The annual Saundersfoot Vintage and Classic Motorcycle event hosted by the West South Wales section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club took place on the weekend in lovely dry sunny conditions.

Based at Coppet Hall beach centre with the kind permission from Hean Castle Estates to use the venue, with many grateful thanks extended to them and also their generosity for the donation to The Wales Air Ambulance.

Friday morning saw a short social run organised by section chairman Chris Thomas start from the Merlewood Hotel, with the run travelling through Pembrokeshire lanes and villages to the lunch stop at Bubbleton Farm in Lydstep.

Along with the West Wales entrants other VMCC members came from Hampshire, Bristol, Hereford, Worcester, and South Wales, to name just a few.

Entrant Colin Durnall set off from home in Wolverhampton about 5.30 am Saturday morning covering nearly 150 miles each way riding his 1937 P&M 350 motorcycle, a trip he has made on many other occasions to West and South Wales and this year he also was the recipient of the furthest ridden award.

The first two machines set off shortly after 10 am, with Alistair Bond from Llanelli riding his 100 year old New Imperial followed by Tim Simkins from Surrey on his 250 cc two stroke Velocette.

The first Pembrokeshire rider away was Phil ‘Lamo’ Hammersley riding his 1927 Triumph 500, numerous Vintage and Classic machines followed including - Three Wheelers, motorcycle and sidecars, along with solo machines some of which carried a pillion or passenger.

Quite a few ladies took part either as a rider/driver or pillion or passenger one of which was Eirios Thomas with her husband Chris in their 1933 Morgan.

Just in front of them was their son Morgan driving his 1928 2 speed, who on Sunday morning received the youngest rider award and most interesting machine.

Thanks goes to John Webb and Liz for the Saturday route and taking the competitors on a near 80 mile route through the lanes to Cresswell Quay, Lamphey, across the Cleddau bridge to Burton, Freystrop, Walwyns Castle and then into Milford Marina for the lunch stop.

The return afternoon route took them through Neyland onto Rosemarket skirting Haverfordwest to Crundale in Wiston some riders were trying hard to locate the checkpoint situated at the waterpump.

Llawhaden came next then across the A40 through Narberth and Ludchurch and then down through a very busy Wiseman’s Bridge were the first machines, due back mid afternoon at Coppet Hall.

With only a couple of retirements all made it home safe and sound after an enjoyable day’s riding!

Sunday morning the riders displayed their pride and joy for the Concours display most hoping they would go home with an award. Spectators enjoyed all the machines that were there and many questions were asked and memories rekindled from years gone by.

Section member David Jones won best vintage on his beautiful black Ariel; Rob Powell’s AJS won best Post Vintage,;South Wales regular Rob Jones was best post war with his Velocette; while the best classic went to Jon Hewitt from Hampshire for his Triumph.

Conrad and Sarah Hill from Wiston were winners of the best turned out West Wales machine on a lovely Yamaha 650 twin; with South Wales couple Bill and Jean Phelps were the sidecar/three wheeler winner.

Alistair Bond bike N01 with a combined age of 150 years was awarded the Wyndham Rees Midway motors cup.

Local Pembrokeshire awards were: Best Vintage -Pete Baker 1926 Douglas; Post war - Dave Evans 1970 Triumph.

Jim and Joyce Codd were awarded the most meritorious cup after having problems on route but eventually making it back to the finish.

Everyone will now be waiting for the competition results to see how they get on and will have their cups presented at the Christmas dinner awards.

Finally thanks goes to all the people who did their bit to make it all happen, with all looking forward to the 2023 event.