Royal Enfield: Guns for Alzheimer's in the Vale of Pewsey

The Gun is the official magazine of the Royal Enfield Owners Club in the UK.

I was startled to see the headline "Guns for Alzheimer's" in the latest copy of The Gun, the magazine of the Royal Enfield Owners Club in the UK.

Guns for Alzheimer's turns out to be a commendable effort by member Doug Young of Scotland to put the back issues of The Gun on CDs, which he sells with all proceeds going to The Alzheimer's Society.

I was forced to realize that my reaction to this Very United Kingdom publication has a lot to do with my Very United States vantage point.

So, with apologies to the editor and authors of The Gun, here are snippets from the recent edition that left this American bemused:

It was only when I managed to download the service manual that I found the suggestion "side stand not retracted." This was odd for a (sidecar) combination without a side stand but it seemed there was a relay involved. I eventually removed the lid from the little box on the left at the back. The relay had fallen out! Replacing it restored normal service.

The tent of perpetual tea and cake was fully stocked, and good use was made of it throughout the weekend.

From Malesbury we travelled through the lovely Wiltshire countryside passing through Royal Wootton Bassett and then over the hills to Marlborough where we parked behind Waitrose for lunch. From Marlborough the ride went through Savernake Forest to Crofton Beam Engines for tea. After Crofton, we went past Wolfhall Manor (this was the home of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife) and then back to Calne via the Vale of Pewsey.

We'd not long finished most of the tasks when Alan and friend turned up with ice lollies. What a treat on a hot day!

Motorcyclists have been told they can legally wear a high-visibility vest that resembles police uniform. The yellow bibs have the world POLITE printed on the back in large capital letters, along with a strip of blue and white crosshatching similar to designs traditionally worn by the police.

The drop off system worked perfectly and nobody got lost. However such things as baffles fell off the leaders bike. Luckily Tiddly was on hand to pick up the offending part.

Unfortunately Mick Crowhurst was knocked off his bike when a car pulled out in front of him from a side turning. He sustained damage to his wrist which required pinning and severe bruising but rest assured his vocal cords are still in good working order!!

This should have been our 3rd Thursday of the month run-out, however holidays and poor weather led to seriously depleted numbers and in the end two members ended up having a quiet drink and a natter in the pub.

As I type this missive, we are still receiving renewals using all agreed means of payment. Unfortunately there are a few hundred members that will soon be lapsed if we do not hear from them soon.

This reminds me, I have to attend to my membership dues. I wouldn't miss this for the world.

To join the Royal Enfield Owners Club UK, and start receiving your own copy of The Gun by mail or email, visit the Royal Enfield Owners Club website. You'll see a link to the application form.