Our next Branch night will be held on Tuesday 10th October 2023.
Chairman’s Chit-Chat
Autumn arrived with the promise of a dry start to the new school year. Then something called RAAC appeared and messed up many of the teacher’s plans.
Fortunately, most of our SNOC arrangements were blessed with great weather and no RAAC issues. The two exceptions being the shorter night evenings where Branch members were invited to show off their Nortons at the Stones. Both in July and August. Never mind. We still had good turn outs of numbers on both nights and the late substitute of the bike parades with noggin, nosh and nattering was just as enjoyable for all visitors.
You may have noticed high praise, for the SNOC summer display efforts, in the September Roadholder along with a few reports of them thanks to Events & Press Officer Anthony Curzon.
Our next big SNO
C supported outdoor event will be the October 29th Ardingly South of England Show. All SNOC members are invited to display a Norton or two but please let us know if you wish to do so as we only have room for about 20 bikes.
Another event worth noting in your diaries, is the Ace Cafe Norton 125th Anniversary gathering taking place on 23rd September. In previous years, similar events were always pencilled-in as must attend.
However, this year – ULEZ, Heavy traffic and Insulate Oil protesters might need checking out first before heading off on a Norton.
Nearer home, the SNOC committee have fine-tuned the Branch Constitution and will now put this to the members at the Branch AGM planned for 14th November 2023. Our draft Constitution, as sent to the NOC Directors, needed no serious changes which was excellent news.
The Last chunk of BIG NEWS for this Autumn was to finally see the release of the updated Dominator Service Notes. This 2023 version is now appearing in Hard print and consists of 186 A4 size pages of really useful information for anybody restoring or just maintaining a Norton Dominator. The Notes are in a ring-binder folder form which enables selected pages to remain open when chosen. For just £15 a copy these Notes are bargain priced and will make a great prize, present or gift. The contents can be checked out on the NOC Web Page and hard copies ordered via the Roadholder Editor. 4 SNOC members have contributed to the DSNs.
Looking ahead…… as follows are a few of Norton related events that the SNOC are either supporting or recommending you attend.
Sunday 17th September is a Classic Car and Bik
e Show at the Kempton Steam Pumping engines. The entry list is nearly full. Interested members might wish to attend just as spectators.
Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th September. “Norton Day” – This year is at the Ace Café in London and run over TWO days: Details in Roadholder.
Sunday 1st October – Sunbeam Club Pioneer Run – This being a Shameless plug: for Dave Cooper who is running his 1902 Quadrant in the Sunbeam Club Pioneer Run on Sunday 1st October. He would be delighted to see some Nortons as company on the road! Departing Tattenham Corner at 8am.
Sunday 29th October – Ardingly Classic Bike Show – Contact the show organisers for an entry form otherwise you may be asked to pay to get in.
AGM – The Committee propose to hold the SNOC AGM to be Tuesday 14th November starting 8pm sharp at Stepping Stones. Snacks will be provided.
Please feel free to contact the Branch Secretary if you have any suggestions for either a show/event worth attending or a good destination for a ride-out to aim for.
Please ride safely.
Phil Hannam
Chaiman SNOC
Clubnights are on the second Tuesday each month.
Location – The Stepping Stones pub at Westhumble, just across the A22 roundabout from Box Hill, just north of Dorking, Surrey.
Naturally you will all be aware of the ongoing government guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so please take care.
Mike Duffel and his 1953 Model 30 Manx Norton
Welcome to the
Norton Owners Club’s Surrey Branch
Situated just a few miles away from the historic Brooklands Racetrack, where Bert Denly (pictured above) roared round the banking on his Model 18 Brooklands Special in 1925, we meet at The Stepping Stones, a great bike friendly pub at West Humble near Box Hill.
We organise rides out, quiz nights and visits to local places of interest.
Our members can offer a wealth of useful experience to help you with your Norton – old or new!
Come along to one of our club nights and see what we are up to and have a chat. New members or just interested in Nortons? Come along!
Or you can call or e-mail us at the address shown on the contact page.
You can be sure of a warm welcome whatever time of year!
If you’re interested in bikes and particularly the unapproachable Norton, on the page links on the left you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite and using the links on the right you will find our activities listed by dates.