Back in about 1983 I was temporarily living in Shropshire, and had been co-opted into running the village Youth Club. They were a really nice bunch of 'youths', and along with a friend we decided to send a group of them on an 'outward bound' adventure holiday in Bavaria, Germany.
I had raised the money, selected the group of youths, and all that remained was to rent a Minibus and find a driver. I just happened to mention this to one of my cleaners, and she immediately said "My husband would do that".
The following day I went to see him to explain all that it would entail, how much money he'd have to play with, and where we'd arranged for the kids to go. As I approached his house, I saw a strange object on the top of his garage. It looked like some type of rocket.
I asked him what it was and he said it was a racing motorbike sidecar.
It seemed that in his younger days he'd been a champion sidecar racer, winning cups and medals all over the world. Once indoors the extent of his winnings was obvious. There were trophies and photos (similar to the above) everywhere.
The strange thing was that no-one knew about this talent. He said "Oh it's all in the past, I don't mention it to anyone". Later I made sure that people DID know.
The youths had a fabulous time in Germany, and when they returned there was even some money left over which I returned to Shropshire County Council who had funded me.
Not long after, I completed my one year term of office, and I resigned. I'd done my bit; and so had my Minivan driver, who's name sadly I cannot remember.
I don't suppose that would be allowed these days without having all the police checks and risk assessments etc.
ReplyDeleteQuite probably not. We just DID IT, and they all had a great experience.
DeleteSounds the perfect person to ensure they all enjoyed the whole trip. As they say 'it's not what you know, but who you know'
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what stories lie behind certain people that one never hears about. Had I not spotted that object on top of his garage I would never have known.
DeleteResearch tells me that the true reason for your "resignation" was that the Shropshire youths had sown their wild oats in Bavaria and several paternity suits were pending. "The Shropshire Star" (April 1st 1983) "YOUTH LEADER DISMISSED FOLLOWING BAVARIAN ORGY"
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember that we sent 8 youths in all; 4 boys and 4 girls. On reflection it was lucky that no 'accidents' happened!
DeleteMy bet is that many of them still talk about the experience.
ReplyDeleteI hope so. It was a first for the village, and quite possibly the last.
DeleteYour youth trip to Bavaria sounds like a wonderful adventure. Raising the funds added to the effort. Finding a Minibus driver was a stroke of luck. The fact that there were no incidents is a big plus.
ReplyDeleteYes, when I think back it probably was a risk. Thing were different then!
DeleteIt's fascinating finding out about other people's lives sometimes. So many have untold stories.
ReplyDeleteYou both arranged such a wonderful trip for those boys. Well done
Yes, they all had a great time. The Driver (I think he was a Mr Evans) was a great guy, and to discover his amazing past was a bonus.
DeleteAn experience for the 'youth' that I am sure they never forgot. Being trusted to go on such a venture is enormously important to them.
ReplyDeleteFor most of them it was their first time abroad too.
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