History of Stroud Valley Motor Club

On the 1st of June 1910 a meeting took place at, The Royal George Hotel in Stroud, to consider the formation of a motorcycle club. Those present at the meeting were, Messer’s Browning, Burton, Derrett, Eustance, Gardner, Ratcliffe, G. Pavey, Smith, F. Smith, Dr H. Roberston and Mr Weaving. When the meeting was closed The Stroud and District Motor Club was in existence.

The clubs first event was on the 20th of August of that year, a reliability trial to Worcester. One mark was lost for every minute early or late at a checkpoint and ten marks if you stopped.Over the next few years the club organised many different events including, reliability trials, hill climbs, petrol consumption trials, night trials and motorcycle football.

All was going well, however in 1929 things were to change. A divide developed within the club. One part of the club had an interest in trials and social runs, the other side was interested in motorcycle football. Problems arose with the increasing costs involved with the motorcycle football events and committee meetings became heated. Early in 1930, it was suggested by G.W Fisher and H.P Baughan, that the two sides of the club should split. Shortly after this split a notice was sent out to all previous members of the Stroud and District Motor club asking them to attend a meeting at The Bear of Rodburough Hotel, Stroud.

The Stroud Valley Motorcycle Club was formed. A.H Grant Heelas was elected to the Chair with G.W Fisher as secretary.

Seven days after the clubs initial inauguration, the clubs first committee meeting was held. A sporting trial was arranged and The Michinhampton Cup trial for Novice riders was introduced, an event which is still going strong today.
By 1933 the club was making a name for itself it had 42 members and was asked to assist the ACU with running of large events such as, the British Experts and the Inter Centre Team Trial and the Cotswold Scramble.

Continued… Part two