Berkhamsted Motorcycle Club
Archived
club
news
and
tributes
© Berkhamsted Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd 2019
John Holmes
Life Member of Berkhamsted MC&CC Ltd.
John became a member of the Berkhamsted club in the late 1960’s when he and his wife Brenda moved to Tring.
He rode trials on a 350cc. Matchless, and in those days there was only one route, ridden by both Experts and Novices. Occasionally there would be a Novice only trial to
give an easier ride for beginners and the not-so-able!
In 1980, when John was covering the duties of Club Secretary, Treasurer and Trials Secretary, Nash Mills was pointed out to him as a possible trials ground, and so started
protracted negotiations with the then Dacorum District Council to gain permission to use it for motorcycle trials riding. The area had previously been used as a landfill tip
which was covered and planted out when full, so an official Enquiry and tests for gas had to be arranged to check for safety. Negotiations then began for a 15 year lease
which was achieved, starting on the 26th October 1980, but was not actually signed until the 2nd. June, 1981. This, after a great deal of time and effort on John’s behalf.
To see the trials ground so extensively used today, by a club with more than 350 members is due to the foresight, effort and enthusiasm of John Holmes.
On retirement, John and Brenda moved to Eastbourne and in due course, heart problems resulted in a by-pass operation and the fitting of a Pacemaker.
In May this year he felt unwell and was admitted to hospital on the 7th. June, where he died on the 19th. from pancreatic cancer and heart complications. He would have
been 83 on the 1st.July.
A Memorial Service was held at St. Johns church on the 28th June attended by family, friends and three members of Berkhamsted Motorcycle club.
John was a gentle man and a true Gentleman. He leaves his wife Brenda, sons Graham and Alan and his daughter Julia. Our thoughts are with them all.
Brian James
Brian was born in 1934 and lived locally until his retirement in 1994, when he and his wife Dillis decided to relocate to Norfolk. Brian became a member of the Berkhamsted Motorcycle and Car Club in 1974 through his 15 year old son Barrie who was very enthusiastic scramble fan. Barrie pestered the life out of his father to buy a scramble bike. A bike was brought and the story began, at the time the club wasn’t a big club in terms of memebership, but was fully active in all aspects and disciplines of motorcycle racing and its associated activities, pre-event working parties at tracks, to fund raising summer BBQs and Christmas dances, plus those all important nights run for the wives and girlfriends of us bike enthusiasts! During his time at the club, Brian held various positions of office within the club as well as officiating at club run events. In 1978 Brian was voted onto the ACU Comps Committee as well as being appointed an ACU Centre Steward. He carried out these duties at local and national level events. However, those of you who are still active in the club from the 70’s and 80’s will remember that whatever task Brian undertook or was asked to take on, he gave it 100% effort, all for the enjoyment of motorcycle sport. Rest in peace Brian James
Archived
club news
and
tributes
John Holmes
Life Member of Berkhamsted MC&CC
Ltd.
John became a member of the Berkhamsted club in the late 1960’s
when he and his wife Brenda moved to Tring.
He rode trials on a 350cc. Matchless, and in those days there was only
one route, ridden by both Experts and Novices. Occasionally there
would be a Novice only trial to give an easier ride for beginners and
the not-so-able!
In 1980, when John was covering the duties of Club Secretary,
Treasurer and Trials Secretary, Nash Mills was pointed out to him as a
possible trials ground, and so started protracted negotiations with the
then Dacorum District Council to gain permission to use it for
motorcycle trials riding. The area had previously been used as a
landfill tip which was covered and planted out when full, so an official
Enquiry and tests for gas had to be arranged to check for safety.
Negotiations then began for a 15 year lease which was achieved,
starting on the 26th October 1980, but was not actually signed until
the 2nd. June, 1981. This, after a great deal of time and effort on
John’s behalf.
To see the trials ground so extensively used today, by a club with
more than 350 members is due to the foresight, effort and
enthusiasm of John Holmes.
On retirement, John and Brenda moved to Eastbourne and in due
course, heart problems resulted in a by-pass operation and the fitting
of a Pacemaker.
In May this year he felt unwell and was admitted to hospital on the
7th. June, where he died on the 19th. from pancreatic cancer and
heart complications. He would have been 83 on the 1st.July.
A Memorial Service was held at St. Johns church on the 28th June
attended by family, friends and three members of Berkhamsted
Motorcycle club.
John was a gentle man and a true Gentleman. He leaves his wife
Brenda, sons Graham and Alan and his daughter Julia. Our thoughts
are with them all.
Brian James
Brian was born in 1934 and lived locally until his retirement in 1994, when he and his wife Dillis decided to relocate to Norfolk. Brian became a member of the Berkhamsted Motorcycle and Car Club in 1974 through his 15 year old son Barrie who was very enthusiastic scramble fan. Barrie pestered the life out of his father to buy a scramble bike. A bike was brought and the story began, at the time the club wasn’t a big club in terms of memebership, but was fully active in all aspects and disciplines of motorcycle racing and its associated activities, pre-event working parties at tracks, to fund raising summer BBQs and Christmas dances, plus those all important nights run for the wives and girlfriends of us bike enthusiasts! During his time at the club, Brian held various positions of office within the club as well as officiating at club run events. In 1978 Brian was voted onto the ACU Comps Committee as well as being appointed an ACU Centre Steward. He carried out these duties at local and national level events. However, those of you who are still active in the club from the 70’s and 80’s will remember that whatever task Brian undertook or was asked to take on, he gave it 100% effort, all for the enjoyment of motorcycle sport. Rest in peace Brian James
© Berkhamsted Motorcycle & Car Club
Ltd 2019
