Watsonian Centenary Gifts

Watsonian Sidecars have produced a range of accessories to celebrate the company's 100 years in business.

Enamel lapel badge.  Measures 25mm x 17mm. £3.50

Ceramic mug. £8.50

Polo shirt is in poly/cotton mix, emroidered with the Watsonian sidecars logo. £14.95

Fleece blanket measuring 140 x 175 cm and embroidered with watsonian logo. £24.95

For details visit www.royal-enfield.com/shop/clothing-a-gifts

Sidecar mobility

Squire sidecar owner Nick from Peterborough has fitted a towbar and added a wheelchair carrier. It clamps onto the ball with a scissor like action and is locked by the ‘black’ bar across the middle. To stop it turning or leaning on the ball, there is a semi-circular cut out in the bottom of the two halves of the clamp, which grip the base of the ball. "It is VERY secure when fitted" Nick reports. The wheelchair is held on by bungee cords. Should anyone be interested in one of these then Nick would be happy to answer any questions and provide details of the supplier, who he believes is Mobility accredited. The price for the carrier is around £150.  Thanks Nick.

Watsonian Sidecars Centenary Rally Report

Watsonian sidecars' centenary rally attracted hundreds of visitors to Stoneleigh Park over the weekend of 18-19th August, with some riding their outfits from Belgium and Germany.  However, in terms of distance travelled, Watsonian's Japanese distributor, Corofi, beat them all.  Leaving Japan on 1st July, they drove their Yamaha Dragstar outfit from the eastern coast of Russia to Cabo da Roca in Portugal, the westernmost tip of Europe, finally arriving in Britain on 9th August. 

The Stareton exhibition hall at Stoneleigh housed a display of photographs, technical drawings, brochures and documents from the Watsonian archive, including the original patent for Thomas Watson's collapsible sidecar from 1912.  There were also historic sidecars including the 1933 Brough outfit that starred in the hit 1970′s sitcoms George and Mildred and Dad’s army, kindly loaned by the London motorcycle Museum, and a 1937 Rudge/Watsonian Sports combination from Coventry Transport museum.  There were even examples of Watsonian's bicycle sidecars.

By Sunday the Warwick hall was packed with an incredible array of outfits entered into the Concours, with Sunday's Best in Show awarded to the Royal Enfield Bullet 350/Watsonian outfit originally ridden by Frank Carey in the 1953 ISDT. 

There was entertainment of Saturday night, with a question and answer session starring 16-times Isle of Man TT champion Dave Molyneux, 9-times winner Mick Boddice, 1960's TT veteran Norman Hanks and Stan Dibben, who won the 1953 World Championship with Eric Oliver.  Guests could quench their thirst with a pint of Mr Watson's Bit on the Side, specially brewed for the event by the Pot Belly Brewery and The Bad Boys Band kept things rocking.     

Among the many other attractions was a sidecar driving skills test, devised by Watsonian's technical director, and an opportunity to test ride a Royal Enfield, distributed by Watsonian since 1999.

For more information on Watsonian sidecars call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

BARBOUR TEAMS UP WITH WATSONIAN FOR CENTENARY CELEBRATION

Barbour has joined forces with two of the oldest names in UK motorcycling, Watsonian Squire and Royal Enfield, to produce a one off sidecar outfit to celebrate Watsonian’s centenary year.

The combination consists of a gloss black Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle and  Watsonian GP Manx sidecar.  Both have taken Barbour’s iconic International Original A7 motorcycling jacket, famously worn by actor Steve McQueen in the 1964 International Six Day Trials, as their design inspiration.  The design incorporates the signature black and gold of the Barbour International logo, Barbour’s Modern tartan, grey cord and zip pulls from the original A7 jacket.  The outfit also sports a new tank badge, which includes both the Barbour and Royal Enfield logos, designed by the fashion photographer and film maker Nick Clements.

Founded by T.F.Watson in 1912, Watsonian sidecars provided an economical mode of transport for families throughout the UK.  The brand experienced considerable growth in the ensuing years, culminating in the height of its success in the 1950s. With the introduction of affordable family cars in the 60s, the company experienced an inevitable downturn in demand.   More recently interest in sidecars has increased again with demand growing year on year since the early 1990s.

Barbour, whose International motorcycle clothing was worn by almost every British team from the late 1930s until the 70s has a long association with Royal Enfield.  The great British trials rider Johnny Brittain, successfully rode Royal Enfield motorcycles in his Barbour International jacket throughout the 1950s and 60s.

The Barbour sidecar outfit will be on show at Watsonian's centenary rally on August 18th-19th and on the Royal Enfield stand at the Goodwood Revival from 14–16th September. For more information call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com. 

Watsonian Centenary Rally

Watsonian sidecars celebrate their centenary this year and to mark the occasion the British manufacturer is throwing a party at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012. 

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929 and a devastating factory fire in 1930. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally will be displayed in two exhibition halls and historic sidecars like Eric Oliver's world championship winning Norton, the Brough outfit that starred in hit 1970's sitcoms George and Mildred and Dad's army and a one-off Watsonian 1000cc v-twin motorcycle combination from 1950. Star guests include multiple TT champions Dave Molyneux and Mick Boddice, 1953 world sidecar champion Stan Dibben and sidecar speed record holder Norman Hyde (on Sunday). 

Among the many other attractions are the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show (whatever the make), trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999.

Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar selling a special celebration ale.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance; day tickets will only be available on the Sunday and can be purchased at the gate for £5.  Children under 16 go free and parking is also free  For more information on the Centenary Rally call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

MP joins Ride to Work Day to promote British exports

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, travelled to work at the House of Commons in a sidecar on Monday 18th June as part of the Ride to Work Day celebrations.  Ride To Work Day is an international opportunity for motorcycle and scooter riders around the world to share the enjoyment of their daily commute and Geoffrey was invited to participate by Watsonian sidecars, Britain's only remaining major manufacturer of sidecars, who are located in the MP's constituency in the Heart of England.

“Not only is Geoffrey Clifton-Brown our MP, he's also a champion of British manufacturers like us, who export their products, so this is a great opportunity to raise the profile of Great British sidecars” explains Watsonian sales director Ben Matthews, who drove the outfit.

“Watsonian celebrates its centenary this year and not many companies in the British motorcycle industry can make that claim” he continues.  “We've survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929  and a devastating fire that destroyed our factory in 1930.  Today exports account for half of our production, with strong sales to Japan, Germany and France, so it's vital that the Government does all it can to support British manufacturing.”

The sidecar in which Geoffrey rode is a Watsonian Wizard, powered by a Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle, based on the combinations that the factory supplied for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which appeared in the spectacular chase sequence in which Harry Potter flees from the Death Eaters in a sidecar outfit driven by Hagrid. 

“Ever since I first visited Watsonian Squire a number of years ago and discovered what an effective exporting company they were I have been a great supporter of theirs” says Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. 

“We had about a 3/4 of an hour trip in from Putney” explains Geoffrey. “It's been a wonderful experience.  You see things that you wouldn't normally see in a car.  I think this is a great way to travel.”

Watsonian will be hosting a centenary celebration rally at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18th-19th August 2012.  For more information on this and Watsonian's current range of sidecars and details of the centenary rally call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

Sidecar Saturday at the Ace Cafe

Watsonian sidecars will be at London's famous Ace Cafe on Sidecar Saturday (31st March 2012) as part of the British manufacturer's centenary celebrations.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, the Great Depression  of 1929 (and numerous economic recessions that followed) and a devastating factory fire in 1930.  Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe.

Visitors to the Ace Cafe's Sidecar Saturday will have an opportunity to see the Watsonian Wizard outfit, based on the combinations that the factory supplied for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Watsonian supplied several sidecar Royal Enfield Bullet/GP Manx combinations to the film-makers for use in the spectacular chase sequence in which Harry Potter flees from the Death Eaters in a sidecar outfit driven by Hagrid.

Watsonian will also be promoting their centenary rally, which they are hostnig at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012.  Attractions include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999.      

For more information on Watsonian's current range of sidecars and details of the centenary rally call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com.

Watsonian sidecars centenary rally

Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 18-19th Aug 2012

Watsonian sidecars celebrate their centenary this year and to mark the occasion the British manufacturer is throwing a party at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929 (and numerous economic recessions that followed) and a devastating factory fire in 1930. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe. Visitors from around the world are expected - Watsonian's Japanese distributor, Corofi, will be riding a couple of outfits to the rally.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999. Watsonian is keen to hear from owners of interesting or unusual outfits and three-wheelers, whether Watsonian or other makes, who would like to show their vehicles at the event.

Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance; day tickets will only be available on the Sunday and can be purchased at the gate for £5.

For more information on the Centenary Rally and the full range of sidecars, trailers and motorcycles available from Watsonian-Squire call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com.

Watsonian centenary rally August 2012

Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 18-19th Aug 2012

Join Watsonian sidecars at Stoneleigh Park (formerly the National Agricultural Centre) for a rally to celebrate their 100th birthday.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, economic boom and bust and a devastating factory fire.  Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe.  Ironically, Japan is their biggest overseas market and Corofi, Watsonian's Japanese distributor, will be riding a couple of outfits to the rally.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999.  (Please bring your license & riding gear).

On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance.  Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. Book your accommodation direct with Stoneleigh Park on 02476 690123 quoting event number 10348. 

Wizard Wheels exhibition 10Jan-11 March

"Wizard Wheels: the Watsonian sidecar" is an exhibition at the Court Barn museum in Chipping Campden,one of the most pictureque villages in the Cotswoldsand just a couple of miles from the Watsonian factory.

The museum celebrates the talented artists, designers and craftspeople who worked in and around Chipping Campden and the north Cotswolds since the time of the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th century.

“This is slightly different to our usual displays, but as the museum celebrates craft and design in the north Cotswold we thought it was an opportunity not to miss; celebrating something which is built only a few miles from the Museum" explains curator Sarah McCormick Healy. "There is also a connection with Michael Cardew, who founded Winchcombe potteries and is one of the nine lives we celebrate at the Museum. In the 1920s the potter Bernard Leach brought Michael Cardew to Broadway to meet Gordon Russell, the furniture designer. This visit led Michael Cardew to restart the potteries at Winchcombe. They travelled up from St Ives on a motorbike and sidecar”.

The exhibition runs from Tues 10 January – Sun 11 March 2012; For information on admission charges, Group Visits, location, parking and contact details go to  http://www.courtbarn.org.uk/visitors

Watsonian's historic support for rugged ladies

Seventy five years ago two British women rode a Panther/Watsonian sidecar outfit (pulling a Watsonian trailer) across the Sahara, through equatorial Africa and South to the Cape, a feat that no man had dared to even attempt.  Here’s the AMA’s account of their story, and the incredible account of Theresa Wallach’s lifetime on two wheels.  No wonder she was inducted into their Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  There's some brilliant archive movie to watch too ...