MORE than 200 motorbikes lined Victoria Road on Saturday as Millard & Co. celebrated its centenary. They ranged from a 1910 Coventry Eagle to a modern day racer and stretched from the bottom of the hill to Victoria Road Stores.
The day started when superbike racers John McGuinness and Michael Rutter led a cavalcade of an estimated 400 motorbikes from Bulwer Avenue to the bottom of Victoria Road.
Managing director Tim Millard, who joined the family business in 1973, said it was a special occasion. ‘I don’t think you appreciate it as you grow up, but the longer we are here, the more you appreciate the heritage of it,’ he said.
Service manager Fred Giles joined the company in 1961, aged 14. Apart from a seven-year spell with another firm, he has worked there ever since. He was heavily involved in the planning of the event. ‘There are other motorcycle dealers that have been going for 100 years, but as far as we can establish, we are one of only three that have been owned by the same family that long,’ he said.
Planning for the celebration began three years ago.
‘We came up with the idea of a bike show and we thought we’d like to do it in Victoria Road as anywhere else would not have had the same relevance,’ said Mr Giles.
‘It’s been a fantastic day. The weather has been great and that could have been a make or break factor.’
Police traffic sergeant John Tostevin was involved in the planning of the cavalcade and the road closure.
‘Millard’s approached us and asked if they could do it and I think 100 years is a pinnacle for any business and something worth celebrating,’ he said.
‘The number of bikers who turned out this morning showed the level of support they have got.’
For every motorbike that lined Victoria Road, another was parked in La Charroterie as show-goers took advantage of the neighbouring road closure as somewhere to leave their machines.
Hundreds of people walked among the show motorbikes, with voting slips available to enable them to choose their favourites. There was a cup for the winning owner in five categories.
A collection was taken for Les Bourgs Hospice.
Mr Rutter was impressed with the array of motorbikes on display.
‘It’s unbelievable,’ he said. ‘Not what I was expecting and a variety of everything from full-on racing bikes to trikes,’ he said.
The main event sponsor, Feridax, brought the men to Guernsey. The motorcycle clothing wholesale company is importer for Shoei helmets, which sponsors the riders.
Article posted on 7th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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