REMINISCENCES OF THE TRIUMPH MERIDEN FACTORY FOR THE EAST LANCS TOMCC

David Scrafton the Social Secretary of the East Lancs TOMCC organised a very successful Club evening for John Rosamond to present his "Reminiscences of the Triumph Meriden Factory Talk" at the excellent Haslingden Cricket Club near Blackburn venue.

36 East Lancs TOMCC members, their guests, plus invited staff from the local Triumph dealer Philip Youles Motorcycles found John's "Talk" that serves as a companion to his popular book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op very thought provoking. A high level of audience participation in the Q&A sessions ensured that a memorable evening was enjoyed by all.

The enthusiasm of the East Lancs TOMCC members and their Club Officials suggests that whilst only in their second year, they will rapidly become one of the most popular TOMCC branches in the Northern Region of England.

AUTHOR PROFILE No.12: GRAHAM ROBSON

Graham Robson is a prolific motoring historian. He began his working life as a design engineer, got involved in rallying as a hobby, began writing about motorsport soon after that, and is now one of Veloce's most published authors, with no fewer than 16 titles to his name.

Born in Yorkshire to a father who was a great motorcycle enthusiast, Graham was a grammar school boy before entering Oxford, where he studied engineering. He joined Jaguar Cars in 1957, as the first of that company's Graduate Trainees. After the obligatory time in overalls, which involved everything from making prototype body parts for new models like the XK150, and wishing he could get his hands on an early E-yype, Graham moved up to the design offices, and worked on the Mk II, E-type and Mark X.

1959 RAC Rally.

1961 RAC Rally, works Rapier, plus Peter Procter and Paddy Hopkirk.

1964 Spitfire Le Mans testing, with David Hobbs and Peter Bolton.

1967 RAC Rally, with World F1 Champion Denis Hulme + Triumph 2.5PI.
This was the time when he joined the Godiva Car Club in Coventry, where he had some success as a co-driver, and was lucky enough to meet up with Norman and Lewis Garrad of the Sunbeam works rally team, which he joined in 1961. Early successes included Team Prizes on the RAC and Monte Carlo rallies

It was during this time that Graham joined Standard-Triumph,

in Coventry, as a Development Engineer, first on Vitesse, then on TR4 projects. He was soon asked to run the re-opened works motorsport department, which he did from 1962 to 1965, during which time he conceived and helped develop the careers of the Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4s, Vitesses, Spitfires, and 2000 rally cars.

AUTOGLYM commentaries - which went on for ten years.
Own Jaguar X-Type.

I ran two Escort RS Cosworths in the mid-1990s.

In the study - a posed picture!

Home, with RS200 and wife's Escort XR3i outside, 1987.
In the meantime, Graham kept on rallying in the UK as a successful co-driver, often writing reports (for Autosport and Motoring News), which eventually led to him being invited to join Autocar magazine in its Coventry office, where he not only wrote new model analyses, but also carried out many road tests (MIRA was just up the road, near Nuneaton). It was at this time that he became fascinated by the history and heritage of the UK's famous car-makers.

Between 1965 and 1969, Graham reported on races and rallies all

around the world, including the East African Safari and the Indianapolis 500. Back then his only personal claim to fame was that he co-drove Britain's Roger Clark to victory in the Welsh International rally, but he had to stop competing in the late 1960s when he no longer seemed to have enough spare time.

Following this period, Graham was attracted back to industry,

joining the Rootes Group in Coventry (which became Chrysler UK) to run the Product Proving department. After a brief period in 1972 as Technical Director of a Carlisle-based safety belt company, he became an independent motoring writer. Since then, he has written for publications and publishers in most English-speaking countries.

In the last 40 years, Robson has lived by the pen and by the voice,

not only by writing literally thousands of features for magazines, and books for publishers in several continents, but increasingly by commentating, presenting, and organising events of all types. During this period, he rapidly became engrossed in the classic car scene, writing his first book (on the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally) as that event unfolded, as he was also acting as a travelling controller on the same event!

Over the years Graham (and some clients, it seems) discovered

that he was a fluent speaker and event organiser. He has not only completed many video commentaries, scripts, and video treatments, but has also advised radio and TV companies on their own productions, helped rescue projects abandoned by other authors, and has also carried out promotional tours for several British motor companies and their sponsors.

His first Veloce book was on the famous Ford Cortina, but many

more titles (including the renowned Rally Giants series) have followed. Although he has had to turn down many projects in the past (including the possibility of 'ghosting' more than one motorsport personality), he has published almost 160 books, with more pending. In recent years, Graham has participated as a keynote speaker and commentator for events as far flung as in North America and Australia, along with engagements at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the International Classic Motorsport Show (Race Retro), the Rally Show, the MSA Aviva Run, the Culzean Autoclassica in Scotland, the Wales Rally GB, and other major events in Britain and Northern Ireland.

Asked about his hobbies, Graham admits to a family passion for

owning British bulldogs. He loves fine wining and dining, but protests that he is still far too busy to take long holidays (they would turn into working trips, in any case). However, he also admits that he loves to travel to North America whenever possible.

Commentary at Beaulieu, in Sinclair C5. Hating it ...

Talking - Rosemary Smith and Peter Procter.

JOHN ROSAMOND'S TALK AT THE 44 CLUB

John Rosamond presenting a signed copy of his book to Social Secretary Alan Bromwich who organised the successful evening.
John Rosamond provided his “Reminiscences of the Triumph Meriden factory” talk on the evening of 20th May 2014, at The 44 Club, Wolverhampton, the Head Quarters of the B'ham & Wolverhampton Branch of the Triumph Owners Club. The talk provides an “over view” companion, to John Rosamond's popular book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The inside story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op.
As such it enables an opportunity for the audience to question the author on items of personal interest, or add to the conclusions reached in the book. On this occasion, a TOMCC member who worked in the Norton Villiers accounts department, in the early 1970's advised that Norton was in as much financial difficulty during this period, as the BSA Group. This at the time when popular opinion believed that Denis Poore the Chairman of Norton Villiers was chosen by HMG to run their refinanced and restructured Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT) Group, because he had successfully turned Norton Villiers around to profitability!

A enjoyable evening was had by one and all.

John Rosamond providing his talk for the 20 members of the B'ham & Wolverhampton TOMCC.

Click here for more info about the book.

REVIEWS ROUND-UP

What people are saying about recently published Veloce books ...

The Triumph Bonneville Bible by Peter Henshaw
The Real Way Round by Jonathan Yates
Mercedes-Benz Trucks by Colin Peck

JOHN ROSAMOND'S TALK FOR THE NORFOLK ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS (NAM)

On the evening of Thursday 19th September 2013 John Rosamond provided his popular "Reminiscences of the Meriden Triumph Factory Talk" that covers the traumatic times 1970 till 1983.

The well attended Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists event was organised by Vice Chairmen Paul Milner at the luxurious De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel, Ipswich Road, Norwich.

Rob Chandler (Chairman) led the healthy Q&A debate at the end of the talk. This tried to establish how Triumph the UK's premier motorcycle company in the 1960's went into decline and closed in 1973. This was followed by various attempts to restore the world famous brand to its former position of strength, much of which is covered by John Rosamond's book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op.

At the end of the evening John Rosamond had the great pleasure of presenting club members Richard Minkler and David McGee with their "Institute of Advanced Motorists" (I.A.M.) awards.

Click here for more info about the book.

AUTHOR PROFILE No.5: PETER HENSHAW

Author of 16 Veloce books, biker Peter Henshaw is our author profile this month. His latest book The Triumph Bonneville Bible was published last month by Veloce.

I can remember counting down the days to my 17th birthday and being able to legally drive a car, about ten years before the event. But it didn’t turn out like that. I bought a moped at 16, and that changed everything.

It was a Puch VZ50 in bright yellow, which could manage 38mph flat out. After a decade of pedal power it seemed blindingly fast. No CBT or compulsory training, of course – the examiner had stood on a Dorchester street corner and watched me wobble round the block. I remember braking on gravel on the Puch, and repenting at leisure, but I was never seriously hurt. For that I probably have to thank the RAC/ACU training scheme, in which a bunch of unpaid volunteers attempted to instil some road sense into wobbly novices. They did it to keep new riders safe and motorcycling thriving, and I’ve never said thank you. So, thank you.

At 17, I bought an old CZ 175 using cash saved from summer jobs, under the strong impression that nobody rode a moped at that advanced age. Of course, it was a laughing stock in the school bike sheds alongside the Superdreams and RD250s, but it was cheap, it was mine, and it felt fast enough. A Triumph Tiger 90 followed a couple of years later – a Honda would probably have been more sensible, but I was caught up in a welter of youthful idealism that combined patriotism with an affinity for the underdog struggles of the Meriden co-operative’s attempts to survive against all odds. Many breakdowns, and several rebuilds, but my word ... what a beautiful machine.

My employment at Haynes Publishing offered the opportunity to waste larger amounts of cash, and I did so on an ex-police Norton Interpol, the rotary-engined bike that a few forces bought in the 1980s. Actually ‘waste’ is unfair, because the Norton was a unique experience that I wouldn’t have missed for anything, though it had some odd habits. All this time, cars came and went in the background. An Austin Maxi for a while, and at least two Imps – my brother and I wrote The Inside Story of the Hillman Imp, published in 1987 – but I was never without a bike.

Redundancy led to a job with Diesel Car magazine. I’d never intended to become a journalist, but it all worked out alright. The salary was rock bottom, but I began writing books with photographer Andrew Morland, mostly about bikes or tractors. Best of all, my company transport was an Enfield Robin diesel, which I bought when I left the magazine and still own today. It cruises at 50-55mph (hitting 65-ish on the proverbial downhill), will plonk away happily all day, and gives 170-200mpg. Owning the Enfield came with an increasing awareness that we live on a planet of finite resources, and our profligate habits have got to change – the diesel is fun at 50mph and 200mpg.

I’d been an on-off reader of the old Motorcycle Sport magazine for a while, so the chance to take over as editor in 1996 was too good an opportunity to turn down. They were great days, commuting down to Cornwall every week, and riding everything from scooters to Goldwings. I went through a bit of a feet-forward scooter phase before buying an ex-road test Honda Transalp, and finally the Suzuki Gladius that’s in the garage as I write this, now approaching 50,000 miles on the clock and still going strong.

My involvement in the ill-fated Motorcycle Voyager magazine lasted until its collapse, and I’ve since learnt as a freelance writer not to put all my eggs in one basket, instead tapping out articles for magazines at home and abroad for a range of publishers. Meanwhile, the book list keeps growing, and last time I counted it was up to 50, with a good proportion of them published by Veloce. Keep buying them, and I’ll keep writing them.
Peter Henshaw

Click here to view all Veloce books by Peter Henshaw.

JOHN ROSAMOND TOMCC NORTHANTS TALK

On 7th July 2013 John Rosamond provided his "Reminiscences of the Meriden Triumph Factory Talk" for the Northants branch of the TOMCC at their headquarters meeting place The George Inn, Main Street, Wilby, Wellingborough.

The 2 hour talk that started at 8.30pm provided a good debate of what happened at the Triumph Meriden factory between the years of 1971 to 1983 and as such is an excellent "companion" to John Rosamond's Veloce book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op.

Ian Sargent and the committee of the Northants branch did a great job in organising what was accepted by all as a lively, thought provoking evening.

Click here for more info about the book.

JOHN ROSAMOND SEVERNFM RADIO INTERVIEW

Would you like to know more about John Rosamond's book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op?
If the answer is yes, you can find out more, courtesy of the Internet radio station Severn FM by listening to the author's answers to Andy Clarke's 12 questions that appear below.

1. The Triumph Bonneville is a 750cc motorcycle but what was so special about the Triumph Bonneville and Triumph motorcycles in particular?
2. What had happened to the other British makes like the Royal Enfield, Norton, Velocette, Vincent and BSA?
3. Triumph was massive in the 1960's what with Bob Dylan and Steve McQueen amongst the biggest stars of that era riding them, so what went so wrong that eventually led to a workers' co-operative being formed to carry on production?
4. When and why did you join Triumph Motorcycles? Was this before the co-operative?
5. Why a worker's co-operative and not an ordinary company?
6. There is a famous photo during the sit-in of a banner outside the factory stating "TRIUMPH STAYS AT MERIDEN WHERE THE LEGEND WAS MADE" – did that properly reflect the motivation of the workers involved in their industrial action?
7. The American market was important to Triumph before the co-operative – was it still important when the co-operative was up and running?
8. Did the co-operative have any successes and what was the public perception of the enterprise throughout the years?
9. How was the co-operative received by the business world, home and abroad?
10. What happened to the co-operative in the end?
11. What do you think the co-operative has most to be proud of, and what has it taught us?
12. Would you do such a thing again, and if you did would change anything you did in the running of the co-operative?

Of course these answers will only give you a taste of what the book is about but we are sure you will want to know more of how the Workers' Co-op survived for 8 years keeping the Triumph Bonneville in production!

Listen to the full interview below!

Click here for more info about the book.

RUGBY MAG MEMBERS TALK ABOUT THE MERIDEN TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE FACTORY

On the evening of 21st March John Rosamond, former Chairman of the Meriden Co-op, provided a talk on Triumph Motorcycles 1970-1983 for the Rugby group of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG).

Di Doyle Rugby MAG rep organised and chaired the event attended by 40 members and their friends at The Oakfield Club, Bilton Road, Rugby.

The scripted talk and Q&A sessions cover the very eventful period of John's Triumph employment at the factory when he progressed from welder in 1970 to becoming Chairman of the Board in 1977; a position he held until 1983. This is the period covered in great detail in John Rosamond's popular book Save The Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op The talk therefore acts as a companion to the book enabling detailed discussion with the author to take place.

In view of the enthusiastic success of this first talk for MAG members, John Rosamond is anticipating further interest from other branches and can be contacted via email at chris.rosamond1@googlemail.com

Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op

By John Rosamond

Written by the ex-Chairman of the workers’ board of directors of the famous Meriden co-op, this is the real story of the last bastion of British motorcycle production following the collapse of the industry. It’s also the story of a workforce’s refusal to let the Triumph Bonneville die ...

More info

A LASTING TRIBUTE TO HUGHIE HANCOX

Brand new Veloce book Triumph Production Testers’ Tales - from the Meriden Factory is reviewed in the December 2012 edition of Nacelle.

Long time Meriden worker and ace classic Triumph restorer, Hughie Hancox, describes everyday life in the Triumph Production Testing team from 1960 to 1962. A story packed with amusing anecdotes about the trials, tribulations and fun associated with testing Triumph motorcycles fresh from the production line. Includes guidance on fixing problems still found today on the 1960s models, plus previously unseen photographs of machines restored by the author. This is an intimate and entertaining account of Britain’s most famous motorcycle factory in its heyday. More info.

Sadly, Hughie Hancox passed away in August 2011 just after checking the proofs of this book.

JOHN ROSAMOND AND BILL CROSBY OPEN THE NEW "HOME OF THE TRIUMPH" BARN

On Sunday 17th June 2012 John Rosamond had the honour to join Bill Crosby, owner of the London Motorcycle Museum, to open the new "Home of Triumph" barn.



The opening was part of the fantastic annual Triumph Day at the museum. TOMCC" publicity, "ride-ins" from across the country and fabulous weather guaranteed that this Triumph Day was the biggest and best attended ever.



The Daytonnas and DJ Fly provided rocking entertainment and author of "Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op" John Rosamond gave his "Reminiscences of Meriden Factory" talk.

Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op

By John Rosamond

Written by the ex-Chairman of the workers’ board of directors of the famous Meriden co-op, this is the real story of the last bastion of British motorcycle production following the collapse of the industry. It’s also the story of a workforce’s refusal to let the Triumph Bonneville die ...

More info

REMINISCENCES OF THE MERIDEN FACTORY

On the evening of 23rd April 2012 John Rosamond provided his "Reminiscences of the Meriden Factory" talk for the Lincolnshire branch of the TOMCC.

Branch members are also known as the "Missing Links", however there was no sign of this when over 30 members packed Club HQ - The Ebrington Arms, Kirkby on Bain, Near Boston, Lincolnshire.

The talk builds on his book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op expanding further upon some of the most shocking Triumph developments. See attached picture of a very sober audience listening to what led up to the 1973 closure of the Meriden factory and Denis Poore's scrapping of the Bonneville.

John Rosamond also wishes to thank Branch Chairman Reginald (Chippy) Wood (pictured above) for his organisation of the event. Enthusiastic members purchased signed copies of John Rosamond's book at the end of the evening.

Written by the ex-Chairman of the workers’ board of directors of the famous Meriden co-op, this is the real story of the last bastion of British motorcycle production following the collapse of the industry. It’s also the story of a workforce’s refusal to let the Triumph Bonneville die ... More info.

REMINISCENCES OF THE MERIDEN FACTORY

John Rosamond gives talk for the Rother branch of the Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club.

On the evening of 18th April 2012 John Rosamond provided his "Reminiscences of the Meriden Factory" talk for a packed meeting (see above photograph) of members of the Rother branch of the TOMCC. The venue was the conference centre of the excellent Hasting's White Rock seafront hotel.

This is the first this year of a series of talks John is providing to TOMCC to help celebrate the 110 glorious years of Triumph motorcycles.

As the talk is at times "shocking", "humorous" and "thought provoking", building upon extracts from John Rosamond's Veloce book Save the Triumph Bonneville! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-op; very lively Q&A sessions took place following each section.

Enthusiastic Rotherites purchased signed copies of John's book at the end of what they said had been a very enjoyable evening.

BMCT 2012 NEWSLETTER - SAVE THE TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE EXTRACT

Click images to view full size

Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op

By John Rosamond

Written by the ex-Chairman of the workers’ board of directors of the famous Meriden co-op, this is the real story of the last bastion of British motorcycle production following the collapse of the industry. It’s also the story of a workforce’s refusal to let the Triumph Bonneville die ...

More info

110TH ANNIVERSARY BONNEVILLE T100

To commemorate the 110th anniversary, a new special edition Bonneville T100 is being launched. The new model will feature a unique anniversary crest and come in a nostalgic Brookland green/aluminium silver colour scheme. Other features include chromed grab rail, chain guard and cam cover and black mudguards.

Only 1000 of this model are being built globally with just 75 earmarked for the UK. Each one comes with a numbered plaque on the dog-bone style handlebar clamp and each one comes with a numbered certificate.

This model will be in UK dealers from April.