A Potted History
The South Yorkshire Sidecar Club was formed in February 1958 by six people who met at No. 25 Stanhope Avenue, Cawthorne. As the weeks went by, more members joined up. The club then decided that it must have a name. The “Happy Wanderers Combination Club” was the chosen title.
At first the club met in pub rooms, but later moved to premises on Anchorage Lane, Sprotborough. Lots of long time FED members know of this venue and have lots of pleasant memories of events held there. The name of the club was changed to the “South Yorkshire Sidecar Club” around this time.
The club room was an old army searchlight battery unit barracks operated during the war. Squatters at one time lived in the hut before the SYSC members moved in. On taking over the ex army hut the SYSC members knocked out a wall to make one big room, built extra toilets, fireplace and made room for a parking area out front, with ashes from Doncaster Power station. A high wire fence surrounded the parking area until 1970, giving security which wasn't really necessary at that time.
By 1963, the SYSC boasted around 60 members, and held numerous outdoor and social activities. These included the rallies, which at first, were held at Doncaster, and then at Laughton en le Morthern. Price per outfit was five shillings (25 pence). This included rally fees and social evening in the “Hatfield Arms” In those days the “Ovaltine” van would come, stay all day and sell Ovaltine and biscuits. This, as you can imagine was hugely popular. The SYSC were hosts to two Federation Rallies at Thorpe on Baine. near Askern These were very successful. Inter club treasure hunts were run between SYSC, Lincoln and Gainsborough clubs. Average road miles were 60-80, but in 1966, restrictions on road events were introduced, so these were abandoned.
In the late 70`s the club declined to about 8 members,and then for some strange reason began to grow again. It was about this time that my great friend Alf Tindall and I joined the SYSC. Not that this had any great bearing on the re-growth! That was down to a committee change of policy, which was “Get out and recruit new members” don't wait for them to come to you.
To this end the SYSC put on displays at the “Classic Bike” Show at Belle Vue. These were held until the “Show” moved to Stafford where it became a Federation event. The SYSC also put on displays at most of the local transport extravaganzas. These events really helped the club membership figures.
The SYSC 25th Anniversary party was held on 7th May 1983, When past members were invited. This was a huge success, 83 people filled the clubroom. Some ex members had not seen each other for years. It was wonderful to be a part of it. The Anniversary party is now held every 5 years, and is still as popular.
The end of the 80`s brought with it the end of an era. We got notice to quit the clubroom, this was on the pretext that only 2 club members lived in Sprotborough. I personally think that the peppercorn rent that we were paying (£12.50 per year) just wasn't in line with “Thatchers Britain”. So it came to pass, that on Sat. 17th September 1988, the club held a grand jumble sale. Talk about everything must go! All the club's assets were up for sale, kitchen equipment, cooker crockery etc., snooker table, piano, tables and chairs, sofas sideboards, carpets, the lot. At the end of the day, the club room was just a shell. A very sad day.
Once again the SYSC fortunes took a downward turn. Club membership fell to an all time low of just 5 active members. But, yet again, after drifting from place to place, the SYSC settled at Moorhouse Equestrian Centre, at hampole, near Doncaster. We had 18 happy years at the riding school. Then, due to major alteration work being imminent, we were given notice to quit. However, it must be said that the facilities at the riding school were getting a little cramped with club membership now well over the 50 mark. With a growing membership, we must be doing something right.
We at the SYSC have, not so long ago held the “Easter Egg Rally” at Silverwood Scout camp, near Barnsley. At this event we put on various activities to celebrate the fact that the club is 50 years old this year. (2008) Despite the horrid weather that was around at this early Easter time. A near record amount of sidecarists booked in to the event. Our thanks to them all.
Also 50 years old, in 2008, is the national club,” The Federation of Sidecar Clubs” The South Yorkshire Sidecar Club is an original member of the “FED.” and is the oldest continuous operating sidecar club in existence. To cap this all off. On 10th. May 2008, we had the 50 year re-union. This event was even more successful than the 25th. anniversary. Over 150 people turned up to celebrate the occasion, and the car park was crammed with combinations of every description. Once again, members old and new joined together in friendly banter.
Our regular meeting place is at the Scout Hut of the 9th.Scout group, of Scawsby Doncaster. This is situated at the rear of the “Sun Inn” at the junction of the A638 & A635 .
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about the SYSC, and that a few happy memories have been revived. If this has rekindled your enthusiasm for sidecarring, or you are new to the sidecar scene, get in touch, by email, or telephone, and join in the fun.
That's all for now, Safe Riding John Askham. Tel:- 0114 2490295.
As an addition to the above "Potted History", I came across this nice little piece of history. while searching for photos for the "Archive" section.
These are the very first submissions in the "Minutes Book" of the then "Happy Wanderers Combination Club"
Tuesday February 11th. 1958
At a meeting held at 25 Stanhope Avenue, Cawthorne. 6, people, namely, Mr. & Mrs. R bagshaw, Mr. R, Edmunds. Mr. W, kerfoot. and Mr. & Mrs. P,A, Hepworth, were present, and it was decided to try and form a club.
Temporery officials nominated were ;-
Chairman:- Mr.R Edmunds. proposed by, Mrs.bagshaw. seconded by Mr. Kerfoot.
Secretary:- Mr, P,A, hepworth. proposed by Mr. Edmunds, seconded by Mr.Bagshaw
The name proposed by the members present was the "Happy Wanderers Combination Club".
The object of the club is to cater for the "Sidecar" man, with or without children. It will endeavour to cover such aspects as social life, camping, touring and the like. Also to promote goodwill to other road users.
The membership was proposed and carried at 7/6 per annum, this covered rider and wife. children being free gratis.
5 Rules were proposed, they were:-
1. Club officials to consist of President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and 4 other members,two of whom must be ladies. The committee reserve the right to co-opt any member to the committee as circumstances dictate.
2. Two club members other than committee shall be elected by the club membership to audit accounts before presentation at Annual General Meetings.
3. The club shall consist of Combination owners only, and members wives are eligible to vote on club matters, being full members.
4. Any member being deemed of conduct detrimental to the good name of the club, shall be asked to resign.
5. A committee ruling shall be final on any matter not provided for in the club rules.
It was proposed that a meeting should be held in the "Spencer Arms" Hotel, Cawthorne, on the 25th. february at 8.00 pm., and in the meantime, 60 leaflets be printed and handed out to sidecar owners. Also, an anouncement be placed in the "Motor Cycling" magazine.
So, there you are . History being made.