This is our report for the BMW Club magazine, produced by John Broad.

After so much wet weather of last year, the forecast for the first day of the New Year was a nice change with sunshine and the forecasters got it right.  The regular gathering at the Lock Stock and Barrel at Newbury was very well attended with many arriving on bikes.  Members from nearby sections joined in the fun and to take the opportunity to get out on the bikes to start the year as they mean to carry on.

The Lock Stock and Barrel staff worked very hard to meet the culinary and liquid needs of this sudden influx of people but did so efficiently and with good humour.

Rob Allin could be seen modelling a strip of LEDs attached to the back of a helmet, which he seemed to think was a good idea.

An excellent day with good food and good company, a ride on the bike and the year off to a good start.

Amazingly, the annual Bring & Buy event at Uffington Village Hall on the 13th January also turned out to be dry and bright.  Many members turned out on their bikes but those who intended to sell or buy larger volumes of stuff arrived on four wheels.

David, Rosemary and all the team producing refreshments worked continually to keep the many visitors happy with soup and rolls filled with either sausages or bacon; brilliant and well done.

In the main hall the sellers arranged their wares ready for the onslaught of eager buyers. Many deals were struck and goods that arrived in one vehicle departed in others.

The Section pass on their thanks to North Oxford Garage and to Bahnstormer Motorrad for supplying some merchandise including a cylinder barrel and head from a GS for a very reasonable price.  I think this got sold as a very nice piece of artwork until it will be required at some stage for use on a bike!

All those who attended enjoyed the sales banter and the social aspects and may have taken away some real bargains.  The Section made a few pounds as their cut as well, towards the costs of running the day.

The next meet will also be at Uffington on the 10th of February when we have a talk by Nigel Richardson on his trip to the North Cape.

On the 24th of February the Section Lunch at Faringdon allows members to refill that space left by the resolution to lose weight that by then will have been forgotten.  On the 10th March Uffington Village Hall will again be the venue for a presentation by John Broad on the World’s largest air show that took place at Oshkosh, USA last year.