OVER 3,000 motorcycle enthusiasts attended the Royston and District Motorcycle Club (RDMCC) charity show, and were treated to a world exclusive. The annual charity show, which is now in its 24th year, took place at Meldreth Manor, and is thought to have r

OVER 3,000 motorcycle enthusiasts attended the Royston and District Motorcycle Club (RDMCC) charity show, and were treated to a world exclusive.

The annual charity show, which is now in its 24th year, took place at Meldreth Manor, and is thought to have raised around �9,200. It featured the first public showing of a BMW S1000RR, a bike which had previously only been shown to the media.

Steve Coningsby, the RDMCC Show co-ordinator, was shocked but pleased when he heard about the bike's presence.

He said: "it just goes to show that even though we are a small show, the exhibitors know that they will talk to hundreds of bikers during the evening, so will do all they can to have something to show off."

Stephen Crowther, who brought the bike from his dealership in Hertford, said: "We couldn't tell anyone that we were bringing the bike - not even Steve. It's all been very hush hush. The bike has been ridden from the factory to us and then to the show, and straight back to the manufacturers."

Organisers gave the showground a different feel this year, with Mr Coningsby and fellow co-ordinator Ken Desborough designing a new layout.

Mr Coningsby said: "Every year we feel we should be able to offer more to everyone that comes. So this year we decided to try to improve the layout for the exhibitors and try and improve safety with a bigger pedestrian area.

"We were a bit worried about the weather forecast, and knew that last years weather predictions kept some riders away, but thankfully we only had one quick downpour before the start of the show and then it stayed dry for us."

Also on display was an Aprilla ASV4, which was only released three weeks ago, while Ian King was present with his European Championship winning fuel drag bike.

Roger Gale, principal of Meldreth Manor School said, "The children at the school love this show. They know its coming every year and love seeing, hearing and feeling all the bikes as they ride past. I can hardly wait for next years show."

Money raised at the show will be divided between various charities, including Meldreth Manor School, East Anglian Air Ambulance, MAGPAS and others. The date for next year has already been set as June 16, and if you would like to become involved with the club, log on to www.roystonmotorcycleclub.co.uk