A priory appointment

It may be months before the International West Kent Run, but every year, January is but a couple of days old before the eponymous Vintage MCC section has received a full quota of entries. Miss it, and there’s a slim second chance with a waiting list for places should someone later withdraw an entry.

This year, the mix of entrants at the event over August 1-5, was much as before, with around 60 riders from overseas and half of that number from the Netherlands. The programme listed some 70 pre-Second World War motorcycles. New friendships or renewing old ones is all part of the strong social element to the run and this contagious spirit pervades the long weekend. For many attendees, it’s an event that’s a highlight of the year.

This was the 35th West Kent, and also marked the 15th year that the event has been based at Aylesford. The buildings forming the