“For the love of my wife, and motorcycles”

BARRY Graham’s love of motorcycles spans decades. And as the 70-year-old retiree points out, longer than his love for his wife, Rhyl whom he married in 1973.

The Annual Combined Motor Clubs Motor Show and Swap Meet has raised $16,000 over the past three years for the Ronald McDonald House in Townsville. Barry Graham at the house. Picture: Zak Simmonds

BARRY Graham’s love of motorcycles spans decades. And as the 70-year-old retiree points out, longer than his love for his wife, Rhyl whom he married in 1973.

“I am still happily with the same partner, and I’m still happily involved in motorcycles,” the father-of-two said.

“My occupation was as a motor mechanic, starting in 1964, though since the early ’70s I have specialised in motorcycles.”

Mr Graham was a foreman at Rising Sun Honda for seven years, before being self-employed for 18 years, after which he returned to Rising Sun Honda for the last nine years of his working life.

“I have also been a member for 33 years of the Townsville Restored Motor Cycle Club,” he said.

“They, along with members of the Townsville Veteran, Vintage and Historic Motor Club, and the Military and Historic Vehicle Club, Townsville, form a committee who conduct the annual Combined Motor Clubs Motor Show and Swap Meet at the Townsville Showgrounds in July.

“This event has been held in Townsville for many years at various locations. As the clubs are not-for-profit, all proceeds are donated to charities decided by the organising committee. I was fortunate to be the chairman of this cause for some time. John Weber has assumed this role in the past four years.”

Mr Graham said while he remained involved in the event planning of the swap meet, there were many generous community members who donated their time to ensure its success.

“It’s all those people who, by their help in setting up the site, taking up swap sites, displaying their vehicles, and those who worked in shifts to control the entry and safe movement of traffic on the grounds, all made it possible to donate to our chosen charity, Ronald McDonald House,” he said.

“John Weber, secretary Frank Cerutti, treasurer Rick Carbis, and other committee members Warren O’Donnell, Peter Martin, Barry Graham, George Sellen commit so much of their time to make sure the meet is a success.”

Mr Graham said during the past three years Ronald McDonald House had been the recipient of $16,000 from this swap meet, allowing the Combined Motor Clubs group to remain a room sponsor at the house, something which the group hoped to continue.

“Townsville people always seem to support any event for a good cause, even more so for sick children,” he said.

“With our fabulous weather and generous community, I can’t imagine a better place to live.”

Originally published as “For the love of my wife, and motorcycles”