Growing up as a motorbike-mad teenager in the 1960s I was an avid reader of all the motorcycling magazines and newspapers, including the weekly Motor Cycle. As some readers will know, this publication had its own Midlands editor, Bob Currie, based in Birmingham at the heart of the British motorcycle industry – the man who went on to launch The Classic MotorCycle (TCM).
I knew the names of all the Motor Cycle staff members and I remembered Bob as a stylish-looking rider in the magazine’s photos, and for many years he wore a distinctive peaked pudding basin helmet with his ears exposed. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that one day I’d be working alongside him, and eventually replace him as editor of The Classic MotorCycle.
I first met Robert Frank Currie in person at the 1987 VMCC Founder’s Day rally at Stanford Hall. I was newly appointed by the publishers Emap as assistant editor/editor designate, the idea being that I would learn the ropes from the great man, then take over from him when, as planned, he retired the following
