"Shine on Bobby - you will never be forgotten"

Alex Gore • Published 3 Aug 2008 16:00 0 Comments

THE parents of Bobby Alston, tragically killed in an accident in June, have ensured his name lives on among members of the motorbike fraternity who shared his passion.

Jim and Tina Alston presented the Bobby Alston Memorial Trophy to the winner of the best international category at the annual Berkshire Triumph Motorcycle Club convention at Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green.

The award is a special tribute to Bobby, who was passionate about foreign motorcycles, and went to Steve Parks from Middlesex for his 1943 Harley Davidson.

Mr Alston, from Caversham Park Village, said: "Bobby had come to this convention every year since 1999 and really enjoyed them because they really are great events.

"He didn't have a lot to do with British bikes and would always joke that they were rubbish, but at events like these he would always come back with a smile on his face.

"He owned six bikes and four of them were Hondas. There wasn't a 'best international' trophy for this event, so it just knitted perfectly together.

"We decided to purchase the trophy and I think it's a lovely and very fitting way to remember Bobby. He used to love this event."

Surveying the crowds, Mr Alston observed: "People are just walking around and talking to each other, even though most of them don't know each other. They are just brought together by their love of motorbikes."

Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to the convention, which mainly promoted the British made Triumphs, and culminated in the presentation of various plaques and trophies across a range of categories.

Among the winners were Aron Lane from Tilehurst, who won the Best Classic Triumph for his 1961 TR6R, and Woodley's Barry Sykes, who took the Best British Motorcycle accolade with his 1975 850 Norton Commando.

Steve Beckingham from Whitley, whose 1955 Triumph T100 won the Best In Show category, said: "It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true.

"When you build the bike it's everything you hope for. It's been a great day and I'm so happy to have won this trophy."

One of the convention's biggest stars was Glenn Roberts, from Spencers Wood, who attracted large crowds every time he simply fired up his 1974 Triumph T150 with its Harris Trident Grand Prix chassis.

He said: "I built the engine in 1974 out of spare parts and raced it until 1978 when I sold it. I then bought it back in 2000.

"I had help building the engine from Norman Hide, who used to manage the Triumph race team in the 70s.

"We took it from a 750 to a 900 and, as you just heard, it still sounds fantastic.

"I bring it every year. It's always a nice day and it's very interesting to see all the different bikes and hear their stories."

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 31 Jul 08

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