THE FOUNDER: Charles Edmund “Titch” Allen OBE, BEM 1915-2010

After lunch, 'Titch' Allen, who had been the promoter of this meeting, took the chair and outlined his ideas. His main objective was to promote the use and preservation of 'Vintage' machines and from his vision, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club was formed.

Initially, membership was restricted to owners of motorcycles manufactured prior to 31st December 1930, solos or sidecars, but not three-wheelers, and the idea that someone without a motorcycle should be able to join provided that they acquired a suitable motorcycle within six months was firmly rejected. It was hoped that the Club's activities would include Rallies, Hill Climbs, Trials, a Workshop and Museum, a Library, a Sales and Wants system for spares and motorcycles, Insurance for difficult cases, a free of charge Bulletin and an Annual Dinner. As the years have passed by, many of the activities envisaged on that day have materialised and are now accepted as the 'norm' by VMCC members. Without the vision of those Founder Members of the Club, motorcycling history would not have been preserved. Membership today stands at over 12,000 - but this has been achieved without losing any of the camaraderie or helpfulness usually associated with smaller clubs.

Today the club is open to members with or without machines, it encompasses any motorcycle over 25 years old on an annual rolling basis and includes three-wheelers. This ensures that each year new and exciting machines become eligible for events and rides, although some, such as the famous Banbury Run, are still limited to specific ages and classes of machine at the discretion of the organiser.

THE FOUNDER Charles Edmund “Titch” Allen OBE, BEM 1915-2010