Background:
The first branch of
VCB (North West London) was formed in May 1952 by the late Bill Bond. By 1957
he had established an office in Finchley Road, London with a Secretary, the
late Doreen Behan, a Book keeper, Janet Jones, an Assistant General
Secretary, Margaret Farquhar and himself as General Secretary. Claude
McCormak, the Managing Director of Douglas (Kingswood) Ltd was President.
In 1961 there were 13
regions and 140 branches. Bill Bond became President, Claude McCormak became
Patron, Gerald Newton became General Secretary.
By this time there were
Annual EuroVespa rallies, and an annual European Regularity Championship.
Britain was host for the 1960 event in Cheltenham. VCB. organised annual
National rallies, regions or clubs organised their own rallies. The Isle of
Man Scooter week brought fame to some members.
By the end of 1961
economies were being made, Finchley Road Vespa depot closed and was
transferred to the Douglas works at Bristol. David Pullom became
General Secretary.
The late Eric Brockway
became President in 1964, in 1965 David Pullom resigned and the late Ian Kirkpatrick
of Glasgow Vespa Club became General Secretary. That year Douglas ceased
Vespa production in the UK and imported from Italy. By 1966 membership
began to fall in keeping with social changes. Bill Bond passed away. In 1968
Eric Brockway became President and Charles Caswell Vice President.
VCB became self
supporting in 1970. Ian Kirkpatrick was no longer General Secretary.
Charles Caswell took on this role running the club from home.
During the 70's and
80's the club continued to organise rallies and events. In 1991 Clive Mills
became General Secretary. In 1994 Eric Brockway died, in 1995 Charles
Caswell replaced him as President. Margaret Farquhar & Leslie Smith became
Vice Presidents.
In latter years club
membership dwindled but recent increases, in keeping with the renewed
interest in classic and auto scootering is prompting a revival. Today the
club is actively promoting itself and is successfully gaining members
with both geared and auto scooters from the Piaggio stable.
Herts Beds
Club
