Mike Penn

When his 21 year career in the Fleet Air Arm was cut short due to a helicopter accident in 1984, Mike went to work for John Haynes OBE, setting up the renowned Haynes International Motor Museum in Somerset. A confirmed motorcycle enthusiast, Mike has competed in the Pioneer Run for Veteran motorcycles on a 500cc Triumph, and recent / ongoing projects include rebuilding a 1914 Redhead, a 1933 Velocette GTP, and a 1920s Sunbeam racing bitza.  Now retired from his post as Curatorial Director at Haynes, Mike was recognised for his achievements when he was voted runner-up in the “Personal Achievement of the Year” category in the International Historic Motoring Awards 2016. We welcome Mike’s appointment to the BMCT trustee board, where his accumulated skills, experience and knowledge will be of great benefit.

Nick Jeffery

Nick started motorcycling in 1964 and hasn’t stopped since. He owns several British machines, among them Brough Superior and a BSA Gold Star. He is a Political and Technical Services Committee Member of BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation) and Legislation Committee Member of FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs)

Nick spent all his life working life in the automotive (car/motorcycle/truck/bus) industry as engineer, business planner and lawyer but his first love is motorcycles. Now retired, he gets more time to spend riding his bikes at home and abroad.

Peter Wellings

Peter is the longest serving Trustee, having joined the Board at the invitation of his father Trevor (one of the Founders) not long after the BMCT became independent from the National Motorcycle Museum. In addition to the primary objectives of the BMCT his interests include the administrative and financial aspects of the Charity. Having originally graduated in business administration within the construction industry, Peter moved across to the world of print, publishing, marketing and graphic technology, from which he recently retired after thirty years at the helm of his own company. He is married with two children and lives in the West Midlands, where he is a member of a variety of different clubs and organisations.  Peter is also a former BMCT Chairman.

John Kidson

John’s life with motorcycles started inauspiciously with a 1930s BSA C10 as ride to work transport, followed by Royal Enfields, a Norton Dominator 99 and a Vincent Black Prince. John began spectating at the TT and short circuits in 1953, and in 1959 started road racing himself with a 1930s Rudge. Several Moto Guzzis followed, including ex-Maurice Cann double-knockers. John then realised an ambition to own the 1953 ex-works, ex-Geoff Duke NSU Rennmax 250 twin, which was a gem but soon became outclassed by the two strokes. Manx Norton, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda race bikes followed, courtesy of a new sponsor, culminating in John winning the Formula III race at the TT and the 1977 World Championship.

By now John was building up his business as a Honda dealer and racing was taking a back seat, but there was a final flurry with an Aermacchi 350 Ala d’Oro in the Manx GP, gaining podium finishes in his fifties, and sponsoring various riders up until 2005, the year he helped Graham Rhodes win the Senior MGP Classic. John retired to his workshop in 1991 where he still loves to fettle bikes. A former chairman of the BMCT, he is married with two grown up children and lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Mike Jackson

Mike Jackson has competed in trials and motocross events at the highest level in UK, Europe and USA. He began racing in 1954, riding on Francis Barnett, James, Greeves and AJS, winning numerous events. During this time he worked in sales for Greeves and later AJS. When he was appointed General Sales Manager for Norton Villiers Corp in 1970, he moved to the US, and raced AJS in West Coast Desert events.

Mike Jackson's career with Norton Villiers continued - he became Sales Director for the European concern, before becoming Marketing Director for Norton Villiers Triumph Ltd between 1974 and 1981. In 1981 he became the owner of Andover Norton International Ltd and – ten years later - co-owner of BSA Group Ltd.

In 1995, Jackson sold the business and was appointed by Sotheby's as consultant in the UK and the US. He also worked as consultant and Chief Judge for the Louis Vuitton Concours, until this event concluded in 2004. Since 2000 he has been a member of the National Motor Museum Advisory Council in Beaulieu, and writes on a freelance basis for various British and American motorcycle publications. Mike is president of the Norton Owners’ Club and also acts as a consultant for Bonhams.

John Handley

John’s interest in motorcycles was triggered as an eleven year old by an exciting 100 mph ride (in what is now a 40mph zone) on the pillion of his uncle’s Ariel Square Four!!  Fortunately his father never found out!  After his teen years riding various small machines, including an LE Velo, he sold out to four wheels and a heater but has rekindled his love of bikes.  Married with two children and two grandchildren, John lives in Solihull and is involved as Trustee and Secretary of a number of charities and trusts having become involved through 30 years involvement with Round Table, the well-known convivial young mans’ association, nine of them as their full time General Secretary.

Paul Barnes (Chairman)

The current Chairman of the BMCT is Paul Barnes, who took over the reins of the Charity from Ian Walden at the trustees’ meeting in September 2019. Paul, an Independent Financial Adviser, has been a member of the trustee board since 2006, with responsibility for managing the Trust’s investment portfolio amongst other tasks. Paul is an enthusiastic motorcyclist, his current mount being a 1200cc Triumph Adventurer on which he and his wife have undertaken many trips at home and abroad.

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Ian Walden OBE

Ian graduated with a First in Mechanical Engineering from St Andrews University and recently retired from his post as Chief Executive of the Black Country Living Museum after 33 years at the helm of one of the Midlands’ most successful tourist attractions. In recognition of his achievements he was presented with a Villiers engined Francis Barnett, similar to the one he began motorcycling on many years before. Ian is currently co-owner of a company providing consultancy services in the fields of heritage, museums and motor racing.