About the Hesketh Owners Club
Edwin Faulkner and a group of Owners at the auction of Hesketh Motorcycles PLC. In September 1982.Founded the HESKETH OWNERS CLUB.
With the objective of generating self-help in the absence of dealer and factory support.The problem of spares and repairs, did not arise thanks to Hesleydon, and later Mick Broom Engineering.
It operates in the traditional club manner with simple rules and a committee and has, since those early days, grown to about 60 members world-wide. This might seem small by some standards but it represents some 20% of Hesketh owners.
A club magazine called 'The Sock' is produced 3 or 4 times a year and includes the club calendar, events reports, technical tips, readers' adverts, travelogues and a range of general biking items.
We attempt to keep Hesketh motorcycles in the public eye, by doing shows and rallies.
Our Historian keeps a record of all publicity and technical material, this is accessible to all club members.We keep a record of all published articles (that is known by club members) some of these from before the bike was produced in 1982. Also in the clubs ownership is most of the original art work which includes designs for Hesketh motorcycle and advertising that went in press prior to launch.All historical articles are now in the safe keeping of the VMCC, on permanent loan. Members can contact Leslie Roulstone for information.
The club also has a Public Relations Officer to help raise visibility of the club. Last year (2008) resulted in good press coverage.
Technical advice is available from our Technical Secretary or Mick Broom. He also keeps a track on where spares can be located if not available from Broom Development Engineering.
We try to include a variety of events each year and in the past we have been to Triumph Motorcycles, Morgan Cars, Jaguar Cars, Rolls Royce Aero Engines, Geeson Brothers, Prickwillow Pumping Station, Hook Norton Brewery, Snowshill Manor, Sammy Millers, Beaulieu, Ally Pally Classic Car Show.
The annual rally is usually some where different most years. The joint rally theme has worked well. In the past we have teamed up with the BSA Owners Club and enjoyed their hospitality for a weekend; as a quid pro quo, we organised the ride-out. Another year we teamed up with the Vincent Owners Club and had a most enjoyable time in the ‘big club’ environment. Other years we go on a smaller scale and go alone as a club. This year (2009) rally being held Mallory Park Festival of a Thousand Bikes.
We also work closely with Mick Broom particularly regarding new manufacture of parts and design improvements. Also, every once in a while, we organise a technical lecture from Mick and this usually includes a guest speaker - one guest speaker was John Mockett who styled the Hesketh V1000 and Vampire and is now the resident Triumph stylist.
As you can see, although we are a small club, we really do punch above our weight. We manage now to keep the bike in the public eye and provide fine events of interest to the membership. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact the club secretary:-
Dave Hartell
Membership Secretary
13 Fernbank Close
Halesowen
West Midlands
B63 1BL
+44 (0) 121 550 3632
Membership costs £18.00 per year and £20.00 for a family. There is a £10 joining fee and you don't have to own a Hesketh - a number of members have joined simply to help them learn about the bike before buying.
If you own a Hesketh or have an interest in the bike give Dave a call to find out more, or use our Membership form.