Classic bikes a hit with older residents

Leisure and Wellness Coordinator Shannon Roughan and resident Betty Frampton admire the bikes

You don’t usually associate senior citizens with motor bikes, but residents at Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge at Bateau Bay were thrilled when the Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Club displayed 15 historic bikes at the Lodge recently as part of the NSW Seniors’ Festival.

Motorcycle Club President Peter Redman said the 15 bikes, supplied by club members, were all more than 30 years old.

“There were bikes ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s and (we also had) a motorbike and sidecar,” he said.

“I think the old British Bikes, like the Triumph and BSA, were the most popular because they are bikes residents can relate to.

“(There were) also some BMWs and some Japanese bikes.

“Our Club has been going since 1983 as a branch of the Classic & Enthusiasts Motor Cycle Club of NSW, and in 1987 we formed our stand alone club, Central Coast Classic Motor Cycle Club.

“The aim of the club is to provide an association for people interested in the preservation, restoration and use of historic motorcycles, which are 30 years old and older.

“At present we have 175 members and hold monthly meeting and club organized rides.”

Pearl Bastow and Joel Nouws enjoy the display

Uniting Leisure and Wellness Coordinator Shannon Roughan said a range of exciting activities had been organised for residents to celebrate the Seniors Festival.

“Not only fun activities, such as our classic bike show, our kindi farm and mocktail afternoon, but also some more serious stuff as well, such as having the SES to come by to speak about storm and flooding safety and how to handle bush fire season,” she said.

“Ultimately we were hoping to get important information to our residents for their wellbeing and show them that they are our number one priority.

“We were hoping to bring joy and happiness to our residents with something different.”

Terry Collins