While there may be no mention of motorcycles in any account of the Battle of Hastings, in recent years there has been a classic motorcycle show aspart of Hastings Week, afestival where the town marks the anniversary of that decisive conflict with various events.
As part of the week’s grand finale, the bikes line up on The Stade, an area on the seafront of the Old Town with the background of the East Cliff and the famous Hastings fishermen’s sheds.
Held on October 19, 2019, the event suffered unwelcome rain, but still saw more than80 machines in attendance, most from the postwar classic era.
The mayor of Hastings chose the winning entry and Vic Laidlaw was pleased to receive the award for his 1930s 500cc Ariel Red Hunter.
Acquired as a near-hopeless wreck, a comprehensive rebuild included reinstating the twin-port cylinder head. Once completed the bike has travelled many miles, including continental touring.
Alan Turner.
Read more News and Features in the January 2020 issue of The Classic Motorcycle –on sale now!
