Bullsbrook resident Murray Manning is intent on completing the restoration of a 1945 BSA motorbike he inherited from his father.
Since being diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, the completion of this life-long dream has become urgent and Murray has gratefully recieved over $10,000 in donations so far to help him realise the project.
Murray’s father, known as ‘Gilly’ bought the motorbike in 1947 when he was just 17 years old and believed it to be an ex-British army bike. Back then BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company) was not only the world’s largest maufacturer of motorcycles but actually one of the largest companies in the world.
After years his prize possession, which took him to work each day as well as on a number of adventures, ended up as a farm vehicle on the family property in Waddy Forrest, Coorow where it remained, eventually falling into disrepair.
Murray was only 7 when his father died but he did not inherit the bike until the farm was sold when he was 13. This motorbike along with a gun manufactured by the same company were the two treasured items the young Murray had to remember his dad. Murray vowed to one day restore the bike to it’s former glory and ride it himself.
However, busy with life and running his own business, Murray put the project on the back-burner until recently when his diagnosis has forced him to focus on making this dream a reality while he still has time. Thanks to donations received via his site on Pozible, a ‘crowdfunding’ website, the restoration is now underway, and this month Murray delivered the bike into the experienced hands of Bruce Sharman of Bygone Spares and Restorations in Toodyay who has generously donated his time in
support of the project.
Murray has undergone another round of surgery in early June and tests will indicate his options for medical trials as chemotherapy is no longer an option. In the meantime work continues on the rare 70 year old motorbike and Murray is hopeful, “ I just hope I can get it done so I can see it and ride it myself at least once”. Murray
intends to paint the bike blue — his dad’s favourite colour and inscribe the name of his daughter and two nieces on it.
It is his wish that it will remain in his family for years to come: a treasured piece of working history, layered with memories. If you would like to support
Murray’s endeavour go to www.pozible.com and donate —every bit helps. Pictures and video footage of the stages of the restoration will provide pledgers/donors with ongoing insight to the project.
Above: Bruce Sharman and Murray Manning with the restored motor.
