On the 1st February 2009, the very first meeting of what was to become Goldwings North West took place at the Swallow Hotel. Forty-seven people attended, which did come as somewhat of a very pleasant surprise, as just like with anything new, you’re never quite sure how it’s going to be received. Various things were decided at the meeting, such as our new name, club officers, fees and the way forward, and the meeting finally closed with a positive outlook to the future and the first ‘real’ meeting date in place. The concept of a Goldwing Federation of independant clubs was introduced and warmly received by the audience.

All we then had to do was wait and see…………..

Our first ‘official’ meeting took place on March 1st, and since then, I am extremely happy to report that our membership has grown steadily month on month and currently stands at a total of 41 memberships. This may not sound like a lot, but you need to remember:

One membership does not equal one person, as the membership is per bike, and not per individual.

Therefore, our actual number of members, even if you assume that 25% of memberships are solo riders, is around the 70 mark.

Given that memberships only became available from March this year, this equates to a joining rate of 5 memberships per month, i.e., one per week and this is continuing at present.

Members come from a widespread geographical area, from the Isle of Man in the West to Manchester in the East, from Cumbria in the North to Warrington in the South (apologies to anyone who feels they’re further North/South, etc, but I’m rubbish at geography!).

Our members own the complete range of Goldwings, from the earliest to the newest, with Solos, Trikes and Sidecars all admirably represented.

And, to put the cherry on the cake, as it were, we’re a club of doers – members organise events, runs out and always turn out in force at whatever events we choose to support, rather than the burdens always falling to a willing few. We’ve been to great events, like the Ride To The Wall in October and have a brilliant Anniversary Dinner to look forwards to in the New Year. We, in conjunction with Goldwings North Wales, staged the hugely successful BLP in 2009.

In short, then, our club has grown from strength to strength in a matter of months, a process which many other clubs have struggled for years to achieve. We’re providing Wingers with a club that they want, without politics and where friendship, Wings and above all, FUN are the priorities. We have a healthy and growing membership and the prospects of an even better year ahead.

Me, I can’t wait!

The annual Salvation Army Toy Run will take place again on the 7th November commencing from the Showcase Cinema Hyde Road (M12 5AL) and terminating at the Trafford Centre. There will be a breakfast from 9:00 am with assembly at 11:00 am and leave at 11:05 am. A presentation of toys and a short carol service will take place at the Trafford Centre on arrival. All the toys donated are used to help brighten up the Christmas of needy children across the North West. Donations are used to buy new gifts for childern who  might otherwise not receive a toy this year. For full details have a chat with our very own Jim Cretney who has been involved with providing marshals for this event for some time.