Bikers revved up for Calne festival

8:09am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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Thousands of bikers rode into Calne for the town's annual motorcycle meet.

More than 4,500 people flocked into the centre of Calne to catch a glimpse of female biking champion Wendy Clutterbuck, hundreds of vintage bikes and to take part in family activities on Saturday.

Organisers, Calne Rotarians, were expecting huge crowds but said they were overwhelmed with the turn out.

Chairman of the club and deputy town mayor Howard Marshall said: "Once again Calne's annual motorcycle meet was a huge success. The weather was kind, the bikes came in droves and everybody enjoyed them selves.

"By noon there was not an inch of space to park a motorcycle, and still they came, but somehow the organisers managed to fit everybody in.

"The whole day had a carnival feel to it as traders, bikers and families mixed to share activities such as archery, quad bikes or the motorcycle simulator.

"Some came just to look and admire, or just to enjoy the bands. The town centre was packed with families.

"The archery proved a big hit with the children and I saw lots of people queuing to get on the motorcycle simulator.

"The weather was wonderful, its stayed dry all day, which was a relief.

"All in all a very successful day."

Bike enthusiast Anth Edwards said: "It was a brilliant day. It is such a good chance to catch up with some old faces and get the whole town together now the meet is such a big event."

Each year the event raises money for a different charity and the Rotarians decided to donate this year's money to the Freewheelers EVS and two other local charities which are yet to be decided upon.

The EVS charity carries out out-of-hours emergency motorcycle courier service to hospitals in the South West of England.

Coun Marshall said: "We don't know how much money we have raised but we are hoping it is more than last year so we can really make a difference to these charities."

Lots more pictures in Thursday's Gazette