Derek Edgar (PUCH 125) in the ISDT in 1968 – Photo: Brian Catt
It is with much sadness that we report that the Edinburgh born trials and development rider, Derek J. Edgar has died this morning in St. John’s Hospital, Livingston on Tuesday, 28th March, 2017.
Derek had been ill for some time having been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and had been undergoing specialist treatment at Edinburgh’s Western General hospital for several months.
Younger son of Norman Edgar Snr who, with his brothers, ran the motorcycle sales and repairs business of Edgar Bros. in Edinburgh, Derek went to work for Steyr-Daimler Puch at their factory at Graz in Austria in 1970 as a development rider/engineer and then on to Montesa Motorcycles when he was based in California, USA.
He subsequently returned to his homeland Scotland and set up his own property development company called Derek Edgar Developments.
Derek’s older brother, Norman was three times Scottish Trials Champion and former Clerk of Course of the Scottish Six Days Trial an event in which Derek competed in on Puch, Bultaco and Honda machinery. His last ride was in 1977 on a Honda TL250.
Derek Edgar tackles Kilmonivaig section in the 1977 Scottish Six Days Trial on his Honda TL250 – Photo: Iain C. Clark, Fort William
Derek was an accomplished trials and scrambles rider who also excelled in the International Six Days Trial, riding Puch and Ossa machines from 1968 to 1972. He also took part in the Baja desert race in the USA.
John Moffat wrote: “I have known Derek Edgar from when I was a young boy, he dated a local girl called Theresa who later became his wife, who lived in my home town of Bathgate. He used to collect her in his Mini pick-up and would give me a friendly wave as he passed. Derek always had time to speak to me when I was a young rider and I never forgot that. He was one of a select band of Scottish competitors I looked up to and aspired to be like.
In Scottish trials, the Edgars were referred to in the same manner as Yorkshire-men referred to the Lampkins, they were a hard act to beat.
The Scottish trials world will be somewhat the poorer with Derek’s passing”.
A celebration of his life was held at Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh on Monday 10th April at 12.30.
Sincere condolences go to the extended Edgar family at this time and his widow, Theresa, son Paul and daughter Kim.
1969 SSDT – Derek Edgar (250 AJS) tackles first day section ‘Culross’ in Fife – Photo: Bob May, Edinburgh
Past SSDT Secretaries, the late Ally Findlay (1997-2000) left with Trials Guru’s John Moffat (2001-2002) seen here in 2001 – Photo: Colin Bullock/CJB Photographic
Trials Guru has had a long association with the annual Scottish Six Days Trial as the site owner, John Moffat has been an observer, rider, event secretary and most recently guest commentator on ‘Six Days Radio’ hosted and supported by the local radio station, ‘Nevis Radio’ based in down town Fort William.
This year, 2017 Trials Guru website has gifted special decals to be given to all competitors and officials at the signing on formalities on Sunday, April 30th at the Ben Nevis Hotel.
Over the next few weeks, Trials Guru website will be counting down to this most famous of all motorcycle trials, which of course can trace its roots back to 1911 when the Edinburgh & District Club took over the running of the event.
Remember the ‘Trials Guru SSDT 2017’ decals are only available to 2017 SSDT riders and officials at Fort William and will not be available otherwise, so if you are riding the SSDT this year, keep the decal safe as it is unique!
As for the radio coverage, the only main media to cover the whole event, this will be every morning commencing at 07:00 GMT until 11.00 GMT (www.nevisradio.co.uk) and will be compared by Trials Guru’s John Moffat and Nevis Radio’s John Weller and Simon Abberley.
It is hoped that a roving microphone can be used to do some interviews at the afternoon sections with riders and spectators, so keep an eye out and of course listen in to all the action as it happens during the week from ‘Parc Ferme’ to ‘Section’.
Don’t forget to have a look in at our SSDT special section on Trials Guru: HERE
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Dow. Those in the BSA fraternity will, perhaps, be familiar with the name, since Eddie was synonymous with the marque, both as a factory rider during the 1950s, and also for his development work for BSA through into the 1960s.
However, it was as leader of the British Army motorcycle team during the immediate post-war period that Eddie first made a name for himself, winning many medals, not only individually, but also for the squad in International and National trials events.
From this he developed a close association with BSA, and found success and fame as a works rider through the 1950s, winning the Senior Isle of Man TT in 1955 just two years after a near-fatal crash. By profession, Eddie was an engineer, having been an apprentice to Rolls Royce during the War.
He used this knowledge to good effect, working with BSA to perfect the Gold Star, and ultimately being responsible for creating the Rocket Gold Star in 1962.
He opened a motorcycle dealership specialising in BSA, and continued to use his racing experience to develop after-market parts that significantly enhanced the performance of the bikes – often supplying them back to BSA who adopted many of his ideas.
When British motorcycle manufacturing hit hard times in the late 60s, Eddie’s dealership moved to four wheels; MG, then Renault, and finally to Volkswagen. He sold the business in 1991.
Aged 67, Eddie lived out a busy and fulfilling retirement both as a keen skier, a hobby he pursued until the age of 88, gardener and irrepressible motorsport enthusiast.
He died on Friday 17th March, and is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter Franca, and grandchildren Justin, Kate and Joshua. The funeral will take place on Monday 3rd April at 12 noon at Banbury Crematorium. Family flowers only.
– Trials Guru wish to pay respects to the immediate Dow family at this time.
On March 14th 2014, Trials Guru was created on the internet and social media (facebook and twitter) so it’s a BIG Happy Birthday to us here at Trials Guru and a BIG HUGE THANK YOU to you for reading this, the premier website which showcases the sport of motorcycle trials!
Trials Guru – The Premier Trial Sport Website for photos, articles, news and the history of motorcycle trials
Peter Miltenburg (Sherco) on Kilmalieu in the 2016 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
We are always looking for something different here at Trials Guru and our good friend and contributor, Toon Van De Vliet from the Netherlands has submitted this article from the Netherlands.
THE SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL DIARY – FROM ‘PM TRIALS’
Words: Toon Van De Vliet & Peter Miltenburg
Photos: Peter Miltenburg; Toon Van De Vliet & Iain Lawrie
‘PM Trials’ is a synonym for ‘Peter Miltenburg’ also known to his friends as ‘Pim’, the Sherco and Scorpa importer in the Netherlands. From his last participation (2016) he made a diary to try to make an explanation of what this phenomenal extreme event is. Seen through the eyes of a real trials man and a lover of the countryside.
Peter Miltenberg no.125 represented the Netherlands in the 2016 SSDT
Monday:
Heavy rain on the first morning. I start with the number 125 in the third group, nicely in the middle. At the start, I get the message some of the hills can’t be ridden because of the high water! There is so much water in the sections that all signs and arrows are no longer visible.
We can ride the route as normal and when I pass this first hill I indeed come to see thundering roaring water under a wooden bridge by flows. Further on the route we can do some sections. Here too a lot of water, but these sections I ride quite well, the beginning is there in any case. Then continue by the Moors. We are today on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, where snow is still at the top which is melting hard. This means that besides the abundant rain water also melting snow from the hills is coming down. In addition to the usual water and mud channels now also extra water gullies with extremely unreliable bottom. Usually I come pretty well through, full throttle in fourth gear but a number of times I got stuck in the mud – Up to the petrol tank in to it! Hard work you get it out and continue the route. I ride alone so I have to do this all by myself. The sections ride well despite the amount of water and the fact that you do each time to get used to the large smooth boulders and required type of riding. On Ben Nevis we need a river crossing of about 40 meters wide, the water hurling down from the mountain with a depth of about one meter. On the other side are five other riders with the bike upside down to pump the water out the engine, so better not cross here? I try downstream find a better place, I see a spot with at least ten large stones on the bottom. I manage standing next to the bike in the ice cold water to hops the bike from stone to stone with the engine running in second gear and after at least half an hour I got to the other side. But I can go on! Lost a lot of time but do to the ‘’missing’’ sections we could not ride I’m on time in and can do a little work to get prepared for the next day.
A steady ride, PM looking good!
Tuesday:
First day with more than 180 km. Drive went better than Monday, the Moors were better to do because this route is on another mountain and there is no additional melt water in the rainwater. Long hours on the bike working out. Few times bad luck in the sections with a kinked throttle cable that stuck and the stop magnet shoot lose on a big step. On three quarters of the day the clutch hose damaged, no clutch of the rest of the day. These last four hills, I had to ask for five penalties, too bad. I try to phone my followers and at least it works in the middle of nowhere and they provide a clutch hose and a throttle cable as well. Upon entering I deliver my time card in at Rhoda Rathmell (Sherco England) she counts than how much time I have left. The right parts are there and I start in the pouring rain to replace the damaged cables. Rhoda comes along with the card and I see I still have 25 minutes to do the job… I get everything back neatly mounted and deliver the bike on the minute. Pfff…only now just rest! Looking further back had a nice day with plenty of rain, sunshine and sun again. Tasty!
You have all to do it yourself.
Wednesday:
Today early start; at 07.50 I am allowed to go. Twenty minutes before starting time, I am allowed in the Parc Ferme to do some work on the bike. I only need to replace the air filter and that’s a quickie to do. At the first sections on Ben Nevis again I have some dirt in the gasoline and a jet is clogged. The Army refuels your all week, but they often are standing in muddy places and sometimes there can be an unlucky moment for them, but now it’s me…I parked the bike on a big rock. I have the carburetor adjusted that I can turn it a little so I can get to the main jet. Special drill (made at home) through it and off we go! The effort of the previous days are coming out now, no spirit left and I feel empty. So at the next stop I need a refueling for myself too. Grape sugar like Dextro Energy will help a lot. Today most beautiful sections can I reasonable do. At the beginning it is dry, later plenty rain again. On Monday I found on the route a client of mine with his wife in the middle of the Moors walking for some hours to see the sections, just for free! That’s the real spirit. Today on time within, new tire, brake pads, chain and air filter again. Sherco okay. I start in the last group tomorrow so only then at 8 a clock I’m off to go.(the riders rotate every 48 numbers, the first day number 1 at first, second day 49 and so on).
Rhoda Rathmell controlled Peter’s card so time to chat.
Thursday:
The ‘Longest Day’! At the end of the day eventually 212 km on the counter and the tongue on the boots, it was the most beautiful SSDT day so far and risen to place 186. For a change no rain, beautiful sections. A lot of heavy moors in the route that don’t get any better after the passage by 250 riders. I get the ‘reading’ of this landscape better and better in control. Fewer failures in the sections but in the last hill no rear brake left, the disc is bent. A lot of other riders are late, but my bike is already prepared for the next day and back in the parc Ferme.
Why cancelled?
Friday:
Just a heavy Friday. Sections are very difficult today but I was able to ride them all quite well ‘just be or just not results. Less moors on the route many miles on the road but the Sherco picked up a lot of dirt and at the end of the day the bike must have been 10 kilograms heavier. It still runs well. Only my own battery is nearly empty! Where is the end?
Old Dutch together! Peter has a chat with Mieke De Vos, Secretary of the Trial.
Saturday:
Were normal Monday and Saturday what easier, after the ‘’Killing Monday’’ on the last day were certainly no presents given away. After the second Hill I ’landed’ on my left hand. Could no longer operate the clutch handle as I’m used to do. And suffered on in the technical sections with some fives.. Uphill went better, no problem.
Lower Mamore in the 2016 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
Again I’m happy with my bike preparation in advance; I ride with a small extra petrol tank to be sure that I always get the regular tank stops. Today I saw at least ten riders suffering without patrol on top of a mountain, not that nothing happens, also in the mountains I get lost on the route with a couple of Danes . Together we find finally the ride track. My followers, supporters and family are on top of Pipeline waiting for me. The first subs I do well. For the last sub section we have to start from the side. A rider in front of me advised to use third gear. He managed to go to the top, but not ‘without dabbing’. I’m not should have used second gear the bike runs out of stem – so do I. Pipeline is at the end of the trial, but the organizers decide that we had to do the sections on the Hill Monday were impossible. That’s really heavy stuff for me. Town Hall Brae in the middle of Fort William is for me the nicest thing to do! The end of mine third SSDT Second Class Award, place 179 at least 100 riders behind me in the results.
Thanks to all who helped me coming to the end of this really hard Six Days.
Thanks to my wife Marjan, she said; ‘Next year we go again!’.
Peter Miltenburg
With thanks to journalist, Toon Van De Vliet for supplying Trials Guru with this article and to Peter for his reminisces at the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial.
Photos: Copyright: Peter Miltenburg; Toon Van De Vliet & Iain Lawrie
Abbreviated to ‘2DGT’ the Two-Day Group Trial is set for the 22/23rd of July 2017 at Dudwood Farm & Burycliffe Quarry, Matlock, Nr Derbyshire, with the valued support of Mr. Barry Burton (YMSA) Regulations will be posted on the facebook group (Hard To Find Twinshock Trials & Aircooled Monos) along with all relative information on the weekends activities within the next 10 days for all those interested in entering what is becoming a not to be missed annual event.
This will be a great weekend for all ,with the added bonus of a 50/50 route this time round.
Entries will be limited to the following classes :- Twinshock; Aircooled Mono; Pre’65 with Clubman; 50/50 and Expert Routes available.
As previously, Mick Andrews will be setting out the courses at both venues, and will be in attendance on both days to offer his invaluable support and experience to all.
Camping / Motorhome accommodation is available, and evening entertainment, along with Clay Oven Pizzas and Beers a plenty!!
Trials Guru’s John Moffat (right) with John MacGregor of Glencoe with a copy of the magazine which has the ‘Full Circle BSA’ article. MacGregor is a subscriber to the excellent magazine.
For anyone that regularly reads ‘Classic Trial Magazine’, the finale to the story ‘Full Circle BSA’ was the delivery of the Trials Guru’s John Moffat BSA B40 to its ‘new’ owner, John F. MacGregor, the first man to lay out the course of the Pre’65 Scottish Trial in 1984 in company with the late Johnnie Graham.
Classic Trial Magazine Issue 20 carried the ‘Full Circle BSA’ article
The story started when Moffat was unsuccessful in obtaining an entry in the 2017 Pre’65 Scottish and this prompted him to review his collection of trials machines. The B40 was purchased from MacGregor by Moffat in 2004, MacGregor having bought it from Scarborough’s Gordon Jackson in 1999.
John MacGregor competed in Scottish trials from around 1971 to 1977 on Bultaco machinery and thereafter took an active role in course plotting for the Scottish Six Days Trial. He married Pamela, the only daughter of Ian Pollock the man who discovered many of the sections around Kinlochleven that are still used to this day.
John MacGregor and Pamela (formerly Pollock, daughter of Ian Pollock) – Photo: Sharon Smith, Fort William
Pollock was always referred to as ‘our man on the spot’ by the SSDT committee as he lived and worked in Kinlochleven in the Aluminium factory. MacGregor’s parents ran the small caravan site at ‘Narrach Bridge’ near Kinlochleven.
Ian Pollock is remembered by the renaming of the Lochaber club’s ‘Spring Trial’ as the ‘Ian Pollock Memorial Trial’ an event he used to organise and is still regarded as a ‘shake-down’ event in the March for those riding the SSDT in the following May.
Looking good! Gordon Jackson from Scarborough on 946ERH (The Full Circle BSA) back in 1984 on Pipeline when the Pre’65 Scottish was originally created for ‘pure’ machinery by John MacGregor and Johnnie Graham.
Moffat: “I was mildly disappointed at not gaining an entry in the Pre’65 Scottish, but as I had ridden the event 23 times previously I wasn’t really too concerned as there are plenty of other events that were not on my ‘radar’ during the year. I decided that I had too many pre’65 machines, the AJS & Matchless bikes that I own are far to original to use nowadays and I had already bought the ex-Gerry Minshall BSA C15, so the B40 would have to go to a new home. The result was a nice story about my machine that almost went back to it’s builder, Gordon Jackson, but it was thwarted when I telephoned John MacGregor who jumped in and bought the bike there and then! John Hulme asked me to write the story for Classic Trial Mag and it seems to have been well received by motorcycle enthusiasts”.
…
John MacGregor gives the 1962 BSA a quick test near his Glencoe home – Photo courtesy of Sharon Smith, Fort William
…
The ‘Full Circle BSA B40’ which was last used in the Pre’65 Scottish in 2015 has now been sold to previous owner, John F. MacGregor
Moffat continued: “To be quite honest I have to admit to becoming more interested in what we now call the ‘twinshock’ trials classes as that is what I started out on in 1974, a 250cc Bultaco. I took up Pre’65 riding at aged 34 and I had bought my very original Matchless G3C which was once owned by Cliff Clayton, the AJS works rider after he had stopped riding for the AMC factory and my late father had ridden AJS and Matchless in trials back in the day. My son David rode the very same Matchless in the 2016 Pre’65 Scottish, maybe that will be our last to ride together as father and son in the annual event. The Pre’65 Scottish has now become far removed from what it originally was designed for, as many of the machines that are now entering and being accepted by the organisers bear no resemblance to real Pre’65 bikes that I remember as a child. That is a pity really. Many enthusiasts keep asking why the Bultaco Sherpa T (Model 10) is acceptable when it wasn’t commercially available until 1965? The Pre’65 movement was created to allow old bikes to re-surface from sheds and garages, but many, like my own have gone back into museums and garages as they are no longer the tool for the job. It’s a bit like history repeating itself.”
Moffat’s father, T.Arnott Moffat rode this AJS in the 1953 and 1954 Scottish Six Days Trial, seen here on ‘Weem’ in a wet 1954 SSDT. Moffat still owns this motorcycle, but few of these machines appear in Pre’65 events now.
The Inverness & District Motor Cycle Club of which Moffat is both company and general secretary created their Highland Classic 2 Day Trial initially for Scots riders who were unsuccessful in gaining a Pre’65 entry, that was 13 years ago.
Moffat: “The Highland Classic was the idea of our highly respected Club Chairman, Malcolm Smith. He felt that there should be more than one Pre’65 style event in Scotland. however because there are few Pre’65 riders in Scotland, we included twinshocks in the first two day event and the trial has now become very popular, because of its relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome by Alvie Estate owner, Laird, Jamie Williamson. It just goes to show, if you build it properly, then people will come. I have taken up the challenge of becoming more involved in our local motor cycle club this year, so I actually have a lot less time on my hands now”.
Still riding when time allows, but preferring twinshock nowadays, Trials Guru’s John Moffat on one of his Bultaco 325 Sherpas in action at the very popular Highland Classic 2 Day Trial, June 2016 – Photo: Bill McGregor, Bon Accord.
This year, the 2017 Highland Classic is called the ‘Honda Edition’ and has attracted a bumper entry of 150 riders with six Guests including Guest of Honour, Rob Shepherd. The event takes place on June 11/12 followed on Monday 12th with a memorial road run around Loch Ness.
Moffat ended by saying: “I’m not completely leaving the Pre’65/Britshock scene behind, plans are already well advanced for the building of a Drayton framed BSA B40 as I had a spare engine and wheels left over in my store, maybe I’ll ride it or perhaps have a supported rider on it -so watch this space!”
Article made possible with the co-operation of Classic Trial Magazine – Available HERE
TRIALS GURU – the Premier Trial Sport Website for photos, articles, news and the history of motorcycle trials
Here at Trials Guru, we are always looking for something different and original and instead of featuring a rider, we obtained this article about the unsung heroes of our sport, the observers. Without observers, we would have no events. Trials Guru asked an observers’ daughter to pen us an article, this is the result.
Words and photos provided by Helen Graham:
Following a photograph of a well-known and reliable observer ‘Farmer John’ being featured on social media, a flurry of praise ensued with comments such as: Legend; Respect; “Hope I can do that at his age”; “Dedicated to North East Trials”.
There were also questions raised about the life of this 87 year old man in a flat cap, who braves all weathers to observe at trials throughout the North East and beyond.
John Graham was born on 10th January 1930 in Blanchland, Northumberland and at an early age moved with his parents to a rented farm in Hexhamshire, where he lived until the age of twelve when the family moved to a different farm in Hexhamshire, known as High Raw Green, not far from Whitley Chapel.
John wanted to join the RAF as he wanted a trade, and particularly wished to be a mechanic on aeroplanes.
Sadly this was not to be, as being an only child it was expected that he would work for his father and then take over the tenancy of the farm, which was owned by Northumberland County Council.
Let us not forget that in those days there were few cars or tractors, and work on the farm was by means of four legged ‘horse-power’. John states his father got the first family car in 1947, and only after that did they get a tractor on the farm.
Farmer John has only ever possessed one motor cycle, a 1950 Ariel 500 with sidecar. He describes the sidecar as a “wooden box for carrying stuff in”.
John got married to his wife Nancy in 1958, and in 1962 they began farming for themselves at High Raw Green. Sadly the Ariel 500 and ‘box’ had to be swapped for a wagon chassis to make a trailer to be used on the farm. Money was scarce and any available was put into the farm. John is a self-taught engineer and this was not the only trailer that he has built throughout his life.
John and Nancy had a hard life on their dairy farm. They had a herd of over 40 friesian dairy cows to be milked every morning and evening. In summer there was hay and silage to harvest. In winter there were severe snowstorms and John was a well-recognised figure out on his tractor with snow plough fitted to the back, to clear the local roads of snow so that the milk tanker could get to the farms to take the daily production of milk from the farms to the dairy.
John and his younger daughter Anthea began going to motocross every Sunday afternoon. He described it as “an interest, at weekends”.
In 1991 when he and Nancy retired from farming John started to go to motorcycle trials, and says that Harry Norman “roped him in to observe”, and he has been doing so ever since, for 26 years in fact.
Let us not also forget that since John retired from farming in 1991 he has worked continuously at Hexham Auction Mart as a stock person, a manual job, and starts work there at 7am every Tuesday and Friday, and other days when sheep and cattle or other sales take place.
John has observed at all local trials, plus the Yorkshire and Cumberland main trials, and this year is his 20th year for observing at the Scottish Pre-65.
His elder daughter Helen questioned him closely: What do you enjoy about being an Observer?.
His immediate reply, with a wry smile, was “Authority”!
She asked – Do you want to elaborate on that?, and Farmer John replied “to make sure there’s no rock-shifting”.
She asked him what he thinks about observing in wind and rain and all types of weather and his matter-of-fact reply was “It doesn’t bother me because I’ve been used to it all my life”.
Has he a favourite venue?
FJ: “No, but the Scottish Pre-65 is one I enjoy very much. It was a one-day effort originally, and I observed at Pollock Hill for 12 years, The Pipeline, twice or thrice at the hotel up on the top. It was Brian Short who ran the Weardale Trial who got me to do it. They always wanted me to observe at the Scottish Six Days Trial but I declined, it was unfair on anyone that was with me because I would be out from 7am – 7pm. I’ve seen most of the sections at one time or another.”
Does he have any problems with any of the riders?
FJ: “Some of them didn’t like getting Fives but there’s no arguments nowadays because a Five is a Five! I know most of the riders well now“.
What do you think of the new/young riders who are taking part in trials now?
FJ: “They are progressing well“.
A lot of people are surprised you are so fit and healthy at your age of 87 years. What do you put that down to? – FJ: “Hard work“.
How long do you intend to continue? – FJ: “Till I Die“.
Well ‘Farmer John’, let’s hope that’s not for some time yet!!
His daughters just also want to say that behind every good man there is a good woman, and Farmer Johns’ wife Nancy still makes his bag of ‘bait’ every Sunday morning for him, before he heads off to the relevant Trial of the day, and has his cooked meal ready for him when he gets home.
Legend is probably quite fitting, don’t you think?
2017 Pre’65 Scottish Trial – Major Gaff!
When 87 year old Farmer John Graham was asked if he had a favourite venue to observe at he described the Pre’65 Scottish as being ‘The Trial’.
This year, 2017 was to be his twentieth year as an observer at the Pre’65 Scottish Trial.
His daughter Helen has always said that for as long as he wants to observe she will drive him the 225 miles to Kinlochleven from his home town of Hexham, Northumberland.
This duly happened this year, and she drove Farmer John and wife Nancy on a beautiful sunny day from Hexham to what had been a wet day in Kinlochleven.
Farmer John had been given a brand new section to observe at on Friday 28th April 2017, at Man na Gualain. He was most concerned that he had not checked it out. Helen took him to the meeting of all observers the evening beforehand and once having received his official programme he was keen to check out his section.
Farmer John Graham (right) gets into position to observe – Photo: Helen Graham, Consett
He was duly at Kinlochleven checking in the following morning and was duly at his section well before he needed to be, so keen is he!
Farmer John was glad to find that the section was harder than what he thought it would be and “riders lost quite a few marks”. He was as ever vigilant that there was no “rock-moving” and he thoroughly enjoyed his day, chatting with entrants and people who were watching the trial.
Saturday was a section he had been at previously, Camas na Muic, and the only blight in his day was the amount of riders who stood on a particular “rock” in the section in an attempt to move it. As ever he was on the ball and fair in his marking.
Unbeknown to him organisers of the Pre-65 Scottish wanted to acknowledge his 20 years of observing at the awards evening on Saturday 29th April. He is not a big social attender but Helen suggested it might be nice to go as he hadn’t been previously, so he obliged.
Farmer John was there presented with an engraved whisky glass and medal acknowledging his 20 years of observing. He was very grateful, albeit very confused when the organisers made a huge and very embarrassing blunder by having the presenter, Graham Archer mention that he was retiring.
Oops! Graham Archer (right) and Colin Dommett (Centre) received incorrect information that ‘Farmer John’ was retiring, whereas it was actually for recognition of twenty years service for observing! Farmer John accepts his award in his usual shy manner and certainly isn’t retiring – Photo: Helen Graham, Consett
Well, his daughter Helen was very quick to point out, that is the first she had heard of him retiring, and he has made no decision to do so!
As an interesting aside, after his two days observing Farmer John, Nancy and Helen travelled down the west coast to Portpatrick for an overnight stay there. Farmer John and Nancy had stayed there almost fifty-nine years previously on their honeymoon. Farmer John was again in his element with his other interest, seeing the countryside and cattle on the Mull of Galloway and visiting a farm near Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway which belongs to a cattle dealer that is a client at Hexham Auction Mart where Farmer John works.
Roll on your 21st Pre’65 Scottish Trial Farmer John, and never lose your interests.
Article: Copyright – Trials Guru & Helen Graham 2017
Photos: Helen Graham, Consett
Farmer John (left) with North East riders, Darren Palmer (Centre) and Gavin Brown( Right)
Sadly John Graham passed away on 7th December 2020, aged 90 years.
John Graham was diagnosed with cancer on 19th November 2020. He had been out observing at a motorcycle trial as late as the 12th September. The nurses who treated John told his family they had never known anyone as strong, and they called him ‘individual’. The sum of £4000 has been raised in donations for Tynedale Hospice at Home. Trials riders followed the funeral cortege around Hexham Auction Mart where John had worked from his retirement from farming in 1991. Around 200 farmers, friends, family and about 30 trials riders on their bikes, in effect his worlds united with mutual respect.
Memorial to Farmer John Graham – Dedicated To Trial
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