East Midlands move to new meeting place
18 March 2010 |
Due to circumstances beyond their control the East Midlands Branch of the Honda Owners Club now meet at the The Birch Tree, Bardon Road, Bardon Hill, Coalville LE67 1TD, the next meeting is on Sunday 28th March.
So whether you are a member or just want to find out more, please go along and say hello - you can be assured of a warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Rita or give her a call on 01332 515767. |
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Wootton Bassett Afghan Heroes Ride a huge success
17 March 2010 |
 10,000 riders, raising over £100,000 for charity, took part in the Mother's day ride and amongst them were many Honda Owners Club members. Here are just two reports from members about what it was like: Northants and Milton Keynes Branch's Alan and Aid from Norfolk Branch.
Well done to everyone who took part.
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Police sell Pans off cheap – and replace with… Pans!
12 March 2010 |
NEWS |
 "It’s months since a £3.5million fleet of 300 police Honda Pan Europeans was scrapped or sold for as little as £600 each over safety concerns. Yet forces are buying exactly the same model again."
Read the story on the MCN website. |
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Hein Gericke entertain Northants & Milton Keynes Branch
12 March 2010 |
 A packed Branch meeting discussed the latest innovations (and prices!) in clothing and designs of crash helmet with Emma from Northampton Hein Gericke. You can read about the night here.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck or call her on 07863 599 992 for more details. |
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Guardian article attacks Wootton Bassett ride
11 March 2010 |
NEWS |
 Guardian contributor Neil Burden has sought to attack this weekends ride, in aid of the Afghan Heroes charity. He describes the riders as "thundering" through the town and how "children may have to review the planned family day at home".
Gutter, sensationalist 'journalism' or the true feelings of the residents? Whatever your opinion, this article has upset and annoyed many of the 10,000+ riders who are taking part and have raised thousands for our troops.
You can read the article at www.guardian.co.uk and find out more about the Wootton Bassett Ride. |
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Industry leading insurance cover now available from Honda
11 March 2010 | HONDA |
 The new Honda Happiness Bike Insurance cover, provided by the UK’s leading motorcycle insurance group, Equity, provides complimentary seven-day cover, a valuable no claims bonus protection scheme and comprehensive accident repair service through Honda’s official dealer network.
You can read all about the insurance in the Honda Press Release. |
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West Coast Riders talk by TT racer Paul Owen
8 March 2010 |
.jpg) "We at West Coast Riders are very proud to be sponsoring TT and road racer Paul Owen for his 2010 season, so I asked him if he’d very kindly come and give our branch a talk on what it’s like being a road racer."
Click on this link to read more about the evening.
If you live in the North Wales or Merseyside areas, ride a Honda or
are a member of the HOC, why not pop along to
The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight, Wirral on alternate Thursdays
from 8.30pm. For more details about the Branch, please e-mail
Phil Bell or telephone 07900 507187, alternatively, call
Rona on 07909 830236 for a chat. |
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North Downs Branch gets off to a great start
8 March 2010 |
 On the 4th of March the first meeting of the North Downs Branch took place at The Crown, 98 The Street, Capel, Surrey. Many HOC members both new and old joined us and all of our neighbouring branches were represented. See more pictures on the North Downs website.
Whether you are a member or just want to find out what's going on, why not pop along and say hello, everyone is welcome. They meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month. Please e-mail Chris, give him a call on 07827 393237 or go to www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk for more details. |
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Dorset Branch enjoy a busy Bristol Classic Bike Show
1 March 2010 |
 "What a great weekend at The Classic Bike Show Shepton Mallet. The combined stand, with our friends at the CX and GL Club, made a great display and impact on the public. We were busy all day chatting to old friends and interested new members looking to join our and other local HOC Branches."
They meet at the Royal Oak, West Street, Bere Regis on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 7.30pm.
Why not pop along and say hello, if you ride a Honda or are already member you will get a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Heather or ring her on 01305 778658. |
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Suzuki and Ducati take the opening round in Australia
1 March 2010 | WSB |
 After months of waiting, the 2010 World Superbike Championship kicked off with a bang at Phillip Island as two exciting races yielded two fairly surprising winners in the shape of Leon Haslam and Carlos Checa. Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) improved on his qualifying performance in each 22-lap Phillip Island race, leaving the opening round of the year in overall sixth place.
Read the story at Honda Worldwide and on the Eurosport site.
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Norfolk enjoy a day at the Ally Pally Show
28 February 2010 |
 "There was sunshine and showers all the way down to London. Quite often the state of the roads with potholes and surface break-up was commented upon!!! When we arrived at the Ally Pally we were quickly in to the Palm Court area where we admired the Santa Pod bikes." You can find out more on the Norfolk HOC website.
They meet at the Apollo Club, Mendham Lane, Harleston on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 8pm.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Julian or ring him on 07717 306 201 (work) or 01379 854416 (home). |
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New TV ads target drivers
26 February 2010 |
NEWS |
 The Department for Transport's latest TV campaign is encouraging drivers to see motorcyclists as individuals in an effort to make them more likely to notice us. The first TV ad will be aired next Monday during ITV’s Coronation Street in London and Emmerdale elsewhere. There will also be radio, cinema and online ads.
See the new Think! advert and join in the discussion on the HOC Forum. |
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New venue being sought for 1st Cock & Bull Rally
21 February 2010 |
 Please be advised that the Bull Inn, Standford Dingley, the Pub along with its campsite where Reading Branch had booked their rally to be held, has sadly become a casualty of the time that we are in and has closed down!
They are busy doing their utmost to find another location in and around the area for the same weekend.
They meet at The Swan, Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross, Reading RG7 1AT on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Bryan Moody or telephone 07813 849782 for more details. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes enjoy a night of questions and grub with Cambridge
17 February 2010 |
 Nearly 50 members from the Cambridge and Northants & Milton Keynes Branches packed into the small bar of the Ten O'clock to enjoy a brain teasing and tummy filling evening. You can see pictures of the night here.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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West Coast visit Knutsford Honda for VFR launch
16 February 2010 |
.jpg) "Knutsford Honda very kindly invited us to their VIP launch evening to see the much talked about VFR1200, and the Fury. Have to say the VFR looks much better in the flesh than it has done in the press..."
Click on this link to read more about what they got up to.
If you live in the North Wales or Merseyside areas, ride a Honda or
are a member of the HOC, why not pop along to
The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight, Wirral on alternate Thursdays
from 8.30pm. For more details about the Branch, please e-mail
Phil Bell or telephone 07900 507187, alternatively, call
Rona on 07909 830236 for a chat. |
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Devon Branch change venue and meeting times
4 February 2010 |
The Devon Branch of the Honda Owners Club have moved, after a meeting with the lads and ladies, now meet at The Crawford Hotel, Alphington Road, Exeter EX2 8JD.
They will now meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm, with the next meeting on Tuesday 16th February. The pub has large areas inside with plenty of tables, seating area, pool table etc. They also do food, there is a large beer garden out the back and plenty of room to park bikes and cars. We hope to see old & new members and bikers of all sorts.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Steve Letheren or telephone 01392 431982 or 07712 160365. |
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MCN readers vote Honda the 'Best Built Bikes'
3 February 2010 | HONDA |
 The ‘MCN Biking Britain Survey’ voted Honda machines to the first 7 places for build quality! The CBR600RR from 2003-on took top honours with a build-quality satisfaction rating of 93%.
You can read the other winners in the Honda Press Release. |
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West Midlands Branch Forum
3 January 2010 |
You can now chat on-line with other members on the West Midlands Branch Forum. You don't have to be a member of the Honda Owners Club to register, just have a sense of humour!
They meet on alternate Tuesdays from 7pm now at the
The Green Man, High St, Swindon, Dudley, West Midlands DY3 4NR, the next meeting is on the 9th of February. So whether you are a member or just want to find out more, please go along and say hello - you can be assured of a warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Trev Lloyd. |
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'Brave The Elements’ with Honda and get ‘Streets Ahead’
29 January 2010 | HONDA |
 If you ‘Brave The Elements’ this winter with one of Honda’s popular adventure motorcycles then you will receive a free top box and heated grip set.
If it’s a great deal on one of Honda’s award-winning range of scooters that you’re after, then look no further than the ‘Streets Ahead’ offer.
You can read all about the deals in the Honda Press Release. |
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Honda extends popular winter finance offers
28 January 2010 | HONDA |
 If you want the cutting-edge performance provided by the CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR, the stylish street presence of the naked CB1000R or the versatility of the S-Wing 125 scooter, then you still have a chance to take advantage of a fantastic finance offer that suits you.
You can read all about the deals in the Honda Press Release. |
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Last minute decision takes the West Coast Branch to the Ponderosa
26 January 2010 |
.jpg) "At our meeting on Thursday night a few of the guys had the idea of going for a run to the Ponderosa café in North Wales last Sunday."
Click on this link to read more about what they got up to.
If you live in the North Wales or Merseyside areas, ride a Honda or
are a member of the HOC, why not pop along to
The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight, Wirral on alternate Thursdays
from 8.30pm. For more details about the Branch, please e-mail
Phil Bell or telephone 07900 507187, alternatively, call
Rona on 07909 830236 for a chat. |
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Another bumper issue of Golden Wing on its way to members
25 January 2010 |
 The Winter 2009 issue of the Club magazine has been sent to the members. At over 125 pages it's the largest ever and packed with interesting stories from members and articles on diverse subjects, including an exclusive report on the new VFR1200. Well done Tim, for creating another cracking issue.
If you're not a member or have missed past issues and want to catch-up, then click here and have a browse. There are on-line magazines available for back numbers, from Summer 2002 to Autumn 2009, so just get clicking and reading. |
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Donington Park dropped as World Superbike venue
25 January 2010 | WSB |
 The final nail has been driven into Donington Park's coffin with the announcement that the British round of World Superbikes is to be held at Silverstone. The race will be held on Sunday August 1st.
The official announcement is on the Silverstone website.
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Brighton Bike Fest cancelled
25 January 2010 |
NEWS |
 "Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control the Brighton Bike Fest 2010 / Brighton Motorcycle Show 2010 has been cancelled. We would like to thank everyone for their support & interest & will see you out riding soon."
Go to the Brighton Bike Fest website. |
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Reading Branch has new Secretary
22 January 2010 |
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The Reading Branch of the Honda Owners Club has elected a new secretary. Bryan Moody takes over from Taz, who has been running the Branch as caretaker secretary. Thanks Taz, for all your hard work, I'm sure that Bryan will be carrying on the good work.
They meet at the The Swan, Three Mile Cross, Reading on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm. You can find out more on the Reading website.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Bryan or ring him on 07813 849782. |
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Top quality embroidered HOC badge available in the HOC Shop
13 January 2010 |
 Approximately 8 x 8cm in size, the badge can be either ironed on, using the self adhesive back, or sewn onto clothing.
Go to the HOC Shop to see what else is available. |
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West Yorkshire Branch move to new meeting place
11 January 2010 |
 The West Yorkshire Branch now meet at The Coniston, Louisa Street, Idle, Bradford from 8pm.
The next meeting is on Monday the 1st of February, why not pop along and say hello, everyone is welcome. Please e-mail Big Steve or give him a call on 01274 772970 for more details. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes Xmas party a brilliant laugh
10 January 2010 |
 As usual the 2009 Christmas party was held in January. 35 members enjoyed a delicious three course meal with all the Christmas trimmings, for the first time at the Tollemache Arms in Harrington. You can see pictures and video of what went on here, it was a great night!
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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Designers split over VFR1200 looks
6 January 2010 |
NEWS |
 Bike designers such as Pierre Terblanche (Guzzi V12 LM ) and Brian Case (Confederate Wraith) are supporting Teofilo Plaza's design. But British stylist John Keogh is firmly against.
Read what they think on the MCN website - love it or I could do better and join in the debate on the HOC Forum. |
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West Coast Branch's first ride of the year on New Years day
3 January 2010 |
.jpg) "Not bad at all considering it was minus 3.5 degrees when we left the house. Started out on our planned route only to find the going getting a tad bit deep in snow, so took a few piccies then turned back to find a different route."
Click on this link to read more about what they got up to.
If you live in the North Wales or Merseyside areas, ride a Honda or
are a member of the HOC, why not pop along to
The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight, Wirral on alternate Thursdays
from 8.30pm. For more details about the Branch, please e-mail
Phil Bell or telephone 07900 507187, alternatively, call
Rona on 07909 830236 for a chat. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes Branch gets 2010 off to a grand start
2 January 2010 |
 2010 got off to a great start on January 1st with 7 bikes on the traditional Chilly Run to the Needle & Awl for a delicious dinner. Riding and eating - the two most popular pasttimes in the HOC!
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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Two new VOSA recalls have been added to the Help page
15 December 2009 |
 Recall notices for the CB600F, CBF600, CB1000R, CB1000RA & CBF1000 as well as the VTX1800C have been issued by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency. You can read these and other notices, dating back to 1992, on the HOC help page. |
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World’s most important Honda launched
12 December 2009 |
NEWS |
 Honda sold over 1,000,000 bikes in India in the first 3 months of 2009 (by comparison, the UK bought a total of 139,000 bikes in 2008!), which shows just how important the new CB Twister is to Honda.
Read the story on the MCN website. |
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Donington Park dropped as British Superbike venue
11 December 2009 | BSB |
 Donington Park has suffered another blow after being dropped from next year's British Superbike Championship. The venue has already lost the rights to the MotoGP. They are still listed to host the World Superbikes on August 1st.
Read the story on the BBC Sport site.
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Honda announce the price of the VFR1200
3 December 2009 | HONDA |
 Honda is pleased to announce that the inspiring new VFR1200F will be available at your local showroom from Valentine’s weekend in February 2010, with the additional benefits of a three year warranty and extended servicing intervals of 8000 miles, at the attractive price of £11,596 on the road including 12 months road tax and first registration fee. |
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Birmingham Branch meet at two locations again
30 November 2009 |
 Following the closure of their last meeting place, the Birmingham Branch have only been meeting once a month. However, now they will be meeting at The Plough and Harrow in Fazeley on the 2nd Tuesday of each month as well as at The Gate in Nether Whitacre on the 4th Friday.
Their next meeting is at The Plough and Harrow on Tuesday, 8th December. Why not pop along and say hello, or contact Nick on 0121 603 8983. You will be made very welcome. |
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Honda Owners Club display wows the NEC Show
27 November 2009 |
 The Club stand at the International Motorcycle Show in Birmingham has been attracting hundreds of visitors on the first couple of days.
If you are going to the show, don't forget to pop along to Hall 1 and say hello to the team manning the stand. |
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Dorset Branch now meeting twice a month
24 November 2009 |
 The Dorset Branch of the Honda Owners Club goes from strength to strength, so much so that they are now meeting twice a month. They will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday each month.
The next meeting is on Friday 4th December at the The Royal Oak, West Street, Bere Regis BH20 7HQ. Why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Heather or ring her on 01305 778658. |
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Stiffer speeding penalties for leading rideout
20 November 2009 |
NEWS |
 "Motorcyclists at the head of a group of riders will face stiffer penalties for speeding under a crown court ruling.
Being the lead rider in a group is an aggravating factor making you partly responsible for speeding offences of those behind you, according to the decision."
Go to the MCN website for full report. |
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Mick Timmins
14 October 2009 |
 It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the passing away of Mick Timmins on the 13th of November.
For the last six years Mick and his wife Annee have been active members and good friends of the Bedfordshire Branch attending many club events and rallies. His sharp wit, infectious and slightly naughty sense of humour has brightened up all of our lives. His down to earth manner, good humour and strength during his illness, did him great credit.
All the members of the Bedfordshire Branch and many others within the Honda Owners Club will miss him terribly. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to his wife Annee and family members. |
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Alfreton to Stelvio in under 24 hours!
13 November 2009 |
CHARITY |
 Richard Williamson is doing a sponsored ride on his Gold Wing in aid of
The Dogs Trust. He's starting from South Normanton, Derbyshire and going to the Stelvio Pass, Italy. He leaves on 1st July next year and plans to do the route, which is about 930 miles, in under 24 hours.
If you would like to support his effort, please donate on his Just Giving page. |
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New date for Silverstone MotoGP
10 November 2009 | MotoGP |
 The 2010 British MotoGP at Silverstone has been put back two weeks and will now be staged on Sunday, 20 June.
Read the story at BBC Sport. |
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Bike magazines needed for the troops in Afghanistan
10 November 2009 |
NEWS |
 "I am currently running a camp in Helmand Province in Afghanistan and I would like to get as many people as possible to send my blokes (many are very keen bikers) your read bike mags. I apologise for the direct approach but due to having to cater for everyone's tastes bike mags are not delivered as part of our Operational welfare package.
The postage is free( upto 2kg), all it would cost is the envelope.
The postal address is you would like to help is:
QM, TFH, Lashkar Gar, BFPO 715
Any help will be greatly appreciated and all mags will be read multiple times.
Thanks
Major Andy Lothian"
I am happy to report that this has been checked by a member of the Honda Owners Club, who is also a serving RAF officer and it is completely legitimate.
So get sending! If it makes our soldiers life a bit better, it's worth it. |
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Pedrosa and Honda win final 2009 MotoGP race
9 November 2009 | MotoGP |
 Honda enjoyed a great 2009 season finale at Valencia with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) winning the MotoGP race in dominant style and Hiroshi Aoyama (Scot Honda) securing the last-ever 250 World Championship. It was a fitting climax to the season that marked Honda’s 50th anniversary of Grand Prix racing.
Read the story at BBC Sport and on the Honda Racing pages. |
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Rita takes over the reigns at the East Midlands Branch
8 November 2009 |
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Rita Woodcock has been voted in as the Branch Secretary at the East Midlands Honda Owners Club. She takes over from Steve Pugh who has done a great job over the last few years.
If you live in the East Midlands, ride a Honda or are a member of the HOC, why not pop along to The Royal Hotel, Station Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2GP on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from 7.30pm., you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Rita. |
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2010 bike wallpapers now available
6 November 2008 |
 Wallpapers, in various sizes including the new 1440 x 900px widescreen, is now available to download for your Mac or PC. The new VFR1200, VT1300CX and Black Spirit models are amongst the new pictures - more will be added in the next few weeks.
Take a look at what's new in the bike gallery. |
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Bike pictures gallery updated
6 November 2008 |
.jpg) Over 100 new bike pictures have been added to the gallery. A huge thank you to everyone who has sent pictures of their bikes, sorry it's taken so long to get them up.
Take a look at what's new in the bike gallery. |
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Back by popular demand - the HOC Wallet is available again
3 November 2009 |
 The sturdy and versatile Honda Owners Club wallet is again available to purchase on-line. With pockets for notes, change, credit cards and even somewhere to display your HOC membership card, the new wallet would make an ideal Christmas gift!
Go to the HOC Shop to see what else is available. |
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HOC Annual General Meeting a great success
1 November 2009 |
 Despite the appalling weather, the National Motorcycle Museum was packed with over 150 members attending the Club's AGM. They enjoyed free bacon rolls and coffee before listening to the reports from the Management Committee and discussing the running of their Honda Owners Club.
The Saddle Sore Shield was won for the second year by Richard Hartland of Three Shires Branch, the trophy being presented to him by Alan Sharkey of Manchester Branch. Unique 'Thanks' badges were given to eight members of the HOC in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the Club this year. A very shocked and delighted Ruth Stryczko of Northants & Milton Keynes Branch was awarded the Alan Augustin Trophy for her hard work organising the National Rally and as Club Treasurer. Equally shocked was Erica Gassor, Oxford Branch Secretary and Advertising Co-ordinator, who was given Honorary Membership for her sterling work over many years serving the Honda Owners Club. |
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