Reading the ‘for sale’ column recently tempted PUB mightily, because whoever it was that advertised a lovely little CottonPython (ie. Rudge engine) reminded her of a much missed 250, with its fully radial 4-valve engine. It was not in good condition (no money available in those days), but was nevertheless a bike she should never have let go (sigh). But space was ever a problem, as it remains – which is why PUB has not made on offer for this one. Sigh again.
This time of year brings the Stafford show, and PUB had not been to a classic show for what seemed ages, and needed to look for a few things anyway. They are mostly unobtainium for which her hopes have waned, so the probability of straining that non-existent space is minimal. This year she had to go on the Saturday – better for the autojumble but a less interesting part of the auction – because Sunday was reserved for AJS Mary's birthday (one of the special ones), and inspection of her new purchase – which will no doubt feature in the future as it ‘requires work’.
Naturally on arrival at Stafford a beeline was made for the outside jumble, but with little useful result. There wasthought so too and it was already sold (a similar bike in the auction fetched £5980). Inside there was further jumble but little more success, although she did find a lever and bought a chain. Then there were all the club stands to look over. One special bike was the Norton ‘Flying Fish’ from the Sammy Miller museum, once campaigned by Ray Amm (although only after the ACU had been convinced by some calculations that it would prove safe in construction, according to one article). Sammy was in residence chatting and signing museum books too.
