for

·         Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department September 1974 ~ April 2000

·         Retired at Rank of Lieutenant last Position held was Watch Commander

·         Consultant – Facilities Compliance Inspector Utah Sheriff’s Association 1995 ~ present

·         Blue Knight since 1994

·         Chapter Vice President 1996 ~ 1999

·         Chapter President 2000 ~ 2003

·         Chapter President 2006 ~ 2007

·         Life Member American Motorcyclist Association

·         Ride an average 15,000 miles a year to Blue Knight and other events on two Continents.

·         Mug shot courtesy of Blue Knights Austria I
·         I want to work for you the members and I would appreciate your support come December.·        
It matters not what you ride Only that you ride. So “Ride with Pride”. ‘Large’

Best wishes to you James, and hope to see you at an event soon.

International Elections. Please don't forget to vote!

Biking is a basic form of transport. We get wet in the rain, and warm in the sun. We live a journey, we don’t just travel. Redmire is a bit like that. 

There is always some pressure to book a good hotel when all that is really required is a comfy bed and a shower in the morning. Well, despite the pressure for luxury there are still a few Blue Knights in the UK who enjoy the simple life, and we go to Redmire, year after year.
Redmire more than compensates for the lack of chintz. Being wrapped around a bottle of malt in front of a log fire is just one. Deep in Wensleydale the riding is glorious, and as those who have been there will tell you, the breakfasts are legendary. Classic English breakfasts, stacks of bacon and sausage added to black puddings, beans and eggs with stacks of toast, marmalade and tea. Then add the laughter and you’ll soon be ready to ride.  The old railway station had a few visitors this year, travelling on the scenic Wensleydale railway, well, one train pulled up and the poor users of public transport could see us inside chomping.
On Friday night Dave Knight, Dick and Co had arranged a meal at the Wyville Arms, which may have been a repeat of previous Redmires, but climbing to the top of that classic Steak pie has many attractions to one member of England V. Were we full? Yes we were! Even someone from the US would be impressed. We slumped in front of the fire when we got back and listened to it crackle as we sipped.  
Saturday was dry to everyone’s surprise. I rode out with Phil Matthews and Dick Greaves and Dick took us down some brilliant roads, roads he knows so well now he lives in Yorkshire. The ride got us to food, in Whitby, where it is said by some the fish and chips are the best in the world, and they aren’t half bad either! There was a re-enactment going on around the town, with ‘soldiers’ from all nations who fought in the second world war and it all definitely added to the day, as we strolled around tapping tin helmets.  
A swift ride back took us to Teresa’s lasagne, and a few glasses of wine at the station, followed by a stroll down to the village to sample a glass of beer in a traditional country pub. Somehow you sleep better in the country, perhaps it’s the silence or the dark or a stomach full of grub and the mellow heat from that fire….. 
Redmire isn’t a big event and it is very inexpensive. Unusually you can stay the whole week too. What it is, is a lovely weekend which offers some of the best riding in the country and super company, dry stone fences and spectacular views seen from pretty good tarmac to tease the tyres. It will be running in 2009. Just a thought.

Harry Shaw

0% Finance

Buying a new suit?

St George's Day Bike Blessing and Parade

Blue Knights European Newsletter

" My fellow Knights, The second issue of the European Newsletter is coming. But I can only do this with YOUR help. Seeing the season is starting, I guess it won’t be a big problem to send in an article. I await your contributions by the end of March. Till then?

Roelandt Ronald 'Snelle Eddy' Secretary / Press & PR-Officer Blue Knights Belgium VII European editor

"If you have a few words about your activities or places to recommend, They would be appreciated!

Richard must be ill.

In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties, the North Wales Police Driving School is offering motorcycle courses to members of the public.

The training will be provided by police advanced motorcycle instructors, who are also registered with the Driving Standards Agency to provide post test motorcycle training.

Courses will be designed to meet the needs of individual students and will be based on `Motorcycle Roadcraft' and the Highway Code.

Those that successfully complete the course will qualify for a possible discount of between 15 to 17% from major insurance companies.

The course is available to those who have passed their test and wish to develop their riding skills further.

One and two day courses or a week's course are being offered and are available on the following dates:

17th to 20th March
2nd to 4th April
28th April to 2nd May

The course can be offered on a one to one basis with the instructor, or groups of up to three people can also take part.

Statistics show that Motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable of road users and the course is designed to enhance riding skills, thereby reducing the risks associated with motorcycling.

Anybody interested in enrolling on one of the courses or anyone wanting further information should contact Wendy Lloyd on 01745 539092 or e-mail: wendy.lloyd@north-wales.police.uk

Tax Evasion

We told you we had complained about the report of the Public Accounts Committee. Well, The Chair, Edward Leigh MP has actually apologised to motorcyclists. Of course, it isn't their fault. It's another department's.... Wonder if they'll tell us about the explanation? Could do with a laugh, but we still don't understand how ANY form of calculation by someone over eight years old could make the evasion they alleged was occurring.

Committee of Public Accounts

Select Committee Press Notice

 EVASION OF VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY 

STATEMENT FROM EDWARD LEIGH MP 

Edward Leigh MP, Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, today said:

I apologize to motorcyclists and wish to offer an explanation. They have been concerned over the Public Accounts Committee findings (published in January 2008) on evasion of road tax in 2006-07 which were based on national statistics provided by the Department for Transport. The Department did not, however, give us all of the information we needed. It did not make the Committee aware at our hearing last year that a new, more accurate methodology was already being used to produce estimates of rates of road tax evasion for the year 2007-08, nor that it could have implications for the accuracy of the previous year's estimates upon which the Committee had to rely.

I am writing to the Department to seek an explanation. 

Notes for Editors

Contact details for requests for further comment from Mr Edward Leigh are provided below. ISDN facilities are available for broadcasting purposes.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Hedia Enquiries: Alex Paterson, 0207 219 1589, 07917 488 488, patersona@parliament.uk
Specific Committee Information:  Email: pubaccom@parliament.uk; Tel: 020 7219 5708;
Committee Website: www.parliament.uk/pac
Watch committees and parliamentary debates online:  www.parliamentlive.tv  
Publications / Reports / Reference Material: Copies of all select committee reports are available from the Parliamentary Bookshop (12 Bridge St, Westminster, 020 7219 3890) or the Stationery Office (0845 7023474).  Committee reports, press releases, evidence transcripts, Bills; research papers, a directory of MPs, plus Hansard (from 8am daily) and much more, can be found on www.parliament.uk

International Elections

 There is an election coming, for the International President and Vice President. Many of you will know , but some won't, that there has been a little controversy caused by the board of the club during the past year.
At least one chapter in the USA resigned en masse. Long standing members were required to resign because they didn't quite fit the criteria of the club. Some will say their actions in enforcing the rules were correct, and others that the two were deliberately trying to make the club, in effect, Police only.
We would encourage all of you to find out from your chapter boards what has happened, and mostly use your vote (wisely). Those tasked with keeping you informed what happens on the International Board have made little or no comment, and this may be the correct course of action because others have spoken out strongly.
 Are we a loose confederation of motorcycle clubs, or a unique and marvelous International organisation? Ask and you will be told, (We hope)

I ask you all to consider putting yourself in the position that so many of us have been in and volunteer to have your information placed on the list. I remind you that it will be for fellow Blue Knights use only, kept on our secure server and that home addresses will not be needed. Only your name, general location, contact phone numbers and services that you can provide for a fellow BK are needed.

Help make the RAP a reality. Please complete the form and mail or e-mail it at your earliest possible convenience. The success of this program depends on you and your willingness to help other Blue Knights. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

The form has been sent to all chapter members on the BKENGV mailing list!

St George's Day Bike Blessing and Parade

The first North West St. George's Day Bike Blessing and Parade takes place in the village of Dunham Town in Cheshire.

Bikes of all shapes and sizes and of all makes and models will parade through the village past the church to be blessed at the start of another riding season. This is an open event for all motorcyclists. Costumes of a St. George's day theme are encouraged.
 

Prizes for best dressed bike, best dressed knight and best dressed dragon.

Motorcycle clubs and from across the North of England will be attending this original event the first of it's kind in UK. (Bike Blessings are very much de rigeur among bikers in the US). A large group will be riding to the bike blessing from Harley Davidson Manchester in Stockport.
 

The local church will present all bikers present with a unique `Biker Prayer'. The church will be open to light memoriam candles for members of the motorcycling community. Church ladies will provide refreshments in the village hall.
 

New Year's Honour for a Blue Knight

France Rally is go!

Older than Methuselah

If you fancy it, then contact Tom Elliott. He and Peter are going. In 2008.

Speed Ferries.

Need a Drink?

Many of us will never drink at all when riding. Most of us will only have a pint, or a couple of glasses of wine. All perfectly legal, and now we see the results. There is much less drinking and driving, and a great deal of common sense shown by drivers and riders. Official figures show that there remains just a hard core of drinkers who ignore the 80 mg rule. Those arrested these days are usually well over the limit, more often than not two or three times over the limit. Rat-legged in fact.
So the limit works well you might think, because only the stupid refuse to obey the law. We predict, however, that the limit in England will be reduced to 50 mg in the next couple of years. Make no mistake. This is more to do with harmonisation across Europe than road safety, yet the DoT, and the many hysterical unelected organisations who spend their lives campaigning against motor vehicles, will reduce the limit here. 'Common Sense' no longer applies because those shouting loudest have vested interests.  Be warned. The news that Ireland has gone down the 50 mg line is sad. One more example of politicians interfering where it isn't necessary.

Mark Harrington is a computer consultant who has to work in London. He rides a bike. He pulled up on a single white line in Lambeth, to put on his hi-Vis Jacket and sunglasses, without noticing a 'No Loading' sign. He never left the bike, and it is accepted he was  stationary for just one minute. This hasn't stopped some brainless power crazed bike hating twit in the camera control room from issuing a £60 penalty. His stupidity has since been compounded by a pedant who states he was stopped so the ticket stands...
The council blithely say they 'encourage people to appeal and would urge Mr Harrington to do so' Well you superannuated fascists, you are expected to think. Think before opening your mouth and coming out with stupid comments such as that one. We wonder if they want the courts cluttered up with public employees who are incredibly pedantic and fundamentally stupid. How dare they attempt to frighten off legitimate complaints with expensive appeal procedures, instead of dealing with the individuals responsible using their discipline procedures? What kind of offensive siege mentality do these people have?

How dare they? Lambeth Council Stupidity

Catherine Corbett is fighting for her life in hospital because a thieving scumbag deliberately ran over her while she was trying to arrest him. Our condolences and good wishes go to her family, and colleagues. The only bright light is the fact that the man who attacked her has been tracked down and arrested within 24 hours.

You may also recall our report on Sharon Beshinsky, the Yorkshire lass shot by armed robbers raiding a Post Office.  It was delightful to see reported that the third man, who escaped back to his own Somalia, has been tracked down and brought back to face trial.

A Proper Sentence?

Breast Awareness Ride

This event was a HUGE success. The Day was planned in two halves.  The First half being a full days riding,(180 miles) where riders could peel away or join us along the route as they pleased.The route was a figure of 'eight'to symbolise a pair of ladies boobs!! and our chapter number. All bikes were decorated in pink ribbons, ladies bras and pink fluffy decorations. The riders too wore pink including the local Harley Club wearing pink ladies knickers!! The second half of the day was the 'social' event in the evening at 'The Vic Bikers Pub' in Coalville, where we were entertained by two 'Live' bands until 1am. The bands were awesome, they really put the final polish on the days events.

56 bikes assembled at Leics Police HQ. where tea/coffee was made available upon arrival. Many local bike clubs had seen our posters in the many motorcycle outlets. We had various bikes join us from side cars, to a 1934 AJS!! which kept up too!! After a welcome address, safety brief, and detailed instructions on how the second man drop off worked!! I broke the news to those present that I had managed to secure two suprises for them. I had been successful in arranging one lap of Donington Park Race Circuit and three laps of Mallory Park Race Circuit during the morning loop of the ride. 

The first loop took us through the city onto some 'B' and unclassified roads for our first tea stop at a lovely pub. The bikers soon picked up on how the second man drop off worked, this was the talking point for most of the morning!! all beng impressed on how it worked. The land lady kindly threw a nice donation into our bucket as we were leaving, the collecting bucket was closely guarded by Jill all day!! After the laps around the two race tracks we stopped for dinner. I understand to ride around both race circuits in one day has never been achieved before so those present have one up on most riders and Valentino Rossi !! 

The group stayed together for the whole mornings ride of a distance of 79 miles. Everyone worked well no bikes were lost and everyone rode for each other. Most riders then left the event leaving just 11 bikes for the second loop. I received many kind comments on the mornings events, with most folks leaving thinking the Blue Knights are wonderful people....well we are aren't we!! 

After lunch we refueled and rode to the second leg of the journey to Rutland, we rode along the M1 to make some progress and catch up on lost time (55 folks eating and refueling took longer than I had planned - debrief point here LOL!!) As we came off the M1, one junction was not marked sending 3 bikers into the oblivion known as Leicester!! one rider who marked the next junction waited for an eternity (well done Jill) where the lost riders found her and we all continued on our way. We rode to the south of the County into Rutland and around Rutland Water just as it was getting dark. On the return phase to Leicester it began raining but did not dampen the riders spirits. 

Most riders from during the day returned to 'The Vic' where over a few pints and we all spoke about the days events and shared stories. The ride made £345, the social event made £132 and we made a further £57 from selling pink wrist bands and pins making a total of £534 for Breast Cancer Research from this event. I have had dozens of emails, texts from local bikers and clubs thanking us for the whole day and evenings event. Although there was only a 'sprinkling' of Blue Knights that attended, the day went well, many thanks to those Blue Knights who were able to support it, for those who couldn't make it, you missed a wonderful day out.

Thanks from Alan Morris Pres Eng VIII

Play in a band?

Trevor Rose reckons he can sing a bit! He is looking to get a band going. The plan is to pay for charity, soft rock anthems and the like, classics which can lift any event delivered with true BK style. Contact him now! "(He's England 8 for the uninitiated!)

Many thanks to all who turned out on a damp Sunday morning. We were8 bikes and 10 persons, from 3 chapters (England 5, 12 and 15). We rode across the Pennine Hills, criss-crossing the M62 Motorway over and under Saddleworth Moor for about 30 miles. This can be treacherous at this time of year, what with lots of fallen leaves, wet and slippery corners on 60 MPH narrow country roads, many of which are also subject to diesel spills.
This was a leisurely ride, and with one or two riders who were recent returnees to biking after a long lay-off, it was always planned and billed as a "leave your knee sliders at home" ride out. We met Bob and his son Andy (England 12) at Huddersfield in Yorkshire, fuelled up, and continued on the country lane theme as Bob took over the lead. We passed Emley Moor TV transmitter tower which is Britain's tallest freestanding structure at 330Metres (1084 Ft) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emley_Moor
Bob's better half Pam had kindly laboured away in their kitchen, preparing sandwiches of bacon and sausage, along with much tea and coffee, all of which disappeared in record time as we descended upon Chez Sparks like a plague of Gore-Tex clad locusts. Thanks Pam! 

After refreshments, we continued on our journey through Yorkshire, and, as the roads had begun to dry, and the traffic thinned out, our road speed increased to a more energetic pace. We arrived at RAF Elvington about an hour later, after travelling through many picturesque villages, and some not so picturesque industrial areas that so often spring up on the sites of former traditional industrial areas (Yorkshire was famous for its now defunct mining),  and were met by Cyril, (just Cyril!) who kindly relieved us of our £3 entrance fee, and guided us to the parking lot. 

( However, sadly for Bob, someone had removed the brown "historic monument" type roadsign at the entrance to the base, and, as he was leading, everyone continued to follow him as he shot past the turning at 60MPH, oblivious to me signaling like mad at the back because I knew where the place was . So we nearly missed the point of the rideout.  Ho hum, history repeats itself, eh, Bob? LOL!) Elvington is a fully restored WW2 heavy bomber base, which was then handed over to the French, and latterly the US who modified it, but never actually used it. It was decommissioned in 1992, and has since become the Yorkshire Air Museum http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/index.asp It also has a very strong affinity with Canada, as many Canadian Airmen served here, and it was the home of RCAF units for most of the War, and afterwards. There are many interesting exhibits, and the " staff" are more or less all gentlemen of a certain age, who will regale you with their tales all day, especially the lovely old chap who sits in the Dakota all day. Did you know................well, I do now......! 

My wife managed to stifle yawns all afternoon, and agree that "that's interesting, dear" as I gawped at the Tornados, the Victor, the Buccaneers and the fantastic "Friday the 13th" Halifax heavy bomber. EEeeee, it were just like being a kid again. Wet afternoons in the 1960's with  Airfix kits  and a Dad who served in the RAF during the war had a lot to answer for, but all agreed that it had been a fine day out in Autumn in England. 

After a couple of hours sauntering round the many fascinating exhibits ( well, they were to us lads! )we each made our own way home, some in small groups, some alone with other destinations. With the likes of Sam Johnson coming up from Cheshire on his VFR, and Bill Hedley all the way from Warrington showing us a clean pair of heels on his 1955 Series B Rapide Vincent, it was a great testament to the aim of this club, getting out and riding our bikes in a spirit of harmony. Thanks to all those who took part, and see you all soon. Roll on the next riding season ,as this one has been a hoot.

Elvington Swings!

Going to France? Be warned! This is what happens when you hear too much Belgian singing! England V member Harry Shaw and England 15 member Joe Vaiders leading "Swing Low" with all the actions. Standing behind them is Andy Redhead from England 3. who when he had removed the burning napkins from his ears, took a very full part! Oh, and yes, you were correct. The photo is from a long time ago! No-one in the chapter has hair that dark any more!

Another one of those pictures for the archives!

Although Peter Pan stayed on in Dunquerque the others are now back home and in one piece, with the bruises as prizes and a story to tell. What a sad end to a spectacular rally. We have received a further invitation from our Polish Knights though, to a trip to Chech in October. You can fly to Katowice and the Polish members will collect you and take you to their hotel in the Chech Republic in addition to spoiling you! If you have the time and just a little cash (Its a cheap one!) then get in touch with Harry Shaw who got the original invitation.

Members Down!

Members Down!

On the way back from Poland our oldest member, Peter Pan went down in Dunquerque, in grand style. Howard and Jez were with him on the trip to Poland, and all three went down, with two of the bikes at least in a serious mess.
Pete has ended up with a broken tibia and fibia, and he has been operated on in the French hospital. We'll keep you informed but please feel free to send a note to all of the guys, so that they will get it on their return to the UK.

The editorial team would like to offer our congratulations to Secretary Andy Steel, whose magnificent effort on behalf of the NSPCC's Big Bike Ride raised more than £2000.
The NSPCC is now linked with Childline, and there can be few more worthy charities to support. Their work is magnificent and they will make great use of the money the Ride made. We have to say though that it was mainly due to the magnificent effort of Blue Knights all around the country that made the ride possible. Ask Neil Brettell about his sopping wet grundies, taken, washed and dried by a brave and resourceful Mrs. Pinfold of England 2!

NSPCC

The International Convention was one of the best this year, meeting old friends and making new ones. Free beer and a visit to the Harley Powertrain factory were, in turn, welcome and interesting.
An album is being prepared here, on line, (see the Pictures Page) and we will see a detailed report on the visit in John Radcliffe's "The Blue Vest"
Typical of the hospitality of Blue Knights was the trip by Andy Steel, Harry Shaw and Peter Wardle  to the famous "Wrigley Field" where we became, for a short while, part of what at Manchester United know as the "Prawn Sandwich" set....  Fan bloody tastic!

The guys are seen here with former President Dave Lee (now in Illinois 11, Pony Moore, of England 4 and Gary Pizer of New York 1

We still haven't had a report on the great BBQ put on by Peter and Olivia Dowling! We have heard it was a great little bash, so please let us have some words someone!

Dowlings' Dinners!

She said Jon was "a caring person who always had time for others, a man with a fantastic sense of humour". Pc Henry's sister Georgina Brock visited the town's war memorial to see the floral tributes left by the people of Luton. "Something like this make you realise that not everybody is a bad person," she said.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of  Luton police officer Jonathan Henry.