An important event in the local motorcycling calendar took place on Sunday 5th July at the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford. This was the annual Sunbeam Rally, organised by the Marston Sunbeam Register.

More than 30 Sunbeam motorcycles, and their owners came from far and wide to attend the event, along with an A.J.S. “Big Port” and several bicycles. The weather was kind, and a warm and friendly atmosphere prevailed.


Some of the motorcycles that were present.

Trevor Davies, one of the organisers, made sure that everything ran smoothly on the day, and was ably assisted by other members of the Register. As usual Audrey and Derek Spencer brought the refreshments, including cold drinks and slices of her excellent bread pudding. Many of the visitors admired the motorcycles. There were old friends to meet, and new friends to make.

Derek Beddows and Audrey Spencer were on hand to make sure that all of the entrants were booked-in and to answer any queries.

A number of regulars were there, including Archie Beggs and his Sunbeam Model 9, Les Hobbs and his Sunbeam Model 9, Alan Jones and his Sunbeam Longstroke, Liz Butler and her Sunbeam Ladies Golden bicycle, and Mark Homer with his Sunbeam Lion combination.

The rally features Sunbeam machines that were made in Wolverhampton, before manufacturing was taken over by A.M.C. A good selection of motorcycles were on display, covering much of the history of John Marston Limited, from the earliest machines, to almost the end.

Many of the motorcycles were taken on a run through the lovely Shropshire countryside, as were several bicycles.


The motorcyclists begin their run.

Tom Bates gets underway
as the run commences.
Alan Jones and Geoff Parr begin their run.
Tony Pashley gets a helping hand.
The cyclists prepare for their run. Left to right:

Trevor Davies, Liz Butler, Angela Davies, Terry Wilson, and Brian Watton.
The cycle run begins.
Prize Giving

As usual prizes were given for different categories. This year they were presented by Ray Jones.
One of the silver plates. This one, the Cyril Wakeman award,  was presented to Peter Ashen for the best flat tank motorcycle.
The Geoff Brazendale award consists of a silver tankard. It was presented to David Spencer for the machine ridden furthest to the event.


Visitors gather round to see the prize-giving.

Ray Jones, on the left, prepares to present the first prize, while Trevor Davies, on the right, makes the announcements.

The prizes were as follows:

The Ken Green award for the best motorcycle combination went to Mark Homer for his Sunbeam Lion from 1932.

The Glynne Morris award for the most desirable bicycle went to Brian Watton for the Marston Wolverhampton Heritage Trust's Lightweight Sports cycle from 1936.

The Walter Iliff award for the highest combined age of machine and rider went to Bernie Dunsmore and his Model 5 from 1913..

The George Peck award for the best saddle tank went to R. J. Cooke for his Model 8 from 1935.

The Cyril Wakeman award for the best flat tank went to Peter Ashen for his Model 7 from 1925.

The George Dance award for the best competition motorcycle went to Keith Shorrock for his Model 90 from 1927.

The Geoff Brazendale award for the machine ridden furthest to the event went to David Spencer Model 90 from 1929.

The most desirable motorcycle award went to Keith Shorrock for his Model 90, a works racer from 1927.

The event was well-attended, and a very enjoyable day was had by all.


Trevor Davies, who made sure it all went according to plan.
      

If you are interested in Sunbeam Motorcycles or bicycles that were made in Wolverhampton (pre-A.M.C.), or have a machine of your own, and would like to find out more about the Marston Sunbeam Register, please email Trevor Davies. The Register has a number of Sunbeam experts and an annual newsletter.

I would like to thank Derek Beddows for his patience, and for supplying the details of the entries.
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list of rallies