A Classic Day at Crich Tramway

A 1922 BSA won the hearts and minds of the judges and public at last month’s Classic Motorcycle Day at Crich Tramway Village. The Model A is owned by John Shepherd and was awarded the trophy for the Best Pre-War Motorcycle – and then was paid the highest compliment possible by the visitors to the event who also voted for it to be the Best In Show. Owner John should be delighted!

This was the seventh Classic Motorcycle Day at Crich, located near Matlock in Derbyshire. More than 300 classic bikes and scooters were booked in to the displays for the day, grouped together by marque or type, and arranged throughout the cobbled streets of the heritage centre.

The Tramway overlooks the Derwent Valley and really gives you a feel of what life was like in days gone by. Visitors could take a ride on one of the beautifully restored vintage trams past the traditional pub, café and an interesting museum. More than a thousand visitors came along to enjoy the day and admire the assembled old bikes – some sparkling and obviously just restored, others wearing their miles with pride.

Hosted by the Tramway Village, the day is jointly organised by the Vincent HRD Owners Club (East Midlands section) and depends upon the efforts of all its volunteer marshals. As a charitable trust, the Tramway Village endured tough times through the pandemic and is gradually recovering thanks to the support of the public and sponsors at events like this one.

For example, the cost of many of the trophies, exhibitor badges and such are kindly covered by Derwent Waste Management. A new trophy – for the Best Italian Motorcycle – was sponsored by Core Motorcycles, the upholstery specialist. That meant there were eight trophies in total to be awarded, and these included:

Best British Motorcycle: the Royal Enfield Constellation owned by Richard Platts
Best International Motorcycle: an Adler MB200 owned by Trevor Holmes
Best Italian Motorcycle: a Benelli 304 owned by Clive Steemson
Best Japanese Motorcycle: a Yamaha XS1 owned by Nick Bettney
Best Original Motorcycle: a 1925 AJS owned by Allan Green
Best Scooter: a Lambretta owned by A Batchelder

Plus of course the BSA Model A went home with two trophies to its credit!

Although the weather was ‘typically British’ that didn’t prevent everyone enjoying themselves – and all that the Tramway Village has to offer which even included live music on this occasion. Planning for the 2024 event has already begun. Exhibitors from further afield would be very welcome – you could make a week of it and enjoy more of the stunning scenery around Buxton, Matlock and the Peak District. Exhibitor booking opens in early 2024, and regular updates about the event are posted on its Facebook page.

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Words by Jon Lambley / photos by Doug Leman