FOUNDED 1950

DEAL & DISTRICT MOTOR CYCLE CLUB

FOUNDED 1950

JOHN HOULGRAVE

Our Club President, John Houlgrave has put together a little of the Club’s History.  John reckons his memory is not what it used to be but I reckon he has made a good job here - Our thanks to you John.

Deal & District Motor Cycle Club (DDMCC) originated in 1950 and ran for ten years until 1960.  The Club was first formed in 1950 by a few motorcycle enthusiasts; their first meeting place was the ‘Bell Inn’ Middle Street Deal on Tuesday evenings.  As numbers increased the club moved to the ‘Alma’ Public House in West Street where a large back room was made available. 

The photograph above shows a few of the members in a line up outside ‘The Royal Hotel’ on Deal Seafront.  It would be nice to know what the occasion was?... Sunday morning ride out perhaps?

The average age of members in the early days must have been about 30 years, many having recently returned from National Service and others being ‘Bevan Boys’ from the local coal pits; this probably accounts for the sporty element within the club.

The club also built up a very successful display team.  A report published in ‘Motorcycling’ wrote ‘It was the best amateur display team they had seen’.

I wonder if there were lots drawn to see who would be at the end of the line?

This is a rare sight today!

They say that every picture tells a story.... This one certainly invokes some thought - Just what were they up to?

DDMCC was a pretty lively club in those days with much enthusiasm from the membership to make the club as interesting as possible.  Evening events included film shows, talks and all the usual club ride outs etc.  There was always a big celebration on Guy Fawkes Night; fish and chips, fireworks and a massive bonfire topped up with old engine oil and used rubber tyres from the garage where I worked.  This was held on the beach near the ‘Royal Hotel’ until complaints from the local people stopped it.

After a few years ‘Light Car’ was added to the club name... I don’t really know the reason for this because as I recall, there was only one member with a car and no bike.  Those who had no transport of their own could always get a lift on somebody’s pillion.

I think it was about 1958 when the club moved again this time to ‘The Queens Hotel’ on the Seafront; although membership was still around 70 events became less well supported and in 1959 only 26 people attended the AGM.  I think the Committee managed to keep things going until 1960 when the club ceased to exist.

All trophies were kept by the last person to win them.  This all took place some 50+ years ago and is as I remember it.

John Houlgrave

Life President (1999 - present)

Showrooms: Canterbury 01227 832601

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DDMCC web site designed & maintained by Jeff Garrett

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