A motorcycle club, which in its heyday in the 1970s was the biggest in the country, is to be re-launched.

Denholme and District Motorcycle Club was kick-started at the Guide Inn in Cullingworth, last night, following two successful re-unions.

The launch is being spearheaded by biker, Paul Suckley of Keighley, one of the first members of the club who joined in 1965.

And also giving support is Stuart Feeney, of Colin Appleyard motorcycles in Keighley, who was one of the founder members in the same year.

The re-launch follows two re-unions, the last earlier this year at Keighley Rugby Union Club in Utley, when about 180 people attended.

Among them was Sue Bradley of Bradford who founded the club with her friend Pam Mist, who now lives in New Zealand.

Paul, who rode a BSA C15 in 1965 but today owns a Suzukli GSXR750, said: "A lot of people have expressed an interest in re-establishing the club - especially after the re-unions which were so successful. I've literally been pestered to start it up again.

"There's no bikers' club in Keighley area and I believe there's a lot of interest. Bikes are much more popular these days.

"I want to see the club involving all types of motorcyclists - those who ride cruisers, trail bikes, tourers and sports bikes and any others. It doesn't matter what type of bike you have, you'll be welcome," said Paul.

Throughout the summer he hoped to arrange weekly rides and possibly in the long run arrange group trips abroad. And there was a possibility of negotiating discounts on parts through dealers like Colin Appleyard.

The first meeting would be a get-to-know you event and it would be up to those present whether they wanted to keep it as a lose arrangement or set up a formal committee.

Mr Feeney said the club was originally founded in 1965 at the Black Bull, Denholme, later moving to the Lamb Inn, Oxenhope, the Wellington Hotel, Keighley and finally the Beaconsfield Club, Worth Village, Keighley, where it folded about 15 years ago.

"In the 70s and early 80s it was a hugely successful club and people travelled from miles to the meetings. It folded because they couldn't get officers to take over the running of it

"I think the time is right for its revival because motorcycling is very popular as a leisure activity," he said.

The two re-unions had been very successful and at the last event they had raised more than £400 for Manorlands, the Sue Ryder home at Oxenhope.

Anyone interested in learning more about the club should contact Mr Suckley on 07989 043909

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.