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Owners Club - Dorking Centre.

Horary President: Ivan Rhodes

DORKING CENTRE NEWS letter – OCTOBER 2011

This is the seventh edition of the Dorking Centre News Letter. The editorial team

have tried to put together a variety of items that we believe you will find interesting

and is meeting the needs of members...if not please let us know what you would

like.

Brian Ling & I are getting a steady trickle of articles which we think will be of

interest to members, so please keep them coming; but we would welcome more articles/ photos

drawings etc on technical matters,

Due to a lack of time I have had to “park” my research into the Dorking Centre

history, but I hope to be able to come back to this in the next few months. Editor

WebMaster I continue to develop the site further, as time permits, with additional information and links to

other relevant sites being added regularly.

H.Q has recently asked me to add a new link to the club Regalia area, which I am happy to do. I

also have loads of new photos of club events & trips to add to the site to replace last year‟s items.

This has proved to be a problem as the site software refuses to allow me to change these and I have

not fancied a long dialogue with the site technical help desk at this time, as I am only just

recovering from a hard disc failure..Fortunately I did have a good back-up system (do you?) for my

computer, so I did not lose any info‟ (I think) But I did lose a lots of time. “Sods” law also

prevailed as my 2.75 year old computer had a three year guarantee ......but the manufacturer

(MESH) went bankrupt one week before my failure...............now taken over but not honouring

“old” guarantees!!

The most significant improvement during the last month was being able to get Google to provide

key word searches on the whole site...which should help you to find what you want ......”What do

you want anyway”?

The Most visited pages = Home: 4920: News Flash 1010: Velocette history 950 Events & Runs

750: Members bikes 550 Dorking History 510: Technical date 420: Velocette Vulcan Review

348.

V10 of 20 Issue No 007 Website: velocettedorkingcentre.btck.co.uk

WebMaster

The Dorking Centre held our first meeting at our new venue THE STAR, nr Leatherhead on our

September Club night. To mark the start of a new chapter of the club‟s history your committee invited a

brilliant speaker, former Top English motorcycle sidecar racer, successful motorcycle designer &

constructor and author Colin Seeley. We knew that Seating for this special night could be a problem

(although not normally a problem for normal club nights 20-30), and the

Star had agreed to shut their restaurant for our exclusive use as we

anticipated a bigger gathering; so to avoid overcrowding we limited the

advertising to The News Letter, Members mail shots and the Fishtail &

our Web site. In the event we had about 45+ and could have taken

another fifteen or so. An enjoyable evening was had by all, with Colin

bringing along several of his T.T trophies, books (signed & with a good

discount too) and other memorabilia (I had persuaded him to bring one of

his bikes to show us...but chickened out at the last moment as the Star‟s

restaurant manager might have thrown a wobbly!!).

We were extremely fortunate to persuade him to visit us, as his services

are much in demand (e.g. he is going to New Zealand for several weeks soon to talk at number of venues

there) and at 75 he is now limiting his appearances. Colin has written to me thanking us for inviting him and

for the Centres generous donation to “The Joan Seeley Pain relief Memorial Trust”, which with our

guarantee, brought in £285. I will publish his nice letter to us in due course.

OUR NEW VENUE – The Star

The committee hope that you will continue to support The Dorking Centre at our new venue. For some of

you, this may mean a longer journey (that includes me), others may have shorter journeys, but I do believe

you efforts will be worthwhile as we have already pencilled in some future events...A World motorcycle

Speed record holder...Former Top Velocette Dealers...??

October 5th

Club Night

Please note that we will revert to our normal stating time of 8pm and for this night only we will be in the

centre two sections of the pub, rather than the function room section (due to a previous booking), but we

should then settle down to our regular use of the function section.

Elsewhere in this News Letter you will see a booking form for our Annual Dinner & Awards night...a really

good deal has been struck with our new hosts ...so book early to avoid disappointment.

Dorking Centre AGM

Notice is hearby given of the Centres AGM on the November club night 2nd

November, which will start at

8.30pm. In order to have a strong and vibrant club we need members to be prepared to give some of their

time and support, if we do not have a full complement of active members we will scale back our activities.

Safe biking,

Alan Nightingale


Dorking in Oswestry. Seven Dorking members left on June 24

th for a four day visit to our old friends John Wakefield and

his wife Diane.

Only on one day did the weather cause

us pain as we rode about 45 miles to

meet the Wye Valley centre members

who sensibly stayed at home. Two

stalwarts from Wales turned up though

and led us over roads which in better

weather would have been a joy.

However, on our penultimate day we

did it all again with John in fine weather

to our great enjoyment.

This trip was a shakedown for Dave G‟s

EGO 82 KSS as it had been under the

spanner due to a seizure before the

event. Eventually, due to Dave‟s

ministrations it returned to its old form after keeping those in the rear on runs well kippered with

smoke.

One or two problems arose, my headlamp shed a bolt and was

bodged up with a slave bolt and rubber band. George H‟s mudguard

broke a stay (ably repaired with two Jubilee clips and a small

spanner). I‟m told Nigel F‟s excellent Venom filled the contact

beaker with oil which was blamed on the very hot weather.

The Olde Boote Inn fed us very well and the beds were good. On

our final evening John and Diane treated us all to a memorable

home cooked meal, sending us back at its end to the Old Boote in a

large minibus to round it all off.

The round trip from Lingsville and home came to 610 miles.

Brian Ling, Deputy Editor.

Diane & John: photo Alan Nightingale


Dorkings Trip “Up-North” by: Dave Gladwell

I had not ventured to our annual meeting at The Olde Boot near Oswestry before. I hope it will not

be my last – it was great. The “Magnificent Seven” who went were – Alan Nightingale, who

organised and booked the Olde Boot, with the lovely Sandra. Nigel Firth and Florrie, who says she

enjoyed the trip. Brian Ling, George Howarth and myself. The bikes with Alan‟s Triumph, Brian,

Nigel and George on modern Velos with tele forks (Venoms, Vipers, MACs, MSSs, all look alike

to me) I used the KSS. Nigel led the way for George and myself. It is a pleasure for me to switch

off my brain and just ride. What brain cells I still have need to be conserved. We met up with

Alan, Sandra and Brian at the Olde Boot. We settled in, our machines protected from the rain by

covers provided by the amazing John Wakefield (a long time Dorking Centre member who now

live s in Oswestry).

I mentioned the rain. We, as you know have rain local to Dorking. Our rain is imported. Rain is

actually designed and made in Wales. Oswestry is close to the source.

Lovely evening meal Saturday and a great breakfast Sunday morning, then off to meet the Welsh

lads from Wye Valley Centre led by John

Wakefield.

Then into Wales and met up with Rob

Jones and Graham Plenty at Rhayader.

These two had come through mist and rain

like us to the rendezvous. I noticed they

had very carefully selected and donned wet

weather gear. You could tell they were

experienced. They led us to Elan Valley

Dam for our lunch stop, then to Llangerig

via Devils Bridge. This was on beautiful

winding roads with, I feel sure, outstanding

views. Unfortunately the mist, clouds and rain meant 99% of the time watching the road and

wiping our visors. Perhaps Florrie and Sandra saw more. The road was called a pass. If not very

careful you could have passed over!

I felt sorry for Alan‟s. As tail end Charlie he needed to follow me. No one else seemed keen. It

was later pointed out, no secrets among friends, that the KSS smelt awful at close quarters. I

looked for the source when back at the Olde Boot. Sooty plug and black on the fishtail so I

lowered the needle a couple of notches. (This was an improvement, I think, the next day apart from

a little healthy oil). Then the KSS I heard was less offensive.


On Sunday morning I strode out of our room singing “Oh what a beautiful morning “. It had stopped

raining – but then I fell hard enough to remove and damage my glasses.

Frame well bent. One lens out. Apart from proving another good breakfast, my misfortune was of concern

to the staff. Small screwdrivers etc were found to assist with getting my specs back in shape. The staffs

here really do seem to care for their guests.

That day John led us - more lovely roads, some sunshine, so you could see as well. Lunchtime was at a

Welsh version of Rykas at Box Hill, but with a beautiful lake to park beside. An unfortunate incident on the

way occurred when we stopped at a small car park. When we were all ready to go, Alan‟s Triumph would

not start. It would repeatedly sound its “I am being interfered with” alarm signal, but silence from the

starter motor/engine. It was found that its main battery (separate from the one for the alarm) was dead. Not

one volt available from it. “You can borrow mine” I said. Removing the Triumph battery and fitting mine

was a little difficult. As it was, my battery and Alan‟s bike were both involved. I have always worked

alone, this is probably a good thing as I became very irate with our efforts and regrettably after a while I

told Alan to fit the XXXXX thing himself – which he did. We resumed our trip.

(My daughters tell me I have a terrible temper). A couple of weeks ago I went with one daughter and two

grandchildren to Guilfest – a music festival. Rain like Glastonbury but not such good bands. I got annoyed

at one point. I have not lost my temper I said - I am not naturally bad tempered. When did you last lose

your temper daughter said........could she be right?

John was able to lead us to Halfords in Oswestry later where Alan got a replacement battery. I did

apologise to Alan #. I do also to anyone who was put out by my outburst.

Another happening involved John. He had stopped behind a car parked in a car park. The car was reversed

into him knocking him from his bike. A local man witnessed this careless driving but despite a local

witness and a group of irate motorcyclists on Velos he wanted to blame John and call the police. John being

calmer than myself and as he was not injured, calmly exchanged details with the car driver. We restricted

ourselves to scowling at the driver and left.

That evening we were the guests of

John and Diane and thanks to a taxi

service arranged by John, we were

able to enjoy Diane‟s lovely spread

of food, together with local beers

etc. What a splendid evening.

My bike got me home, not sure

how. The exhaust valve was too

tight in its guide at least 25% of the

engine‟s power was being used to

open it!

Water storage facility: Photos by Alan Nightingale

We all got home OK. Brian suffering from having to negotiate a large lump of London.

I hope I am able to go next year.

P.S. Having sorted the exhaust valve, I recently had an intermittent misfire. (If I had known it was going to

be trouble, I would not have bought the KSS). Problem due to the fixed contact in the BTH mag becoming

loose. Now rectified. No misfires and it starts better.

Come next year, bring your partner. Sandra and Florrie enjoyed it.

# No offence taken Dave, thanks for the loan of your battery............even if your bike does smell like a Camel‟s backside!


At the Pollards Gerry Kennell

DORKING CENTRE Our BBQ on the 12th June was well supported some 45 members attended. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us this year, the day started off with light rain which increased as the day progressed, which made for a very wet ride home at the end of the day for those of us on two wheels. Fortunately Avril and Ian had erected a very large double event type gazebo which was enough to accommodate us all.

Well done Avril and Ian and all those who helped organise the event.


Photos by Alan Nightingale


Brands Hatch– Classic Bike Parades 30-31 July 2011 by Alan Nightingale. The Dorking Centre was invited to support this special two day event celebrating 50 years of

racing in the BMRC (BEMSEE) club. Although road racing appears to be a minority interest

within the Dorking Centre the committee decided that it would like to offer a broad range of

supported events....with something for everyone. Not everyone who attended came for both days,

as it was a two day event.

Peter McGlone took a lead in organising this event for us and managed to secure 15 free

tickets...so everyone that wanted to go got a free weekend ticket. The Centre Gazebo was used as a

base & stand together with some of the clubs flags & banners. A sunny weekend of racing &

Classic parades gave a good atmosphere and the chance to wander around the Paddock gave an

interesting insight into what is a close nit fraternity of racers‟.

Mike Dommett CEO of BMRC has written to me thanking the Club for supporting this event.



Brian Ling A larger than expected group of 9 members arrived at Westerham for our an

annual ride to Aylesford and the Friars on Sunday 7th

August.

T


The weather was good, but one or two heavy showers made us dash for cover under Rod Smith‟s

kindly lent gazebo, but were not sufficient to spoil our wanderings around the auto jumble and

other group‟s activities.

I‟m always amazed at the stuff that the stallholders hope to sell – handleless hammers, 3” cold

chisels – and rust. An example was an excellent guillotine identical to one I used as an apprentice

joiner which had been useable until rust had seized it solid and was wet as I viewed it. Plastic

sheet and a drying rag would have saved it; a modern replacement would have cost £250+ so scrap

it remains.

Velo items were scarce. I saw nothing in my walkabout. Four cammies were on show, the rest

were M‟s from a nice MOV through the group, but no Thruxtons.

Our President, Ivan Rhodes, gave it a miss this year.

I‟m told fewer tickets were sold, so the squeeze may be the possible cause.

There were a few more Auto jumblers and several more club stands.


I keep promising myself to attend on the Saturday and participate in the run around Kent with the

continentals, but haven‟t so far; brownie points will need to be earned first.

Fill‟er up and have a ride out while summer is still here.


By Brian Ling

About four years ago I occasionally saw an old chap in a wheelchair in our local supermarket. His

vision was poor and I sometimes helped him sort out and reach down his shopping. On one

occasion I was wearing a jacket with the Velocette logo on it; he peered at it, asked what it said

and when I told him, a new world for us both opened. He used to be a Velo man until he bought a

sprung hub Thunderbird outfit in 1956 or thereabouts to take his elderly mother and himself on

holidays etc.

We met again sometime later and, unusually, as he was most

independent, he allowed me to push him to his front door about 200

yards away. Out next meeting saw him in an electric four wheeled

buggy which he was very proud of. He asked me if I‟d look into his

garage to see if room for it could be made as it was “A bit cluttered”.

Some understatement that was! Still residing was the Thunderbird

outfit which he‟d not mentioned and so much junk you wouldn‟t

believe.

The roof had partially collapsed on this inglorious pile, one end being

steadied by a very sickly NSU Quickly which kept the door closed and

the wooden wall up plus clothes prop between the Triumph and

sidecar. I thought if he‟s kept all this, are there any Velo bits still

around? Yes, he said when asked, he‟d got his old “Spare” Cammy

engine somewhere about, but could not remember where. “It was a long time back you know”.

A space was later cleared for his buggy, and an acquaintance bought the outfit. Sid couldn‟t

believe it was worth so much money. I secured the roof before it could be moved. Two more

Quicklys were discovered under perished carpet underlay and were given the last rites: I‟m no two

stroke enthusiast. All this and no „K‟ bits anywhere.

I asked to use his outside toilet and oh joy! There was the crankcase

unopened behind the pan and the cylinder had been placed to keep

the door open for his wheel chair. Spiders had mummified the con

rod around a bit of cloth he‟d pushed in about 1956 so saving the

precious main bearings. A rebore took care of the rusty barrel‟s

inside. The timing cover and BTH mag were found under the sink in


the kitchen together with a box of rusty morse drills. “Yes, I remember now said Sid”. The rest

of the engine was found about the house, the only item lost was the mag. Points cover! Even more

remarkable was finding a new set of magneto points to fit the 1919 P & M I was working on at this

time.

Every level surface in the house was covered with stuff to “An angle of repose”. Anything added

rolled off, a real bachelor‟s pad. Sid had neglected his diabetes to the extent he had lost one leg

below the knee and was shortly to lose the other above the ankle. A more uncomplaining and

placid person however, you would be hard to find.

I often think of him and his problems when I start moaning; living in his unmodified terraced home

with no ramps or assistance he

was a true stalwart. Two years

later I took a diabetic cake around

to him for Christmas only to find

he‟d died a month or two earlier.

He loved to stand at the front door

and listen to FKR 611 though he

could not see it properly.

A really decent Englishman of the

Old School, you‟re welcome bits

are safe with me Sid.


A Post Script to Sid’s Cammy Moter

The above appeared in December

1987‟s Fishtail 224: after 24

years nobody will remember the momentous event, so maybe it could together with this be

recycled, thereby going full circle. Sid‟s 1936 KSS engine was rebuilt as a labour of love because

they are a pleasure to work on and it was also in a generally good condition.

I had a brief idea to mount it on a hardwood plinth and sit it in our sitting room bookcase, but

management had thought otherwise. Rather than agree to her suggestion to put it away in a box –

and before I went into my own – I decided to fulfil a long felt want (in a lovely shade of green) and

build it into a spring frame kindly supplied by George Howarth.

This machine is now complete and undergoing testing.

Re the Thunderbird outfit. The chap who bought it told me he took the head off to check for bore

wear. Lucky he did, as someone had put a round flint pebble in one cylinder! Maybe Sid took the

plug out and some small family relative playing with stones found a hole for it, Sid later put the

plug back in ignorance, but never started up! Brian Ling.

P.S. Pity about being ejected from the Hand in Hand, but thanks to those committee members who

managed to find The Cock – and in cold weather, too


Dorking Centre Trophies & Awards – Return.

Will winners of the Centres Awards please return them to the Social Secretary

(Brian Howard) as soon as possible please.

Brian Howard

Space Filler & useful tips:

CONFUCIUS DIDN'T SAY:-

Man who drives like hell is bound to get there.

Man who stands on toilet is high on pot.

Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.

Finally CONFUCIUS DIDN'T SAY. . .

"A lion will not cheat on his wife, but a Tiger Wood!"

P.S. The Editor is always looking for such really useful space fillers...please send them on to the Editorial team.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_206TETOgLd0/TOS10n8v_WI/AAAAAAAAEhc/WiRNUX28c_E/s1600/New+ring+to+piston,+info.-1.jpg


Dorking Centre Special Tools – Loan

Over the years The Dorking Centre have purchased or made some special tools, these are kept by

our Technical advisor (see Committee posts), and may be made available

to Dorking Centre Members for a modest fee to cover refurbishment and

replacement. Please let him know of any other tools you think the Centre

should hold. If you have made a special tool, please let us know about it,

so that other members may benefit too.

Brian Ling & Alan Nightingale

Dorking Centre members may borrow the special tools listed in table 1 and table 2 (for “K” series items)-

Terms & conditions apply.

K SERIES ITEMS

Table 2

1 “K” MK2 cam puller – only to be used at Ling Ville* as the last one was damaged by a cretinous operator

in a muddy field!

2. “K” bottom bevel puller.

3. “K” oil pump removal tool (Red book drawing)

Table 1.

1. Puller for dynamo belt pulley or gearbox sprocket.

2. Pin spanner for dismantling Millar dynamos.

3. Split slide hammer for fitting telefork bushes as shown in the Red book.

4. Spanner for magneto’s bottom invisible nut. Not always satisfactory, but worth a try.

5.

“M” series puller for half time pinion on crankshaft as shown in Red book.

6. Jig for drilling 3 extra holes in your clutch chain wheel (not tested).

7. Swing arm bush reamer & pilot.

8. Set of Girder fork reamers & pilots. DON’T TURN THEM BACKWARDS!

9. Large box spanner & Tommy bar for steering head bearing adjustment – does not spoil the plating.

10. Jig for measuring the exact depth of main bearing seating’s in assembled crankcases; works well.


Terms & Conditions for Tool Loans.

1. Only Dorking Centre members can loan any of the Centre tools.

2. The member loaning the tool is responsible for the loan item/s safe keeping & return.

3. The Centre cannot accept responsibility for the suitability of the loan item/s for the purpose, for which the item is

deployed, or any damage or injuries sustained to them of their bike by using these tools.

4. Items’ must normally be collected & returned by the loaner & signed for*, i.e. they cannot be returned by post

unless they are sent by registered post & insured. This must be agreed prior to sending.

5. A £20 cash deposit, returnable when the loaned item is returned, notwithstanding paragraph 6, 7 & 9

6. Damage to any item will be chargeable.

7. A nominal loan fee of £1 will be charged for the first month’s loan & a further £1 per week for the second month

and thereafter and at a rate of £1 per day.

8. The loan period must not exceed two months.

9. Lost items or damaged beyond repair items with be charged for at the replacement cost + a 20% restocking fee.

10. Loaned items must not be sub loaned.

11. All loans will be arranged though the Centre Technical Adviser.

Dorking Committee

Note: * In signing for receipt of the item/s you are agreeing that the item/s is in good condition and you accept these terms

& conditions.

Space Filler & useful tips:

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to

many. ~Author Unknown


The Dorking Centre have purchasing some fluorescent & reflective over vest

similar to this picture. They are sign written on the back with Velocette O.C. –

Dorking Centre.

They are now available at club night

For more details & prices & to place an order,

contact the Club Regalia Officer.

VOC MUGS:-

The last few remaining 50th Anniversary Mugs will also be on sale at a

reduced price of only £2 each to clear.

Sandra Smith


Chairman Alan Nightingale 01732 822 761

Secretary Gerry Kennell 01737 842 874

Treasurer Bob Newton 01293516026

Newsletter: Sub Editor Brian Ling 0208 857 1030

Technical Adviser Brian Ling 0208 857 1030

Social Sec Brian Howard 01372 452 174

Regalia Officer Sandra Smith 01273 845286

Runs Sec (Euro) Peter McGlone 01306 730505

Runs Sec (U.K.) Peter Read 01483 811700

Member Bill Kennell 01483 419620

Member (Honorary) Dave Gladwell 01932 562992

News Letter: Editor,

Printing & Distribution Alan Nightingale 01732 822 761

(Email: [email protected])


Dorking-Runs &Events - 2011

Month Date

Event Meeting Point

Run / Event Leader

September

7

25

Club Night – Colin Seeley

Kent Lanes Run

The Star, Leatherhead 7.30pm – be seated by 8pm Prompt start

Westerham 10 -10.15am

Limited seating

Peter Thomas

October

5

23

Club night

Ardingly classic show

(mostly under cover)

The Star, Leatherhead

Rykas 9.45 -10.00

Brian Howard

November

2

6

AGM

Veteran Car Run

The Star

Rykas 08.45-9.00

TBA

December

2

7

Club Annual Dinner & Awards

Club night

The Star

The Star

January 2012

4 The Star


Annual Club Dinner & Awards Our annual club dinner & Awards will be held at our new home, The Star on Friday 2nd December 2011.

7.30 for 8pm. Not only have we been able to negotiate a much better price than last year, but in addition we

will be offered three courses and a bigger selection of meals to choose from! The venue is slightly smaller

than last year, so to avoid disappointment please book early.

Please put your names/s against each required course and send it together with your cheque made payable to

“VOC Dorking Centre” **** Please bring a raffle prize ****

Brian Howard :Tel: 01372 452 174

Highwaymans Cottage,

Fetcham Common Lane,

Fetcham,

Surrey, KT22 9SG.

Tea or Coffee

£25/person* Note* VOC Members & their guests are entitled to a 10%discount


The Star P.H.

Kingston Road, Malden Rushett, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0DP

Tel. 01372 842416 Fax. 01372 843683

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