Once upon a time a long time ago, a group of young people had one thing in common 'MOTOR CYCLES' And of course BEER.......

So in 1978 The SHOULDER OF MUTTON MOTOR CYCLE CLUB was formed at the public house of the same name at Hardstoft in Derbyshire. With about 15 members who met on a Monday night, the club did the usual things runs out, Charity events and of cause Rallies. The Club patch was designed after many debates, it was obvious that it had to carry the club name ‘Shoulder of Mutton MCC’ - the centre emblem ‘SM’ was not a unique design; it actually came from the emblem embossed on the pub cutlery. The resulting club patch and colours is a credit to the original members, the colour co-ordination and design is one that we are still proud of today, which can be seen on sew-on patches, t shirts, thongs, hoodies, hats, and there is even a tattoo design.

In 1980 it was decided by the club to hold its own rally. The COWPAT RALLY it got its name because farms & countryside surrounded us. So it was decided that one of the silly games would be cowpat throwing for the longest distance, yes this was real cow shit! Apparently this is a real event in the good ols U.S of A. but of cause being American they dry them out first like Frisbees, Wimps! We liked them sloppy!

About 200 people attended the first rally, which was fantastic for a first rally. Over the years it grew to about 600, the club grew also, at its peak we had 105 members. As usual in life things don't last forever, the Shoulder of Mutton pub was closing down but the club had to carry on. So we moved to the Shoulder of Mutton at Clay Cross another pub of the same name with a field at the side to have the rally on. Once again everything was good, we had about 30 members and we were now going to continental Rallies, we won trophies that were huge, anyone who has been to a continental Rally will know what I'm talking about.

Oh no not again! The pub was closing down again. Is it something we said? Nevermind by this time the club was bigger than the pub name so we moved again. This time to the Amber Valley Rugby Club at Pyebridge, what a great site the Rugby Club were happy to have us there we had at least one thing in common BEER. We now had some 45 members and the Cowpat Rally had grown again. One year we had 750 people attend, that was the largest rally we ever had to date. Things were looking good then suprise,suprise the Rugby Club committee decided not to open on weeknights. So off we went again, we moved to the Erewash Club in Pinxton it was a place we drank at on a Sunday afternoon 'hic'. Unfortunately there was no Rally site but that did not stop us having a rally elsewhere. But yet again you've guessed it the Erewash Club Closed down, So off we went again. We then moved to the Dog & Doublet at Pyebridge. Another pub without a rally site but we were made welcome. Unfortunately the Land Lord moved on & so did we. We now meet every Wednesday at the Black Horse at Somercotes. The Land Lord (& Land Lady) are great & have made us very welcome.

So here we are 9 years into a new Millenium. In 2009 the club will be 31 years old. In the clubs 31 year history people have come & gone and it has been a privilage to have met over 1000 members during that time. Members from a large area of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, we have even had Honorary members from Belgium, America & Goa.

We may not be the oldest Motor Cycle Club in Britain but i think we deserve a place in British Motor Cycle Club history. Remember a Club is only as good as it's members, members come & go 'The Club remains for others'

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON MOTOR CYCLE CLUB

By J.Ley ( Life Member )

Edited by Matilda.