicar of the local Anglican Church refused to come, amazing when you consider that's where the list of the BSA dead are (St Johns, Sparkhill).When Tony arrived I pointed out to him that it might be a good idea if he took my confession before the event-he replied he didnt think the event would be long enough for that!!!

We did a record number of radio and TV interviews that weekend with 4 on Radio WM, one for both Central TV and BBC Midlands Today. Have to say though that without Muslim Respect Party leader, Salma Yaqoob turning up (with her husband.children and friends) it would have been a different story. There is a large amount of interest in Salma, who seems to be a regular on BBC Question Time and according to The Guardian, the UKs most influential Muslim woman and tipped to be the first Muslim MP in Parliament. Salma also encouraged local Asians to attend the event and the present owner of the remaining BSA factory, Ali Merza also turned up to give his support."

BSA Guns directors, Peter Martineau and Simon Moore were also present and they too pledged the companies support for the erection of a monument at Armoury Road.

BSA Guns website

A profile of Salma is here.

Salma Yaqoob

Cannot say I have been too impressed with MPs lately and certainly not councillors, none of the Small Heath councillors even replied to invites nor did local MP John Hemmings who is on record as saying there shouldn't be a memorial at Armoury Road as there are other ones in Birmingham. Salma not only attended our event she embraced it, asking if she could make a speech and pledging support for our memorial campaign.

You can catch the interview with Carl Chinn on his show last Sunday on the BBC I player Radio WM (about 10 mins into show)

Listen again to Carl Chinn you have only 2 days to listen

Carl has also actively supported this campaign and also mentioned on his show the lack of interest shown in remembering the Birmingham civilian war dead in Birmingham until BARRA was formed.

Carl also talks about the Birmingham Pub Bombings which took place in November 1974, some very interesting and harrowing interviews with those who were involved, don't miss it!

Some of you missed the excitement at the end of the Armoury Road event when we were stormed by a police special patrol group-someone had reported to the Police that there were young boys seen with guns and motorcycles at Armoury Road! Young Boys, I ask you, still the light was bad!!!

There is now a new Flikr account has been opened to display the pictures

BSA MEMORIAL PICTURES

If anybody has any pictures of the event, or interesting BSA pictures, please send them to me at madeinbirmingham Atgmail.com

I am very grateful to the Yardley Photographic Society who turned up to take pictures for us. We hope to invite them to all our events in future-the club started in Small Heath.Robert Jones is the man that took the 'great' pics on Flikr ( cant alf tell he knows what he is doing)

The wreath laying will now be an annual event and its full steam ahead for a memorial, hopefully on that corner of Amoury Road and Golden Hillock Road and perhaps another one on the Poets Corner Island to BSA.(Poets Corner??? Anyone know any Birmingham poets?)

Also on the day was the 70the Anniversary Air Raid Event at the Birmingham Council House, run by local history teacher Doug Smith. Our members provided some useful support for Doug with displays. We also provided an M20 motorcycle, courtesy of Don Hallam, who also dressed appropriately and and a BSA Gold Star displayed by Mick Volante of the local Gold Star Owners Club in the Council House foyer. Thank you to all at the council house, it was a splendid event even though we had trouble convincing several council security employees that there was actually an event there when we arrived a 8.30am!. Ken Broomfield provided machine guns and a variety of other military equipment which added to the display but must have worried a few at the German Christmas Market outside!

Warwickshire Home Guard Group & The Birmingham Air Raids Association were there too BARRA's website is

Birmingham Air Raids Association

Very nice to catch up again with Malcom Frier of BARRA after nearly 30 years! Birmingham's ambassador to the Olympic Games 90 year old Tommy Godwi

n also attended.

We feel the campaign has now reached a turning point now an I hope to be able to approach the Lottery Commission for funding next year.

More details of the campaign to get an on-site memorial to both BSA and the 53 BSA night shift workers who were killed in Birmingham's worst air raid on 19th November 1940 can be found at www.madeinbirmingham.org

We thank Carol Nash Insurance for their continuing support of the website and our events.

Carole Nash Insurance

CAROLE NASH MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2010

27TH NOVEMBER – 5TH DECEMBER – NEC BIRMINGHAM

Motor Cycle Live Show

Best wishes JP

The website is still really being updated-honestly!

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53 KILLED AT BSA WORKS

The headline that never made the papers

On the night of the 19th November 1940 Birmingham suffered one of its
worst air raids of the blitz when a German bombers dropped two bombs on
the Armoury Road site of the Birmingham Small Arms factory at Small
Heath. Many night shift workers that night had stayed at their machines
when the sirens sounded and when they did decide to vacate the factory
floor the intensity of the raid made it impossible for them to reach
the air raid shelters safely. That night they chose to shelter in the
basement of the reinforced concrete factory, only one worker would be
pulled out alive after being trapped for 9 hours, 52 were crushed to
death when the complete factory building collapsed on top of them after
two direct hits.

Wartime reporting restrictions meant that the raid could not be reported by the media.

For the first time in 70 years there will be wreaths laid at Armoury Road
at 2 pm on the 19th November by Jon Price the organiser of the BSA
Memorial Appeal and webmaster of the Made in Birmingham website and the leader of The Respect Party and councillor for Sparkhill Salma Yaqoob.

A small gathering of motorcyclists, some on BSA motorcycles, will proceed
to the Birmingham Council House after the wreath laying to attend the
Birmingham Air Raid 70th anniversary day organised by local school
teacher Doug Smith. The exhibition, in conjunction with the Birmingham
Air Raids Association, is in the banqueting suite and will be open to
the public from 10 - 4 pm, there is no admission charge. Charles
Cundall's painting of the BSA disaster, owned and commissioned by the
BSA and presented to BMAG when the factory closed in 1975, will be also
on show.Mick Volante will be exhibiting a BSA Gold Star and Ken Broomfield will be exhibiting a BSA M20 and several BSA guns

There will be also an evening ticket only event commencing at 7pm.

THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT--200 tickets only

1. The event begins at 7 pm
2. There will be a maximum 200 guests. They will be able to look at the displays until 8 pm. There will be tea and coffee
3. Welcome by Doug Smith, Swanshurst School
4. Barabara Johnson, Chairman of Barra to say a few words
5. Song by Rosemary Stacey – ‘My Dearest Dear’
6. Doug – Power Point – Birmingham’s contribution to the War effort and its sacrifice
7. Song by Andrea Dowsett – ‘Over the rainbow’
8. Doug – November 19^th 1940
9. Jon Price www.madeinbirmingham.org The BSA
10. Song by Rosemary Stacey ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square’
11. DVD of reminisces of the war
12. Song by Andrea Dowsett – ‘Don’t Sit Under the apple tree’
13. Poem by Jean Frier – ‘Seventy Years on’
14. Doug closing words

If you are attending the evening event you will have to make your own car parking arrangements

If you are staying in Birmingham for the evening event remember the adjacent Birmingham reference library is open till 8pm . Thre are numerous restaurants and those that masqueardes such (Mac Donalds etc)

GREAT TURN OUT!

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE GREAT TURNOUT!


THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN

GREAT TURN OUT!

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE GREAT TURNOUT!

Could this be the last BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN on Sunday August 1st?

If you want a Testers Run in 2011 you need to support this one, don't leave it to others!

8 DAYS TO GO!

This has to be the easiest, simplest, interesting Testers Run yet

1. 3 events in one
2. Short distance Ride (25 miles) Aston - Trimpley near Kidderminster
3. One of the best classic vehicle rallies in the Midlands at destination (over 450 vehicles entered)
4. Free entry to show, everyone else pays
5. Former Olympic champion Tommy Godwin starts event off
6. Professional video coverage of Testers Run at start and en route
7. No prior registration
8. Grouped starts
10. All proceeds to THE MIDLAND AIR AMBULANCE
11. Come in or on any vehicle, or even bowling a hoop!


Event details at
https://sites.google.com/site/herculesonehundred/


The TrimpleyVintage Rally

https://sites.google.com/site/herculesonehundred/to-dos




You all hold the answer, its all down to you this year - I have struggled over the last 12 years with appeals, events and websites, mostly by myself with little support. It will be me that arranges the event at Armoury Road on November 28th to remember the 70th anniversary of the BSA bombing and writes to local councillors, yet again, to see if an on site memorial can be erected, not only to remember the 53 that died but the to remember the great company that was BSA, a company that provided over half of the armament used in the second world war. It will be me that organises the next years Mike Hailwood Memorial Run, the 30th, since the tragic death of Mike & his daughter.

Its me that's organising letters to local councilors and the Department of Media and Culture & The Civic Society to try and prevent the Norton factory in Bracebridge Street being demolished (and I am loosing the battle as yet and again no one in Birmingham is really interested, they are only interested in saving coffin factories!)- the factory has been empty now for over 6 months (this is the first time this information has been released by the way). And this is before I even mention the 10,000 items in the Made in Birmingham website that all need changing (new website should be up and running in September 2010).

Now I know most of you are in tears by this stage feeling sorry for me but in reality you all know what I want, I don’t want your thanks or appreciation. I don’t need my ego massaged, I don't even need your money!

ALL I NEED IS YOUR SUPPORT!

You all know you have never even had to pre register, so I cannot make it any easier for you.

All of these events, the appeals and the website are so that people are encouraged to remember that Birmingham was built on industry and mainly the automotive industry. If our generation doesn’t care the next won’t, so lets have some support please!

All you have to do is publicise the event, bring a friend, encourage some of the other members of your club to take part or just come along and support the event yourself even in you car if you do not want to get your bike out of the garage! This year anyone can come in any vehicle or even bowling a hoop! Ron Swinburne is coming in his Army Austin K9 truck!

Last years Testers Run was a bit of a disaster, OK fair enough, it rained heavily but without the local Vincent Owners Club and David and Mark I would have been pretty lonely! (Thanks also to the guy who turned up in the car just to say as it was raining and he couldn’t come)

So please, this year make the effort to support the event because this years is the most important Testers Run we have had so far as it is one of THREE events, and other people are relying on us

The events are THE HERCULES 100, THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN & THE TRIMPLEY VINTAGE RALLY (over 450 classic vehicles entered), where we have been so warmly welcomed and I do not want to let the organiser down.

Event details at
https://sites.google.com/site/herculesonehundred/

2010 is the 100 year anniversary of the Hercules Cycle & Motor Company formed by the Crane brothers in the back streets of Balsall Heath. From assembling bicycles on the pavement, the company rose to become the largest cycle manufacturer in the world by the 30s, lead by one of Birmingham’s most successful and forgotten industrialists, Sir Edmund Crane.

From their formation to the first world war they certainly sold motorcycles and sidecars, we can not be sure they manufactured them and the motorcycles in their catalogues look very much like early Sun models. In the 50s the company also produced lightweight motorcycles. Obviously It could be said that this factory is not a true motorcycle factory but it is good to remember that many Birmingham motorcycle factories started off by producing bicycles.

90 year old ex Olympic cycling champion Tommy Godwin, who was an electrician at the BSA, and ran a cycle shop in Birmingham for over 30 years will be seeing the event off. The procession to Trimpley will be in three groups, classics, moderns and Ron Swinboune (sorry Ron but even the cyclists are faster than you!)

This year for the first time we have a professional video team at the start who will be videoing everyone and their progress to Trimpley, copies will be available for purchase.

I will be on Carl Chinn’s on Radio WM this Sunday to publicise the event.


I have to put the same effort in every year if 1 person or a 1000 turn up, so its down to you now, if there is a poor turnout this year it will be the last one!

I looked forward to seeing a lot of you on the 1st!

THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN is sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance
All proceeds this year are for THE MIDLAND AIR AMBULANCE.

This years run is only 25 miles to THE TRIMPLEY VINTAGE RALLY at Trimpley near Kidderminster where we have been allocated our own exclusive enclosure. Free admission for our group.


Getting to Hercules

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?lci=com.panoramio.all&ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=1&jsv=229a&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100575795394494507205.000484cee6950b0b03c4a


Pics from the 2001 event, courtesy Simon Evans
http://www.simonevans.co.uk/v-four/testersrun/index.htm
07528 315821
01746

I thank you

JP

Event details at
https://sites.google.com/site/herculesonehundred/

The Tester Mini Newsletter March/April 2010.

From THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN

TITCH ALLEN

We are very sorry to hear of the death of of Charles (Titch) Allen, the founder member of The Vintage Motorcycle Club who passed away on Thurs 18th March 2010 after a short stay in hospital.

Tribute on VMCC site

Pauline Hailwood and Ken Sprayson are recovering form illness and we wish them both well.



First New Norton Motorcycle Delivered

THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN on March 21st

Thank you to all of you who made the effort to attend this years MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN.. Please help by ensuring this run is well publicised for the 30th anniversary run next year. It is very noticeable that we are not receiving enough support from local motorcycle clubs and owners clubs. Please encourage your club to take part. Please encourage other riders to sign up for this newsletter. For next year I will be re-introducing my 'phone around' to remind everyone about the event.

West Midlands Police estimated that there were over 400 riders attending the run. The police escort provided by the BIKESAFE Team made the run, which has to navigate the busy Birmingham suburbs, much easier. The absolute brilliant weather and record turnout made the day very enjoyable although the event organiser mentioned that the event would not be a real success until at least a 1000 riders attended to honour the rider often described as the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. The Police have suggested a change of routing via the Pershore Road with a turn at 'The Man On The Moon Pub'-sounds good, any comments?

Next years MH Run will be on Sunday March 20th 2011 and as it is the 30th anniversary we will be pulling out all the stops. Pauline and David Hailwood will be attending as will 'Mr Featherbed', Ken Sprayson, who will be speaking at the church service about Mike and his memories of this great man.

We are negotiating to ensure that this annual event becomes a regular fixture for the Bikesafe team from West Midlands Police. This not only gives us a protective escort but introduces the excellent Bikesafe campaign and free training to riders.

THE 2010 BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN from HERCULES

All bikes (Classic & Modern, separate start for Classics) and riders are invited to this years Birmingham Testers Run (no pre registration) on

SUNDAY AUGUST 1st 2010

This years run will be a lot shorter than usual to allow the Birmingham branch of the Veteran Cycle Club to take part, mind you if they are as slow riding as they are answering emails they may have to start the week before! Oh,don't worry they will not be part of the motorcycle group! The run starts from the former Hercules Cycle & Motor factory in Rocky Lane, Aston to mark the 100 year anniversary of the foundation of Hercules by the Crane Brothers in 1910. Hercules were involved of the sale of motorcycle and sidecars before the first world war (most likely constructed by Sun) and of lightweights in the 50s. In the 30s they described themselves as the largest producers of bicycles in the world. Their Rocky Lane factory, previously occupied by Dunlop Tyres, before they moved to 'The Fort'. Only a very small part of the original factory survives.

The 2010 destination will be The Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club's Transport Festival. Over 300 classic vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to tractors and HGV's take part in this very successful annual festival.I have already received a lot of emails suggesting that this could be the best 'Testers Run' destination ever and I quite agree!

BVMC Trimpley Vintage Rally, Bite Farm, Trimpley, Worcs DY12 1NU (Off the A442 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth Rd. at Shatterford (Overnight camping available)

BVMC Website

Report on last years festival

MIB Website-Hercules

THE BSA MEMORIAL APPEAL

This year is the 70th anniversary of the air raid disaster at BSA which claimed 53 lives on the 19th November 1940- we intend to mark this anniversary at the site, either on the Friday which is the 19th, or over the weekend. Your thoughts and ideas are welcome. We would particularly like the BSA Owners and the Gold Star Owners Club to be involved.
Can anyone who visits the Birmingham Art Gallery tell me if Charles Cundall's painting of the fire is still on view? I had to insist that it was taken out of storage a few years ago. It was given to BMAG by BSA on the basis that it was put on view for the general public to see, if its not on view we want to know why!

THE MADE IN BIRMINGHAM WEBSITE

www.madeinbirmingham.org

We have been unable to update the website since last summer, we are still working on the problem, along with a lot of other problems! A new website should be up and running soon, honestly!

Best wishes to all

Ride safely

JP

Copy of these newsletters can be found at


http://birminghamtestersrun.blogspot.com/

WHO WAS MIKE HAILWOOD?

Who was Mike Hailwood?

Were motorcycles made in Birmingham?

Two of the questions frequently asked of the organiser of THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN & THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN.

Lets make sure younger motorcyclists remember our motorcycle heritage!

After his retirement Murray Walker said of Mike Hailwood, "In all my years of passionately following motor sport, one man stands out above everyone else in my affection and regard:

Mike Hailwood."

Will you please support Birmingham's only dedicated motorcycle runs which seek to promote and preserve our motorcycling history?

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

2010 programme

We thank Carole Nash Insurance for their continuing support of both runs and the website

www.madeinbirmingham.org


THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN 2010

escorted by the friendly West Midlands Police BIKESAFE team

This years Mike Hailwood Memorial Run will be on

SUNDAY MARCH 21st 2010 at 11.15am from the former Norton Works at Bracebridge Street Aston, Birmingham B6 4PF

To

TANWORTH IN ARDEN

Where Mike (and his daughter Michelle) are buried.

Tanworth in Arden is probably one of Warwickshire's most beautiful villages and THE BELL public house is opposite the church. The singer/songwriter Nick drake is also buried here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanworth-in-Arden

http://www.bnbselect.com/bnb/19684

Map on above site

We understand that both Pauline and David Hailwood are attending this years event.

The NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

is just 5 miles away

http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/



THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN 2010

This years Birmingham Testers Run will start from a date (TBA, on a Sunday) in SEPTEMBER from the former HERCULES CYCLE FACTORY in ROCKY LANE, ASTON BIRMINGHAM.

2010 is the 100 year anniversary of one of Birmingham's greatest cycle makers, HERCULES, who also sold sidecars and motorcycles before the first world war, as well as several lightweights in the 50s.

The former Hercules factory was the former factory of Dunlop Tyres before they moved to 'The Fort'

The possible destination being considered at the moment is MALVERN, as this years run will be shorter than usual.

All suggestions welcomed!

Can I ask you all to not only support both events but actively encourage your club or friends to support both events as well. I do not think either event really has the support it deserves especially from local clubs.

Please note that due to ongoing technical problems with the website provider we are no longer able to update the MADE IN BIRMINGHAM website's content. We are looking to change website provider asap, if anyone can recommend a reliable one it would be helpful.

This email forms part of a newsletter blog which can be found at

http://birminghamtestersrun.blogspot.com/

I thank you

JP

2010 programme

We thank Carole Nash Insurance for their continuing support of both runs and the website www.madeinbirmingham.org


THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN 2010

This years Mike Hailwood Memorial Run will be on

SUNDAY MARCH 21st 2010 at 11.15am from the former Norton Works at Bracebridge Street Aston,Birmingham

THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN 2010

This years Birmingham Testers Run will start from a date (on a Sunday) to be announced later in SEPTEMBER from the former HERCULES CYCLE FACTORY in ROCKY LANE ASTON BIRMINGHAM.

The possible destination being considered at the moment is MALVERN.

Please note that due to ongoing technical problems with the website provider we are no longer able to update its content. We are looking to change website provider asap.