It was with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of Mrs Shirley Blake just before Christmas after a short illness. Shirley together with her late husband Ken had participated in Veteran and Vintage Motorcycle events for almost 60 years.
Shirley first rode a 1908 Veteran Triumph in the 1959 Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Run and her last major event was the ADAC Ibbenburen Oldtimer Rallye in Germany in 2015 when she was 85 years old riding her 1926 TT Replica Cotton. Shirley and Ken were long time members of the VMCC, Sunbeam MCC, Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists and were well known in the Veteran and Vintage Motorcycling fraternity, riding the Pioneer, Banbury, Graham Walker, Goodwood Festival of Speed (by personal invitation of Lord March) amongst many events over the years. Shirley was a fearless rider who enjoyed riding a multitude of immaculate and interesting machinery during her near 60 riding years.
We have fond memories of her enthusiastically riding one of her beloved N.U.T. V twins on runs and not being afraid to stretch it’s legs much to Ken’s amusement. Ken was not so amused when Shirley bested him in VMCC Banbury Run time trials though. Shirley and Ken supported the V&V Section from its inception until age caught up with them and they hung up their gloves and riding gear. There will be a Celebration of Shirley’s life on Monday 13th February at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Stanfield Rd, Poole BH12 3HR. Please confirm attendance via this webpage or by contacting a Section Official so that Shirley’s family can make the necessary catering arrangements.
Our thoughts are with Shirley’s family at this difficult time and God’s speed Shirley, it was a pleasure riding with you and we hope to again someday.
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