We are saddened to announce the passing of Lancashire trials rider Steven ‘Steve’ Higgins, aged 64, on Wednesday 30th September 2026.
Born and raised in Wiswell near Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley in August 1962, Steven latterly competed in trials organised by the Darwen, Bolton, and later Red Rose motorcycle clubs.
David Higgins (Left) on his Yamaha TY80 with older brother Steve on his Montesa Cota 247.
Steven started out working for his late father’s Broadfield Garage at Oswaldtwistle, thereafter working as an HGV class 1 driver. This progressed to becoming a car repairer and paint sprayer. In later life he was involved in bar code system supplies.
It was at school, when attending Clitheroe Grammar School, that he met Janet Parkinson on the school bus, they lived within a mile of each other. This romance flourished and they married in August 1984.
Steven Higgins aboard his 250cc Suzuki, winner of the 1977 Don Smith Trials School, Supertest event.
Steven became interested in trials at an early age and he was competent enough to win the Don Smith /Motor Cycle News Trials School in 1977 when he was fifteen years of age. This comprised of trials schools run across the UK by former European Trials Champion, Don Smith with a ‘Supertest ’77’ at the end of the series which the winner would be presented with a brand new trials machine and in true Don Smith style, a splash of publicity.
Steven Higgins astride his prize, a brand new Beamish Suzuki in 1977, younger brother, David Higgins up high with Don Smith (right) and Brian Fowler of Beamish Suzuki (second right)
This took place at the Market Harborough club’s venue at Desborough, Northants on December 19th, 1977. There was a tie on 58 marks each, settled by most cleans, between Glen Scholey from Grassington, North Yorkshire who rode a 250 Gollner Kawasaki and Steven Higgins.
Steven Higgins’ Don Smith Trials School winner’s certificate from 1977
Steven was declared the winner of the event, so his prize was a new trials bike of his choice, which was a brand new 250cc Beamish Suzuki, presented by their Sales Manager, Brian Fowler.
Steven Higgins aboard the Beamish Suzuki that he won with the Don Smith/Motor Cycle News Supertest’77.
Steven took up trials again after a long lay off and bought a 1980 Fantic 156 which he rode in Red Rose events with some success. Very recently he purchased a Beta Evo to take part in modern trials and was renovating this machine at the time of his death.
Trials Guru conveys our sincere condolences to his widow, Janet and his family. It was Steven’s wish for a direct cremation.
Remembering Steven Higgins in trials photographs:
David Higgins (Left) on his Yamaha TY80 with older brother Steve on his Montesa Cota 247.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Surrey-born trials enthusiast, Malcolm Henry Smith, formerly of Norleigh Kennels, Ardersier, Inverness on Monday 14th September, 2026 aged 84 years.
Malcolm was brought up on the family farm at Dunsfold, Guildford, Surrey within ear-shot of the airfield where more recently filming for BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ programme was produced. He grew up in a farming and outdoor environment with younger brother Mike who ventured into the motor trade. Malcolm became interested in shooting and gun-dog training in which he earned his livelihood. He was friends with Roger Kearsey, not only a shooting consultant but a semi-factory trials rider for BSA and Matchless.
His gun dog training and shooting management to him far north to the Scottish Highlands where he and his wife Margaret brought up their two daughters, Daska and Tracey in a farmhouse that had been in the management of Cawdor Estates. Malcolm was a well-known face at the many agricultural and game shows when he delivered gun dog handling demonstrations during the summer months. He was responsible for shooting activities on the Dunmaglass Estate near Inverness.
Malcolm as a teenager frequented the mighty Comerford’s dealership in Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton especially on a Saturday morning when the many deals were done by the knowledgeable sales staff who also competed on the following day. Malcolm splashed out on a second-hand 225cc DMW trials machine and that started his interest in motorcycle trials, taking part in many local events around the Guildford area. This continued when he took up residence in Nairnshire and he became involved with setting up a trials section in the Grampian MCC. The club were predominantly motocross based, so eventually, Malcolm and the trials members decided to form a new club in Inverness and the Inverness & District Motor Cycle Club was formed and quickly affiliated to the Scottish ACU in 1978. The new club benefited from Malcolm’s experience and his connections with local estate owners, game-keepers and estate factors.
The Laird of Alvie, Jamie Williamson (left) welcomes the riders and enthusiasts to his Alvie Estate which has been in his family since 1927. Malcolm Smith stands beside Jamie in the yellow jacket – Photo: Lorna Brackenridge
One such connection was the Alvie Estate near Aviemore where club member, Ray Sangster had run the idea passed the Laird, Jamie Williamson. This eventually commenced the relationship with the estate which has lasted almost fifty years. It was Malcolm that became the club’s Landowner’s Liaison specialist as he understood completely how these areas were looked after. The relationship matters were handed down and forms part of the co-operation that lasts to this day.
Malcolm was of course Chairman of the Inverness & District and he oversaw the conversion to a limited liability company in December 2005, given the need to protect committee members and the club from any litigation that could arise. He remained chairman until his retirement in 2017 at which time he was made a life member.
Malcolm also had association with the Scottish Six Days Trial, an event in which he competed in 1985 on a 250cc Honda TLR. Unfortunately the machine suffered gearbox failure later in the week, forcing his retiral. Undaunted, Malcolm returned as an official observer and continued to support the event for a further twenty years or so. He became the team leader of an SSDT official bike team comprising: Ewen MacPherson, Louis McLeod, John MacLennan, Ron Ward, Ian Seeger-Horner and Norman Pickles. Much fun was had during the Scottish week on an annual basis. One such tale was when Malcolm, on a usual wet day on the hill, decided to have a snack on a pork pie. He was looking forward to this with a cup of tea from his flask, he unwrapped the pie, bit into it but shock horror, the pie was green inside! Malcolm felt physically sick and threw the pie into the heather in disgust. Later he decided to have a sandwich, but horror, the sandwich was green as well! The team roared with laughter as Malcolm had been sheltering under a large ‘green’ golf umbrella and it was the light coming through the green fabric that was colouring his snacks!
As club chairman, Malcolm noted that a number of Scots riders had been unsuccessful in securing an entry in the Pre65 Scottish Trial one year. He gave this some thought and decided to put it to the committee to organise a Pre65 trial on the Alvie Estate, so that those riders could have a trial with the old bikes. It was this one day trial that eventually became the Highland Classic Trial, named after the Highland Two-Day Trial that had been run by the Highland Car and Motor Cycle club as far back as the early 1950s. Malcolm’s idea bore fruit and it is now the Highland Highland Two-Day Trial that is still run on the Alvie Estate today.
Malcolm also competed in the Pre65 Scottish and Highland Two-Day on a machine he managed to buy with factory history. It was a 250cc James, registered as 286FON and was ridden in the SSDT and many national trials by factory supported rider, the late Mick Dismore from Farnham.
Malcolm kept up his many friendships that he had made in Surrey, one of which was the DOT specialist, Roy Enticknap whom he met annually at the Telford Off-Road show.
Because there was the famous American rider also called Malcolm Smith, Malcolm became known for a while as ‘Malcolm Smith UK’ and his wife Margaret had this painted on the side of his crash helmet!
Trials Guru’s John Moffat paid tribute to Malcolm Smith: “I moved to Inverness in 1993 and joined the local club, having known Brian MacLean from the club through my late father who was Scottish ACU Secretary. My father knew Malcolm Smith, as he had attended AGMs as a delegate of Inverness & District over the years. Having entered a couple of club trials, I attended the club’s Annual General Meeting that year and before I knew where I was, Malcolm had proposed that I joined the committee and things progressed from there! Malcolm Smith was without doubt a major guiding light in the club, people respected him, he had experience and wisdom and he gave things adequate attention and thought, when acting as chairman. Many times members came up with good and not so good ideas. Malcolm would let the member have their say, then he would go quiet and say: “Well, I have listened to your idea, now who is going to do this then?” If the person wasn’t prepared to do something about carrying out the work, then Malcolm would simply say: “Right, no takers, we move on!” That was Malcolm’s style as he was a do-er, he worked hard for the club and the sport. I wish we had more ‘Malcolms’ in the sport today.”
Dode Fraser commented: “A sad loss for us all. Malcolm was a really nice man whom I have known since the Grampian MCC days. He will be missed by everyone that had the good fortune of meeting him.”
Trials Guru send sincere condolences to Malcolm’s daughters and family at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements were not available at the time of writing.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Sadler aged 61 years from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, owner of Acklams Beta Limited and Harrogate Van Centre Ltd.
Paul had been a large part of the trials scene for many years, being a rider and dealer, latterly specialising in the Beta brand imported by John Lampkin.
Paul was a great supporter of the sport and the Acklams van could be seen with bikes on display at many major events in the UK.
Paul built up a customer base spread throughout the country.
Trials Guru sends sincere condolences to the Sadler family at this difficult time.
For anyone wishing to pay their respects, Paul’s funeral will take place on Friday 31st July at 11:00am, Stonefall Cemetery & Crematorium, Harrogate.
It is with great sadness that we report the unexpected passing of former Austrian National Trials Champion and International trials rider, Walther Luft, aged 81 years.
Walther Luft in 1966
Walther will be best known not just for his success as a rider, but also as a skilled craftsman and engineer, making most of the bikes he rode himself or heavily modified production models to his exact specifications, this included Aprilia and Bultaco.
Walther Luft gets his special 169cc Puch refuelled during the 1970 Scottish Six Days Trial. (Photo: Trials.AT)
His first Scottish Six Days Trial was in 1970, riding his self made 169cc Puch with support by the Graz factory. He won the Edinburgh Trophy for the best performance by an overseas competitor.
Walther tasted victory at the Three Dias di Santigosa (Santigosa Three Day Trial) in Spain in 1973 and was also best performance on the final day of the Scottish Six Day Trial in 1974, these were among his greatest international achievements and cherished accordingly.
1976 SSDT – Photo credit: Eric Kitchen
He was National Trials Champion of Austria 1969 – 1974 in his class the then highest-ranking series in Austria the OSTG Trial Cup, Austrian Shell Trial Cup and OSK Cup. In 1981 he won the state championship title.
Walther Luft (Puch) on Muirshearlich (Trotter’s Burn) in the 1981 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
As well as riding Puch for many years, he also helped develop a trials machine for the Austrian KTM factory along with German champion, Felix Krahnstover, He campaigned KTM in 250 and 325cc specification.
John Moffat of Trials Guru added a personal tribute: “I first met Walther Luft in 1970 when he, along with Peter Bous and Herr. Hans Maiditz from the Puch factory, stayed at my family home in Bathgate, courtesy of my parents. He used our house as a base before and after the event and used our garage to prepare his factory Puch. I was amazed at the innovative features he created on his trials machine. Over the years he returned to ride the SSDT and always made a point of stopping off at our house with bottles of Austrian wine on route to catch a ferry when he headed homeward. Just last August (2025), while on holiday, I visited the European Trials Museum at Ohlsdorf and presented Walther and Joe Wallmann with their special Trials Guru ‘Trial Legend’ light grey caps. Both these enthusiasts were very pleased to accept them.”
Trial Friends at Ohlsdorf, Austria in August 2025. Hartwig Kamarad; Walther Luft; John Moffat and Joe Wallmann. Photo: Alfred Wagner
Our sincere condolences are conveyed to the trials community in Walther Luft’s native Austria, where his name lives on in their own awards, by the Austrian Trial Sport Federation (ÖTSV), the ‘Trial Walther‘.
Walther Luft (250 Puch) on ‘Witches’ Burn’ in the 1985 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie
“Very sad to hear of Walther’s passing. He was a great help to me when I rode for the Puch factory. Happy memories testing all sorts of bikes at Graz. A great loss.” – Scott Ellis
“Most people follow others. Walter didn’t. He didn’t need to and didn’t want to. He followed his own ethos and created his own bike. He built a Puch like no other. It was the lightest trials bike in the world. It was an engineering marvel, a piece of art built by a genius, who believed in the work of his own hands. He was a generation ahead of his time. It was only in the mid to late eighties that the manufacturers started to make their bikes lighter!Walter was always very friendly, but at the same time he was a private man. I had a lot of respect for him. Like Walter, I had learnt to know how hard it was to represent a small country, driven by a passion, heading for the unknown. What a journey. Walter, thank you so much sharing part of that journey with me.” – Yrjö Vesterinen
“Very sad news. Walter was a great rider, person and product developer. I was fortunate to ride with him at several world championships including the Austria round where he was a legend and loved by the locals. R.I.P. Champion.” – Bernie Schreiber
SLIDESHOW – Life of Walther Luft
1979 and Walther Luft was on a private Bultaco 325cc Sherpa, seen here at the Trials De Sant Llorenc – Photo copyright: Juan Luis Gaillard Archive.
Trial Friends at Ohlsdorf, Austria in August 2025. Hartwig Kamarad; Walther Luft; John Moffat and Joe Wallmann. Photo: Alfred Wagner
Peter Bous helps get Walther Luft’s 169cc Puch scrutineered at the 1970 Scottish Six Days. The official on the left is David Miller, holding the machine is Austrian Peter Bous and on the right the official is Ian Baird, son of the SSDT Clerk of the Course, George Baird. (Photo: Trial.AT)
Walther Luft (169 Puch) tackles ‘Pipeline’ in the 1970 SSDT watched by F.X. Bulto (in deerstalker hat); Malcolm Rathmell on the far right and Jock Wilson of Comerfords top right. (Photo: Trial.AT)
Austrian, Walther Luft collects his time card from an official after his 1.5 hour lunch stop in the 1970 SSDT (Photo: Trial.AT)
Walther Luft gets on with a spot of maintenance during the 1970 Scottish Six Days Trial (Photo: Trials.AT)
Walther Luft gets his special 169cc Puch refuelled during the 1970 Scottish Six Days Trial. (Photo: Trials.AT)
Walther Luft (250 Puch) on ‘Witches’ Burn’ in the 1985 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie
Walther Luft (Puch) on Muirshearlich in the 1981 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
SSDT photo from 1970, Gorgie Cattle Market, Edinburgh. Walther Luft (kneeling) is inspecting the 175cc Walwin BSA of Ross Winwood. The person to the right looking down is Austrian Peter Bous. the gent with the trilby hat is SACU Secretary and former rider, T. Arnott Moffat. On the far left is John Graham, SSDT Clerk of the Course that year. Walking away to right is Bob Paterson, former SACU President.
1981 SSDT – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven.
SSDT 1970 – Group photo at the ‘weigh-in’ From Left: Walther Luft; Peter Bous, Tommy Ritchie; John Graham; Trevor Hay; Bob Paterson; Jackie Williamson; Unknown; John Moffat; Unknown; T.Arnott Moffat – Photo: Hans Maiditz, Graz
Walther Luft prepared Bultaco for Yrjo Vesterinen – Detail of the lower frame area and motor mount duly lightened
Walther Luft Bultaco preparation for Yrjo Vesterinen – Detail of the lightened cyllinder and head of the 325cc Bultaco motor
Walther Luft’s 250cc Puch, captured at the Scottish Six Days Trial – Photo: Jimmy Young, Armadale
Walther Luft at the finish of the SSDT in 1973 with SACU Secretary, T. Arnott Moffat – Photo: John Moffat/Trials Guru
It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Barrie Rodgers has passed away aged 90 years.
(All photographs, copyright DON MORLEY)
We are indebted to his close and dear friend DON MORLEY for his assistance in penning this obituary.
Born at Mickleover, near Derby, Barrie Rodgers was just seventeen years of age and still a Engineering Apprentice when he commenced his competitive motorcycling career having joined The Pathfinders and Derby MCC and also having acquired a 197cc rigid trials James which he used to good purpose for scrambles and even for road racing, competing at such as the old Osmaston Manor short circuit and Alton Towers.
He was in good company too, with such fellow Pathfinder members and likewise all rounders as Bill (W. A,) Lomas, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper, David and Jon Tye and so many other lesser beings including even myself, Don Morley.
1990 Talmag action with Barrie Rodgers on his 350cc Royal Enfield – Photo: Don Morley.
After doing his National Service in the Army, again alongside John Cooper, Barrie joined his fathers haulage business in 1962 marrying his beloved Pat Flaherty in the same year 1962. I did the wedding photos. By then Barrie had also long dreamed of opening his own motorcycle shop which with wife Pat’s help and partner Trevor Smith, he eventually opened in Derby during 1963.
1995 Pre65 Scottish Trial – Photo: Don Morley.
Trevor was also a useful road racer riding and racing Bultacos and although he later pulled out of the business, the duo soon became agents for Bultaco, Montesa in addition to Greeves, Cheetah, MZ and Yamaha, all of which Barrie also competed on at various times, and what had been Rodgers and Smith became massively successful not least due to such well publicised exploits as ‘Barrie Rodgers Motorcycles’ and of course Nationally as ‘BKR’.
2002 Pre65 Scottish Trial – Photo: Don Morley.
Barrie’s major interests away from motorcycling ranged from his being a massive keep fit fan, swimming, skiing, and a love of vintage Model T Ford cars of which he owned several, but trials riding was always his first love and later on included riding in such as Deryk Wylde’s National Pre65 Championships on either a 350 Royal Enfield, which I built for him, and the ex-works 250 Royal Enfield which was registered ‘250RE’ which I used to own.
As a trials rider, Barrie won 653 trials including such as the National Greensmith Trial and was runner up on 301 other occasions including his winning The East Midlands Trials Championships five times towards his incredible total trials award tally of 1520 gathered over his competitive career covering 66 years.
Barrie will be much missed by his many friends and especially by his dear wife Pat, who sadly has suffered dementia and been in a care home now for many years, and his eldest daughter Mandy, who used to work in the shop, and was one of the foreign language commentators at the Road Racing British GP before emigrating to Australia many years ago.
Rest In Peace my friend, I will miss you – DON MORLEY
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of trials enthusiast, Neil Gaunt, aged 65 years.
Born on 22nd January 1961, the son of Peter Gaunt the renown special trials motorcycle builder and rider, it was natural that Neil would ably follow in his father’s tyre tracks.
A national trials rider, Neil Gaunt was a well known face at the Scottish Six Days Trial in which he rode numerous times and usually finishing high on the results.
He then took up Pre65 riding and his aim was to win the Pre65 Scottish Trial, which he achieved on a 500cc Royal Enfield in 2004, a machine similar to the make his father rode for the Reddich factory. Two years later he had built an Ariel and took victory once again, with runner up spot in 2007 and 2011.
Neil was the main sponsor of the Scott Trial with his business Riverside Quarry Ltd at Knaresborough.
On 30th December 2025, Neil suffered a stroke, but then contracted pneumonia in late January 2026.
On Friday, 10th April 2026, Neil passed peacefully with his wife Carol Gaunt by his side.
Neil always had a friendly attitude but was also a serious competitor, he will be sorely missed in the trials paddocks across the country.
Neil’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, 19th May at 12:20pm, at Stonefall Crematorium, Harrogate HG3 1DE.
Followed by food and drinks at The Pavillions, Harrogate, HG2 8QZ.
Any donations made at the Crematorium will be sent to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as this is was what Neil would have wanted, raising funds for a worthy ‘Yorkshire’ charity.
We are celebrating Neil’s life and all that he loved.
Our sincere condolences are conveyed to the entire and extended Gaunt family at this very difficult time.
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Jeffrey Vincent Smith MBE, born in Colne, Lancashire on 14th October 1934, has passed away peacefully at Marshfield Clinic Hospital in Weston, Wisconsin, after a short illness on Saturday 21st March 2026, aged 91 years.
Jeff Smith works on his 250cc BSA in 1961 – Photo: OffRoad Archive.
Jeff was FIM World Motocross champion in 1964 and again in 1965 when riding for BSA on their highly successful 441cc Victor machines which Jeff helped to develop. He rode for the BSA factory from 1954 through to 1969. He also rode for Norton in trials and scrambles from 1950 through to 1953.
Jeff Smith (500cc Norton) on Kinloch Rannoch at the 1953 Scottish Six Days Trial – Photo: Ray Biddle.
Although best known as a scrambles and motocross rider, he was also highly successful at trials, he was ACU British Trials Star Champion in 1953 and 1954, having won the Scottish Six Days Trial on a 500cc BSA Gold Star in 1955 and Scott Trial winner in 1954 and 1959. He also competed in the International Six Days Trial at which he won eight gold medals, his first was in 1951 in Italy on a Norton aged just sixteen.
1959 Scottish Six Days Trial on ‘Glen Ogle’, Jeff Smith on his factory BSA C15T – Photo: OfRoad Archive.
Jeff Smith was a household name, primarily due to his many successes in the BBC Grandstand and ITV World of Sport televised scrambles in the 1960s. He usually rode with the number 4 when making appearances on national television.
Jeff at the 1968 East German Grand Prix – Photo courtesy of Justyn Norek.
In 1954, Smith began to make his name in international motocross by winning his first race in the Dutch 500cc grand prix, a round of the then European 500cc motocross championship.
Imola 2012 – Derek Rickman; Les Archer; Jeff Smith and Don Rickman – Photo: Justyn Norek.
For many years, Jeff’s travelling companion was Arthur Lampkin who passed away only a few weeks ago.
Jeff was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s new year honours list in 1970 and was inducted into the AMA’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2000.
Jeff Smith (Left) and his best man, Peter Stirland (right) at St Mary’s Church in Prestbury, Gloucestershire in 1957. (Photo: Smith Family Archive)
Jeff leaves a widow, Irene, his daughter Chris, son James, grandson James and granddaughters, Josie and Ellie.
Jeff Smith MBE and Irene Smith (nee Draper) – Photo: Chris Smith.
Trials Guru sends sincere condolences to the Smith family at this very sad time.
Main photograph: Jeff Smith chats with great friend and rival, Torsten Hallman – Photo: Justyn Norek.
Slideshow presentation of the life of Jeff V. Smith:
Keith Beards, Jeff V. Smith and Mike Naish. The bike is a rigid 350 Gold Star loaned by Graham Howes with a genuine JVS273 registration.
The late Jeff Smith, 1955 SSDT winner on Pipeline during the Pre65 Scottish on a historic BSA Gold Star.
Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven.
Photo: Mike Davies
Eric Adcock with his DOT at the finish of the 1955 Scottish Six Days Trial, with event winner Jeff Smith looking pensive.
Jeff Smith with daughter Chris and Peter Stirland in 2018. Peter was Jeff and Irene Smith’s best man.
With thanks to Ian Berry
Left to right: Roy Peplow; John Draper; Jeff Smith MBE; Sammy Miller MBE; Blackie Holden and Arthur Lampkin – Photo: Toon van de Vliet.
Left to right – Jeff Smith MBE; Peter Fletcher; Gordon Jackson; Alan ‘Sid’ Lampkin; Arthur Lampkin – Photo courtesy of Colin Bullock.
1952 – SSDT start at Roseburn, Edinburgh shot taken by Ray Biddle, Birmingham of Rex Young; Jeff Smith; John Draper on their 500T Nortons
Jeff Smith(left); Torsten Hallman at Imola – Photo: Justyn Norek
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Arthur J. Lampkin, aged 87 years, peacefully in his sleep on Saturday 21st February 2026.
Born in London on the 30th of May 1938, Arthur Lampkin was best known through televised scrambles on both ITV and the BBC in the 1960s and became a household name as a result.
He rode for many years for the mighty BSA factory, firstly on the Gold Star scramblers and trials machines and latterly the 441cc BSA Victor.
Arthur Lampkin with one of his BSA Gold Stars, an SSDT, Scott and National trial winner as well as one of Britain’s top scrambles riders in a successful competitive career. Photo: Barry Robinson
Arthur effectively was the first member of a family dynasty which included his two younger brothers, Alan Raymond Charles and Harold Martin Lampkin. This then extended through the three brothers with John, Arthur’s eldest son, James, Alan’s eldest and of course Dougie, the eldest son of Martin. There are of course many more Lampkins that have taken to trials and enduro over the years.
A young John Lampkin with his father Arthur J. Lampkin at Silsden. The machine is a Bultaco Chispa 50cc trials machine, a present from Senior Bulto. Photo: Barry Robinson
Arthur was born in London, but his parents moved north in 1940 from Woolwich Arsenal to avoid the bombings in the second world conflict, thus become a Yorkshireman. The family home was to become Silsden in West Yorkshire. His father Arthur Alan Lampkin set up his own engineering business in the town and it was this business that his son Arthur J. Lampkin would eventually run for many years.
Arthur Alan Lampkin in 1936 – Photo courtesy and copyright: Janet Pawson
A.J. Lampkin was to become a force to be reckoned with in international motocross, travelling many miles across Europe in company with his good friend and team-mate, Jeff Smith who became a two-time World Motocross Champion riding for BSA. Smith usually rode under number 4 and Lampkin was regularly riding with number 5 on his machine. Arthur finished in the top three in the European Motocross Championships on several occasions, only beaten by the world’s very best riders.
Arthur Lampkin (250cc BSA) – Photo: OffRoad Archive.
Arthur won the 1963 Scottish Six Days Trial on a 250cc BSA C15T and was also a former team member of the Great Britain ISDT squad. He was one of Britain’s best all-round off road motorcyclists. He also won the prestigious Scott Trial three times, in 1960, 61 and again in 1965. His brothers Alan and Martin also won these events, thus creating the dynasty effect in off-road motorcycle sport.
Arthur’s nickname was ‘Ping’ which came about because the French commentators at international motocross couldn’t pronounce his surname correctly as ‘Lampkin’ but rather ‘Lam-Ping’ and it stuck!
Trials Guru’s John Moffat stated: “I met Arthur Lampkin on numerous occasions, being at the SSDT and Scott Trials, plus a few dinners that I attended over the years. I remember well when the late Robbie Allan instructed me to interview Arthur at a Scottish Motorcycle show some years ago. I approached the group which included Peter Fletcher, Gordon Blakeway, John and Pat Brittain, John Giles, Alan and Arthur Lampkin. All agreed to be interviewed on stage, all except Arthur. He raised his finger and in a booming voice announced ‘I am here for a weekend with the lads and there is no way I will be subjected to any bloody interviews’. I could only but accept his decision, as Arthur was not a man to be trifled with and I knew exactly where I stood. I did however enjoy many hours listening to Arthur’s recounting of his time in national service and also his racing and trials stories. He had done it all and at the highest level. We accept the passing of a great rider, a great sportman, a true family man with values. In short, a great man of our time”.
Funeral arrangements:
Friday 13th March 2026 – Church: 11.30. at St James, Kirkgate, Silsden, BD20 0PD Wake: Conistone Hall, Conistone Cold, Skipton, BD23 4EA.
We extend our sincere condolences to Arthur’s family and the wider Lampkin family at this sad and difficult time.
Arthur J. Lampkin, a true legend of trials and motocross. (Photo: A.R.C. Lampkin)
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of David ‘Rick’ Richardson on Monday 26th January 2026.
David ‘Rick’ Richardson on his 348 Montesa Cota at a Dalmellington trial in 1978 – Photo: Jimmy Young.
Rick was born in Dalkeith, Midlothian on the 20th September 1935, he was married to the late Alma, they had no children, but had lots of cats an dogs throughout their lives.
David Richardson (centre) with Duncan Inglis (far left); Alan Gordon (second left) and Alan Scott (right) – Photo: Ian T. Robertson
Rick was a keen cyclist before graduating to motorcycles. He carried out the obligatory national service in the Royal Navy. After being demobilised from the navy, he went on to work in the motor trade becoming a master coachbuilder. Motorcycles became a means of transport which turned into a life-long passion, then into his love of trials riding all over Scotland including the Scottish Six Days and the Pre65 Scottish Trial where his wife Alma was often an observer.
It was Rick Richardson that encouraged the late Willie Dalling into motorcycle trials – Photo: Jimmy Young, Armadale
It was this cycling connection with Rick that brought the late Willie Dalling into motorcycle trials in the late 1960s. Dalling went on to become Clerk of the Course of the Scottish Six Days Trial.
David ‘Rick’ Richardson on his Suzuki at the Forfar ‘Brankhamhill Trial’ in 1978 – Photo Jimmy Young.
Rick built beautiful trials bikes for himself and for many of his friends. During his retirement he would enjoy trail riding all over the Scottish Borders, long before it became frowned upon.
Rick was also a founder member of the Lothian and Borders Classic Motorcycle Club after being a long standing member and committee member of the Edinburgh St. George Motor Club, which organised many Scottish national trials, where Rick was a course and section plotter.
Rick Richardson on his 200cc Honda Seeley TL200E – Photo: Jimmy Young.
He continued building many classic machines, his favourites were Triumphs and in his last years, still enjoyed working on them and loved nothing more than visiting the local motorcycle shops. I will miss my pal so much. – Dennis Belleville, Innerleithen, Peebleshire.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
David ‘Rick’ Richardson’s funeral will be held at Borders Crematorium, Next to Wairds Cemetery, Melrose TD6 9HA on Monday, March 2nd at 10am to which everyone is welcome.
David ‘Rick’ Richardson on his 200cc Seeley Honda TL200E at Forfar. Photo: Jimmy Young
Supported by Comerfords, Michael Dismore on the factory James on Grey Mare’s Ridge in the Scottish Six Days Trial.
National trials winner, Michael ‘Mick’ Dismore of Farnham, Surrey has passed away on 12th January 2026, age 92 years at his home. Born in Guildford, Surrey, he is survived by his wife Joan, his children, Carol, Christine and John, five grand-children and three great-grandchildren. Mick was an life-long enthusiastic supporter of the sport.
Mick Dismore on his Comerford’s supported factory James in 1962.
He won the ACU South Eastern Trials Championship three times and was runner up twice. The three wins were all on different makes of machine being a Matchless, Royal Enfield and James. He also won the Thames Valley Trials Combine Championship seven times.
Michael Dismore on a 250cc Bultaco in 1978.
Dismore won the Lynn Traders and the Beggers Roost national trials in the west country, and won three other nationals. Mick won five special first class awards in the Scottish Six Days Trial. He was victorious in the Bert Gaymer Trial, a local event run by the Farnham club.
Mick Dismore on the AMC engined James.
Our sincere condolences are conveyed to his family at this time.
Funeral Arrangements: Monday, 16th February 2026 at 13.30, at Guildford Crematorium, New Pond Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3DB
Worldwide Trial Website – Custodian of Trial history 'Established 2014'
