DOCGB

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It is my sad duty to report the untimely passing away of the DOC Regalia Secretary Paul Johnstone.
Paul developed a respiritory problem during December and had some hospital treatment over the Christmas period, but was taken back in again last week, since when he had undergone more tests.
Although there had been no worsening over the last week, Paul died suddenly at 5:15 am on Friday (29th January).
I can count "Jonno" as one of my best mates and had known him since we were both involved in the local branch of the Norton Owners Club in 1974. My Ducati addiction and the reliability record of my Paso was one of the major reasons for Jonno abandoning Japanese hardware for the Bolognese treasures in 2001, when he bought his ST4. He took on the DOC Regalia when it was at a low point in 2003 and has rebuilt it to a successful operation, including the DOC's first foray into electronic trading with the E-bay online shop.
Jonno was Best Man at my wedding to the current Mrs Spaggy and a regular companion during TT week, where he was responsible for organising the switch of the Mad Sunday Rally to the Creg in 2009. We last met at the hospital last Sunday, when I had promised him I'd get the first drinks at the BMF Show. I'll save it for the TT, when I can share it with all his other mates.
Paul is survived by his widow, Maria, and two daughters, Sarah and Charlotte. I will miss him as much as they will.

Spaggy.

For those who wish to show their appreciation for Paul's work on behalf of the DOC, a donation to his favourite charity, Riders for Health, would be appreciated.

Click below to be re-directed to the Riders for Health website and click on the "Donate Now" button if you wish to make a donation.

The DOC Regalia operation is on hold until we organise an interim set-up pending a new Regalia Secretary. Please direct any enquiries to Email Webmaster

Important email news

From 1st September the DOC email addresses have changed. The basic addresses remain unchanged, but the .org suffix should be changed to .net for all future correspondence. As an example the current "someone@docgb.org" address will become "someone@docgb.net" and this will apply to all docgb email adresses. The new addresses are in use from from 1st September 2009 on, but our old ones will also still be available for a short ime afterwards.

The DOC now has a space on Facebook. Click the title above to go there.

NEW PRO

We also have a new PRO, in the shape of Gavin Scott-Brooker.

Full contact details are on the Contact Us page.

DOCGB Severn Valley Rally
7th-8th-9th May 2010
The Unicorn Inn, Hampton Loade, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Tickets at £25 to include: 2 nights camping, Saturday ride-out,
BBQ / Buffet, & Entertainment. B&B available at the Inn
Contacts for further info:
Kevin Baker Mob: 07971 972866 - Home: 01384 868844 or
Richard Curzon Mob: 07853 261054 Home: 01562 864591
Email WestMids

The site is at the Unicorn Inn, Hampton Loade, Chelmarsh, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6BN tel:01746 861515
The site (which is a proper campsite with showers etc) is situated on the banks of the River Severn, with the Severn Valley steam railway running behind it http://www.svr.co.uk/
There is a station on this line at Hampton Loade about 100 yards away, and trains run north to the town of Bridgnorth, and south past the town of Bewdley to Kidderminster.

So on Saturday morning there are 2 plans:
Plan A: A morning ride out around Shropshire’s twisty roads and food at a pub.
Or if it’s wet or for the steam or real ale buffs………
Plan B: Catch the train to Bridgnorth (£7.50 return), and sample the real ale at the Brignorth station bar, then catch the last train back for more at the Inn!
Saturday night we have arranged a buffet, BBQ, & music (not sorted out exactly what form yet) all as part of the ticket price.

Cheques payable to Kevin Baker. Kiln House, Brick Kiln Lane, Gornalwood,
Dudley, West Mids, DY3 2XA. Please send SAE

Contact Dave at the Unicorn Inn to book B&B on 01746 861515
Don’t forget to mention the rally as he’s reserving all of his B&B for us!
There are just a few rooms left at the Unicorn for this event so be quick.
If you can't get in at the Unicorn call us, we'll try to get some other B&B local, or you could just rough it & camp with the rest of us for the authentic experience

Note: The Severn Valley Rally will also incorporate the 2010 DOC AGM

Click here for more details

New WebMaster required (maybe...)

At the next AGM (2010) there is a strong probability that I will be stepping down as DOC Webmaster. Having done this job for five years now, all of it extremely enjoyable and rewarding, I think I'm due a break. We will therefore be looking for someone, or ideally a small team, to take over the reins next year. As we want to ensure that succession to this important position is dealt with as seamlessly as possible, I would welcome early contact from anyone who has any interest in taking on the position so that all the relevant issues can be addressed well beforehand.

If you are suffiently experienced in website maintenance and design and want to be considered for the position, and to help out in the interim, please contact Spaggy - Email Webmaster

Machine Dating

The DOC is pleased to announce that we have been appointed by the DVLA as the UK authority for officially dating old Ducatis, and can provide the official certificate to owners anxious to avoid the dreaded Q-plate. Click here for full details.

DOCshop

The DOC's secure payment system has been online for some time now. Click the logo below to have a look at what you can already buy, and what will also be available from the DOCshop in future.

Meanwhile, go to our Ebay shop to see the latest range

To join the DOCGB and receive all of the benefits that a member is entitled to, click here and follow the steps listed. You can pay online or download our application form in either Word or PDF format.