How BUMPY Revved up

Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth was established in 1989 as a training, testing and skills centre aimed at young motorcyclists causing a nuisance on wasteland.

The registered charity, nicknamed BUMPY, was the brain child of Police Woman Julia Morris, nee Rookledge, and followed a far from smooth course having taken four years to draw up.

The Idea stemmed from a period when Julia, as local Birstall Community Constable, had to deal with complaints from local residents, about youngsters riding motorcycles illegally on open areas of land. Julia, saw a need for the young people of the area to have a safe and legal place to ride.

In February 1984, representatives from the Police, probation service and motorcycle clubs came together in an attempt to provide a solution to the problem which was making the life unbearable for many residents living near these areas.

The result was a scheme turning the site off Nab Lane into a purpose built track for bikers to practice their skills legally and without causing nuisance.

Tests for noise, pollution and other factors were carried out with favourable results and many councillors and organisations backed the scheme, including Councillor Austin Calvert, Councillor Harry Sheldon and Ray Waring of Star rider National Motorcycle Training centre in Birmingham. BUMPY was included in crime concerns official list of projects which attracted sponsorship from national companies.

1989 saw the opening of BUMPY as a registered charity, following the tireless efforts of many people dedicating time and effort in securing land, funding and contracts. BUMPY was completed in two phases with phase one costing £58,400 funded by a cash boost from the government and £28,000, grant from BBC Children in Need and involved construction of the trials area, a new access, fencing, temporary buildings and services.

Julia passed away in 1991, leaving the organisation she had worked so hard to build up, in the safe hands of Mr Mel Baker, PC Graham Eaves and Mr Bill Swallow to name but a few.

Three new trophies are to be presented to young people involved with BUMPY, the trophies are to acknowledge the achievements at Beginners, Novice and overall effort.

The Julia Morris Memorial Trophy

The Julia Morris Memorial Trophy was awarded for the first time back in 1992, past winners were:

• 1992 A Brooksbank
• 1993 A Johnson
• 1994 D White
• 1995 D Fozzard
• 1996 M Nightingaale and D O’Donoghue
• 1997 D Evans
• 1998 C Manby

10 years on a shield in recognition of Julia’s dream helping so many young people over the years replaces the original.

As the organisation has evolved with the continued dedication of all members of the Board of Trustees, and staff, 2008 saw the return to holding ACU Trials, and Young Riders competing in Novice and Beginners Trials.

The Graham Eaves Memorial Trophy

As a local constable PC Graham Eaves, who had a keen interest in motorcycles and motorcycle sports, became involved with BUMPY.

His involvement with the Board of Trustees saw BUMPY survive some very serious financial difficulties. Devoting, much of his spare time in fundraising and helping out with riding activities. Graham recognised a need for organised youth activities and was involved with the setting up of the Young Riders Club.

In his latter years with West Yorkshire Police Graham was Community liaison officer, focused on making the areas of Birstall, Batley and Dewsbury a better place to live, he worked closely with Batley City Challenge to drive forward improvements to the town.

Sadly, very shortly after his retirement from the Police Force in 2001, Graham passed away.

The Jack Hirst Memorial Trophy

Jack was closely involved with BUMPY from the beginning, well known amongst the trials fraternity, dedicating most of his spare time to the sport. Jack and his wife Helen were to be found most weekends acting as observers in local or national trials.

Over the years Jack encouraged his son Simon and other young riders, to be the best riders they were capable of being.

In 1999 Jack extended his help at BUMPY working part time on the maintenance of BUMPY’s fleet of bikes.

Sadly just a couple of years later Jack passed away working at BUMPY to the end.

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