Eddie re-elected North West Vintage Club chairman

SINCE its inception in 1981 the North West Vintage Motor Cycle Club has lived up to its principles of developing and maintaining an interest in vintage and classic motorcycles while at the same time providing support and encouragement for a wide range of good causes.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2010, 15:19 BST

The reason for NWVMCC's success can be put down to the enthusiasm and dedication of the membership and to excellent leadership inspired by the vision and energy of Eddie Johnston MBE who was re-elected as chairman at the latest annual general meeting.

In his report Eddie paid tribute to the membership in general but acknowledged the particular contributions of those responsible for the day to day running of the club: Hon. Sec., Maureen Patton, Treasurer Eddie Johnston Snr and Assistant Treasurer Willie McIntyre.

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Special tributes were also paid to those who generously and effectively run motorcycling and fundraising events, John Scott and team, Danny Leighton, John Blair, Ralph McElfatrick, Stewart McDonald, Michael Patton, Sylvia and Ken Moody and Trevor and Paula Thompson.

"We must be doing something right," commented Eddie, "when we give enjoyment to others by doing what we ourselves enjoy".

This was a reference to the fact that during the past year the club has been made considerable financial donations to such causes as Clic Sargent, Mountfern, the Robert Dunlop Memorial Fund and to the NW200.

Equally positive reports were presented by, or on behalf of, the Honorary Secretary, the Vice Chairman, the Press Officers and the Treasurer.

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It was reported that attendances were generally reasonably good but that organisation was always excellent. All reports were adopted unanimously and pointed towards another enjoyable and successful year.

Election of officers:

President: Ernie Shields; Vice President: John Logan; Chairman: Eddie Johnston MBE; Vice Chairman: John Blair; Secretary: Maureen Patton; Treasurer: Eddie Johnston Snr; Asst Treasurer: Willie McIntyre; Events Organisers: Trevor Scott, John Scott, Stewart McDonald, Robert McKibbin, Robert Baird, John Elgin; Committee: Jimmy O'Kane, Sylvia Moody, Robert Anderson, Ralph McElfatrick; AOVC Delegates: Danny Leighton, John Scott, Sylvia Moody; Catering Team: Rhoda Blair, Emma McIntyre, Sylvia Moody, Paula Thompson; Club Photographer: Maureen Scott; Film/Video/DVD Organiser: Ralph McElfatrick; Press and Publicity Organisers: Maureen Patton, John Logan; Website and Computer Manager: Michael Patton

* The club has received an invitation to display machines at a bike show at Cookstown Presbyterian Church on Saturday April 10, the show running from 11am until 5-00pm. If required secure storage can be provided on the Friday night. Contact information can be obtained from Maureen Patton.

The long wait to start engines and get machines on the road is nearing an end. Danny Leighton's Run, the traditional pipe-opener, takes place on Saturday, March 27 with riders meeting at Strand Road at 11-00am for an 11-30 departure. Lunch is scheduled for Ballintoy Harbour at 2-00pm and those who wish to support the run by car can obtain the route by contacting Danny.

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Billy Faith's Wednesday Night runs begin on March 31 with departure from Strand Road at 7-00pm. Danny and Billy, indeed all the run organisers, are deserving of support so members are asked to make every effort to join in.