The annual Sunbeam Rally organised by the Marston Heritage Trust, took place at Bantock House Museum on Sunday 3rd July, 2005. As usual a good selection of Sunbeam motorcycles were on display along with several Sunbeam bicycles. Brian Watton brought his lovely 12.8h.p. Sunbeam Dawn car from 1935 along and Ray Jones displayed his excellent A.J.S. Big Port motorcycle from 1927. As usual the weather was kind; the sun shone and only a few clouds were in the sky. A number of visitors came along to view the entries, look around the house and enjoy the facilities in the cafe. Trevor Davies, Ray Jones and Derek Beddows were on hand to see that everything ran smoothly and Geoff Stevens (A.J.S.) joined the visitors at lunch time. Prizes were handed out by Ray Jones, Barbara Iliffe and Murial Wakeman. The Walter Iliffe award for the highest combined age of motorcycle and rider was won by Bill Barton and his Sunbeam General Service from 1916. The George Peck award for the best saddle tank machine was won by John Grew for his Sunbeam model 6 from 1930. The George Dance award for the best competition machine went to Laurie Springate for his Sunbeam 95L from 1934 and the Jeff Brazendale award for the machine ridden furthest to the event was won by Don Alexander and his 350c.c. Sunbeam from 1927. Lizzie Butler won the most desirable bicycle award for her Royal Sunbeam from 1924 and the Cyril Wakeman award for the best flat tank machine went to Tom Bates for his Sunbeam model 1 from 1927. The award for the most desirable motorcycle was won by Bill Dorling for his Sunbeam model 7 from 1922. It was a lovely day, greatly enjoyed by all who came along. An excellent rally in a wonderful setting. Thanks must also go to the Bantock House staff, who as usual were extremely helpful.
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