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Latest news
2012
Classic Bikers Club is here
1 February 2012
Hands up all those who’ve been waiting for a proper website for classic bike enthusiasts?
As of 08.00 February 1, 2012, your wishes have been answered. Click on classicbikersclub.com and settle down for a good online read.
Classic Bikers Club is made by the people behind your favourite magazines and the new website features archive material from those titles. It’s packed with road tests, buying guides and features on the bikes that fuel our passions. If you need information on anything from the 1890s to the 1990s, you’ll find it on this amazing website.
The content on classicbikersclub.com is sourced from archive copies of The Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling going back more than 100 years, as well as back issues of The Classic MotorCycle, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Classic Dirt Bike, Classic Racer, Real Classic, Old Bike Mart and Classic Bike Guide.
The site is split into easily navigable sections for prewar British machines, postwar British, Japanese classics, American and European. Content will be updated daily, so watch out for new features appearing all the time.
Mortons group editor Steve Rose explains the idea behind it: “The biggest frustration for passionate magazine makers like ourselves is that you put your heart and soul into making the best possible issue and it exists, like a butterfly, for 30 days on a newsagent’s shelf before disappearing for ever.
“There’s so much amazing material – researched in great detail, exquisitely photographed and written with the heart and soul of genuine enthusiasts – and it was just sitting there in our archive. We wanted to give it a chance to breathe again. In addition to content from our current magazines, we have added some historic articles and images available from Mortons archive – widely acknowledged to be the best motorcycle archive in Europe, if not the world.
“Plus, there’s an enormous reference and practical section, available exclusively to subscribers of Mortons titles (who automatically become full members of the club). If you are a subscriber, you’ll be receiving your Classic Bikers Club membership card within the next few weeks. If you are not a subscriber and want to enjoy the benefits of being in the Classic Bikers Club (with additional web content and a raft of amazing money-saving offers too) you should visit classicmagazines.co.uk for the latest offers on all Mortons titles.
“But classicbikersclub.com is much more than just an archive. There’s a whole load of modern takes on classic motorcycling too, including video footage and the latest news from the old bike world. Plus, the previously mentioned money-saving offers on some top motorcycling brands, classic and modern. There are also expert forums where you can get help and advice too.”
If you love bikes and your era is anything motorcycling related from the 1890s to 1990s then classicbikersclub.com is the only website for you. For full, free membership which gives you access to all of the content on the site and the offers, all you need is a subscription to one of our great motorcycle titles – Classic Dirt Bike, Classic Bike Guide, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Classic Racer, Old Bike Mart, Real Classic, The Classic MotorCycle, Motorcycle Monthly and Motorcycle Sport and Leisure. We hope you’ll love the site – and bookmark it.
2010
BRAND NEW CLASSIC BIKE SHOW BEATS THE WINTER BLUES!
30 November 2011
January. It used to be Britain’s most boring month, but not anymore because, as of next year, there’s a brand new classic bike show from the people who bring you the Stafford and Bristol spectaculars!
The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show runs over the weekend of January 7-8, 2012 at the Newark County Showground. And the organisers are planning the best restoration show yet. With hundreds of beautiful classic bikes to admire and hundreds of trade stalls and dealers too – the show will be perfect place to grab some inspiration and a boxful of parts to get your project finished in plenty of time for summer.
Classic Bike Guide magazine editor, Nigel Clark said, “We’ve recently revamped and broadened CBG to include more bikes from more eras. What we really needed though was a live event to bring the magazine to life. What better place to do that than, ahem, Newark in January. Thankfully, it’ll all be indoors and the halls at Newark are generously heated. It’s been a long while since anyone north of Bristol had a decent bike show to visit before Stafford and we are planning to make The CBG Winter Classic a show to rival anything. We know that for many enthusiasts in the south, the Bristol show is their first chance to show off a new restoration, we’d like this show to become a showcase for northern talent too.”
For more details of the CBG Winter Classic as they are announced please visit www.classicbikeshows.com
SUNSHINE AND ‘RAINEY’ DAYS MAKE THE BEST EVER STAFFORD SHOW!
17 October 2011
The classic motorcycling fraternity turned out in force at Stafford County Showground over the sunny weekend of October 15-16, as one of the true greats of racing, three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey, made his special star appearance.
Rainey proved an incredible hit with fans, with his stories both on and off the racetrack, with unprecedented crowds flocking around to hear his tales of trials and tribulations.
Competing with the American racer for the crowd’s attention was undoubtedly the most superb selection of classic motorcycles on display in the UK; this coupled with a record stand attendance, once more proved that the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Showis unarguably the biggest and best show around for visitors.
Another huge success was this year's rideouts, with the public lining up to test the latest machines from top manufacturers Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Triumph – demonstrating that this really is a motorcycling event for everyone.
It was once more a cracking weekend for Bonhams Auction too. The first motorcycle in the sale, the 1955 DB34 Gold Star BSA which was last on the road in 1968 and in need of a full restoration, made £7200 – well over its estimate. While the biggest sale of the weekend, the Brough Superior SS100 “Moby Dick”, made a huge £190,000 under the hammer.
Malcolm Wheeler, director of show organiser Mortons Media, said: “Like everybody else that attended the show, I was completely blown away by guest of honour Wayne Rainey. It was a fantastic weekend and judging by the huge crowds and how people were spending money, it was superb to see how the classic scene remains so healthy in hard economic times.”
TWO NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED
07 May 2011
Bike shows in Scotland, it seems are like buses. You wait for ages for a decent one to come along and then all of a sudden there are two new ones to be run six months apart. And you know they’ll be good because the people behind them are the same team that run the Stafford International Motorcycle Shows.
On May 12th and 13th 2012, there’s the Great Scottish Bike Show, which aims to bring all the brilliance of the Stafford Show north of the border, and in a December 2012 date to be confirmed, there's the Scottish Dirt Bike Show. Both shows will be staged at the superb Lanark Agricultural Centre.
The Great Scottish Bike Show will also be a mixture of classic and modern motorcycling and will also feature live action demonstrations and the opportunity to test ride the latest bikes. The Dirt Bike Show will be for both classic and modern machines and as well as the static displays there will be vintage motocross racing and trials demonstrations.
The Classic Bike Shows team will be assisted on both events by Robbie and Margaret Allan, who owned and ran the Scottish Motorcycle Show for 25 years.
And all that combined experience means the two new shows will be, quite simply brilliant, from the off. As well as the live action and a chance to meet your motorcycling heroes. there will also be the best selection of static bikes and trade stands, plus an enormous autojumble selling bikes and bits for all bikes from all eras.
Nick Mowbray, exhibitions Manager with the Classic Bike Shows team is relishing the challenge. He said, “We have been asked many times by both visitors and exhibitors at Stafford to put on a world class event north of the border. With the help of Robbie and Margaret, we plan to do just that.”
MORTONS MEDIA GROUP ACQUIRE THE RAILWAY MAGAZINE FROM IPC MEDIA
29 October 2010
As part of the review of IPC Media’s niche and specialist titles, the sale of The Railway Magazine to Mortons Media Group Ltd. is announced today.
The Railway Magazine is renowned for offering a clear and trusted voice for the railway community, covering all aspects of the scene: from steam through to modern rail developments.
The deal sees Mortons acquire the brand – currently published within the IPC Inspire portfolio – with immediate effect. There will be no interruption to the publishing schedule of the title.
Part of the Mortons of Horncastle Limited group, Mortons Media Group is one of the UK’s largest independent publishers, producing a large range of magazine titles in classic and modern motorcycle sectors, scootering, heritage railways, heritage transport, lifestyle and farming.
IPC Inspire managing director Paul Williams says: “With brands like Heritage Railway and Rail Express in its portfolio, Mortons provides an ideal home for The Railway Magazine. The continued commitment and focus of the magazine’s team through IPC’s strategic review is a real credit to their professionalism. I’d like to thank them personally and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Mortons managing director Brian Hill added “We are proud to welcome such a historic and authoritative title as The Railway Magazine into the Mortons family. We look forward to working with Nick Pigott and his editorial team to further develop its position as the market leading title in the railway sector”.
Staff transfer to Mortons with immediate effect.
NEW JOURNEY AHEAD FOR RAIL EXPRESS
7 June 2010
Mortons Media Group has purchased Rail Express magazine from Foursight Publications Ltd of King’s Cliffe, near Peterborough.
As one of the largest independent publishers in the UK, Mortons Media Group already hold an extensive portfolio of heritage titles, including one of the UK’s leading Railway magazines – Heritage Railway.
Since being launched 14 years ago by owner Philip Sutton, Rail Express has set a new benchmark as the quality magazine for the rail enthusiast, making it the perfect complement to Mortons' already established railway offering.
The monthly title also incorporates Rail Express Modeller, and includes host of nostalgia, preservation and news of the present-day scene each month, as well as the latest in modelling.
Brian Hill, Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd, said he was looking forward to further developing Rail Express. “Philip has done an excellent job in establishing a very strong brand and we aim to build on his success,” commented Mr Hill.
Rail Express has become recognised for its innovation and pushing the boundaries within the rail sector, commented Mr Sutton. “I am confident that Mortons will build upon the title’s success and provide the investment in both time and money to make it the definitive magazine for today’s rail enthusiast,” he said.
Assistant editor Gareth Bayer will be taking over the role of editor and production of the title will now move to Mortons' Horncastle offices. Speaking of his new role, Gareth said: "I am thrilled and privileged to be taking over from Philip Sutton as editor of Rail Express. The combination of RE's high production standards and the resources of Mortons Media is sure to keep the magazine at the forefront of the hobby. I look forward to working with the experienced team at Mortons to continue to deliver the best modern railway news, photography, nostalgia, preservation and modelling."
HERITAGE COMMERCIALS TRUCKS IN BIGGEST EVER ISSUE!
18 May 2010
Heritage Commercials – Britain’s brightest full-colour magazine for the classic and vintage vehicle enthusiast has just got even bigger!
From its July issue, on sale 3 June 2010, the monthly title sees the launch of an exciting new section – Classic Truck. This not only takes the magazine to a huge 132 pages, but also sees it become the largest commercials read on the market.
Having built a reputation for providing readers with rich historical content and in-depth restoration features, the introduction of Classic Truck is sure to complement Heritage Commercials perfectly. Covering vehicles and transport from 1980 until the mid-90s, Classic Truck will form a regular 32-page segment in the magazine – offering readers more than ever before.
The 80s and 90s saw transport become increasingly sophisticated with powerful engines, advanced technology and an emphasis on environmentally friendly vehicles. Classic Truck will devote its pages to special features on these modern classics, and promises an in-depth look at some truly unique projects along the way.
Editor, Stephen Pullen said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Classic Truck in to Heritage Commercials and more importantly to be able to offer more for the classic transport enthusiast than ever before.”
He continued: “To launch Classic Truck, we’ve planned some great features for the July issue – including an astonishing Ford Transit boasting speeds of up to 180mph, and a piece written by the well-respected Bob Tuck, which focuses on a 21-year-old woman's restoration of a 1984 Volvo F12 heavy haulage tractor.”
But that’s not all – readers can also delve in to the history of the Unipower Company and discover an unusual Scania that’s been restored to represent a vehicle operated by Astran – a firm which pioneered moving freight to the Middle East in the 1970s.
Don’t miss out! The July issue ofHeritage Commercials is on sale 3 June 2010 – available from all good newsagents or direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd priced at £3.95. For more information visit: www.heritagecommercials.co.uk or call: 01507 529529
Mortons Print Ltd acquire Lincolnshire Mailing Company
4 January 2010
Mortons Print Ltd are pleased to announce the acquisition of Lincolnshire Mailing Company on 4th January 2010.
Lincolnshire Mailing, whose capabilites encompass both polywrapping and lettering services, had been a long standing supplier to the Mortons Group of companies for over 15 years and had relocated its operation to factory units within the Mortons site in 2004.
Ian Fisher, Managing Director of Mortons Print, said "With Robin Wilmshurst, half of the proprietary partnership of Lincs Mailing, now turning his attention towards retirement, it was considered timely that Mortons now looked to build on LM's successes whilst at the same time securing the on-site services it provides to both ourselves and our customers."
Robert Wilmshurst, the other half of the partnership, will be joining Mortons Print to manage the mailing operation. Ian added "The long standing and close working relationship with Lincs Mailing has over the years enabled us to strengthen the fit we have with many of our print customers and viewed the acquisition as an integral part of our strategic development"
Web: www.lincolnshiremailing.com
2009
Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine
12 November 2009
Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.
Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.
Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’
Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.
THE MUST-HAVE BUTTON BOOK… JUST JENSON!
02 November 2009
For motorsport fans everywhere and fresh from his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, the story that everyone has been waiting for is finally here in a quality ‘bookazine’ format… Just Jenson.
Charting Jenson Button’s life story from the tough and unforgiving circuits of the karting world to his defining moment this season when he took the crown as Formula 1 World Champion, Just Jenson is the perfect companion to the motor sport racing year.
This insightful and appropriate tribute to Jenson Button is brought to you by renowned magazine publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd. Written by David Addison, motorsport journalist and commentator with Bob Constanduros, F1 fanatic and auto correspondent; they have brought a wealth of knowledge to the title.
Jenson’s career has had many highs and lows, having been fighting for the F1 championship for 10 years, but through it all, and in particular through the adversity, sheer graft has seen fortune favour, particularly in 2009. His decision to stick with his former BAR Honda Team principal Ross Brawn in a new team paid off, wrapping up the title with even a race to spare. Just Jenson encapsulates all of this magic and much more within its 132 pages.
Editor, David Addison said: “Jenson Button’s season has been quite extraordinary after a disappointing few. To be staring the end of his career in the face last December to being World Champion in less than 11 months is unprecedented in Formula 1 and is a story worth telling. The Button tale is one of successes and disappointments, but culminates with biggest high of them all, all of which are featured within this bookazine.”
For every motorsport fan, this will be the must-have read of the year and will be on sale at WHSmith across the country from 24 November priced £6.99 or can be brought direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd on 01507 529529 and by visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk.
Mortons motorcycle division steps up a gear with Group Editor
28 August 2009
Mortons Media Group have appointed Steve Rose as Group Editor of their motorcycling magazines.
Steve, who leaves the editorship of Bike to take up this exciting new appointment, comes with a wealth of experience, having previously edited Ride and Parker’s Car Guide as well as spells on Performance Bike and Classic Bike.
Mortons Managing Director Brian Hill commented, ‘We are delighted to have Steve on board to bring not only his magazine crafting skills, but also his true biking enthusiasm to our wide portfolio which covers virtually every aspect of two wheeled transport.’ Mortons, the independent publishers based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, publishes fourteen motorcycling magazines, and their on-line counterparts, including the market leading Old Bike Mart, Classic Bike Guide, Scootering and the free distribution newspaper, Motor Cycle Monthly.
PLOUGH IN TO THE NEW LOOK TRACTOR MAGAZINE!
31 March 2009
Mortons Media Group, the independent publishing people, have announced an exciting new era for their well established title, Tractor, launching a complete new look and even more specially selected features from the May 2009 issue.
Traditionally Tractor has focused on vintage tractors and their associated implements, coupled with fond reminiscences about Britain’s rich farming heritage. Building on these ever popular topics, now avid readers can expect even more from their new and improved monthly read, with the re-vamp extending the mix to give greater focus to modern day machinery and all aspects of farming heritage.
The modernised 140-page bumper Tractor also promises improved navigation, making it even easier for enthusiasts to find that essential piece of kit, when delving into the extended classifieds section. To complement this, the stylish new layout will showcase readers’ magnificent restorations to their full advantage, enhanced by stunning, vibrant photography.
Publisher, Andrew Savage said: “We wanted the new-look Tractor to be a true celebration of our farming heritage, while moving with the changing times to create a current, valuable source of information for all vintage and modern enthusiasts alike. We’re thrilled with the results and hope readers will agree that the facelift and additional features sit perfectly with traditional tones that have made the magazine such a success to date.Make sure you don’t miss out on the new look Tractor, priced at only £3.50 from all good newsagents, or direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd. Tel: 01507 529529 or visit: www.classicmagazines.co.uk to order today.
New year - New era for Used Bike Guide
9 January 2009
Used Bike Guide – the pocket-sized magazine that’s big on news and motorcycling tips, has just got even better! The new-look title, published by Mortons Media Group Ltd will hit the shops on 21st January 2009, packed with a whole host of new features and hands on advice.
Everything from the top UK track circuits, to step by step maintenance advice will be covered, as well as a new UBG Fact File, which will undoubtedly build into a really useful reference section, helping readers to determine which bike is best suited to their needs.
Newly appointed Editor, Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger is gearing up to ensure that UBG is not only the guide to buying second-hand bikes, but also the place for real-life bike facts, supplied by those who ride for work and fun. Iggy said: “Almost everyone involved in the re-design has a passion for motorcycling, and we’re proud that this is reflected in the new product. As hundreds of bikers from around the country will be submitting fact files on their machines - warts and all, this grass-roots data will be essential to anyone looking to spend their hard-earned cash on a second-hand bike”.
As well as the old favourites, new features will include: A beginner’s guide to buying a classic motorcycle, what to look out for at the auctions, getting through your bike test, advice for girl bikers, a look at the best biking routes around and much, much more.
Make sure you don’t miss out on this pop-in-your-pocket motorcycle guide, priced at only £2.95 from all good newsagents, or direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd. Tel: 01507 529529 or visit: www.classicmagazines.co.uk to order today.
• Visit Mortons Media site
2008
Just Rossi - The unofficial history
12 November 2008
Delivering never-seen-before pictures of the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, Just Rossi is an unofficial 132 page publication that combines amazing photography with the complete story of Valentino, from his humble beginnings as the son of a racer to one of the most revered sportsmen on the planet.
Just Rossi takes the reader from inside the Rossi family right through the past 13 years of top-flight competition and up to the current MotoGP racing season, one where Rossi is widely tipped to take his eighth world crown.
Read more from this book >>
Online Exclusive: ORDER THIS AMAZING NEW BOOK NOW - P&P FREE
Heartbeat… The Story behind the Series
11 September 2008
The ITV series of Heartbeat is inspired by the novels of Nicholas Rhea, which have famously become known as the ‘Constable books’. After 17 series and a 16-year run, finally, the thousands of loyal fans of the famous Yorkshire-based drama will now have a book that encompasses it all, the bikes, the music and the fantastic storylines – for Nicholas is now telling another tale, ‘Heartbeat… The Story Behind the Series’.
This long-awaited tribute does not only chart the success of this now essential Sunday night viewing programme, but delves deep behind the scenes, both in the studio and on location, meeting the people and places which have contributed to the series’ sensational popularity.
Illustrated with photographs taken on set over the many years and charting the abundance of colourful characters, including scores of British television’s best known faces, The Heartbeat Story will be the must-have viewing companion for every Heartbeat fan.
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Mortons Media Group Ltd aquire Motorcycle Racer magazine
5 December 2007
Mortons Media Group Ltd, publishers of top UK motorcycle titles, such as Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, Classic Racer, and Motor Cycle Monthly - are pleased to announce we have taken ownership of Motorcycle Racer magazine.
Better than a pit pass!
Motorcycle racing has a huge following in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Over 4 million people enjoyed British superbike, World superbike and MotoGP racing coverage last year across a variety of terrestrial and satellite television stations, with hundreds of thousands of people braving the elements and enjoying the action live.
Motorcycle Racer aims to bring the excitement of the sport to the fans. In this personality driven industry, Motorcycle Racer gives the reader exclusive interviews with the top riders from across the globe. We have regular monthly columns from racers, giving an in-depth analysis of their life at the top.
Extensive technical information about the top racing machinery is regularly featured, our team providing the specs, stunning photography and the inside track on racebike development. The motorcycle Racer reader can enjoy intelligent and informed comment on the sport they love.
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Mortons Print Ltd - Emergency Back-up
15 June 2007
To provide mutual support in the event of emergency, Mortons Print Ltd recently entered into a “resilience” agreement with the Archant print centre in neighbouring Norfolk. When such contingency plans are drawn up it is hoped by both parties that they will never be used – but this one was just in time!
The trade magazine Print Week on June 14th carried the headline: “Fire damages Archant’s Norwich print site as Mortons offers help.”
The story notes that Mortons printed 50,000 copies of the Eastern Daily Press (the first time in its 137-year history that it has been printed outside Norfolk). Editor Peter Franzen is quoted as saying that “the switch of production to our friends in Lincolnshire worked pretty smoothly.”
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Mortons Print Ltd – Managing Director
30 January 2007
The Board of Mortons of Horncastle Ltd has appointed Mr Ian Fisher as Managing Director of Mortons Print Ltd. He also has a seat on the main board.Ian joined Mortons last year as Deputy Managing Director (Commercial), coming to Horncastle after running Northcliffe’s premier press hall at Stoke on Trent.
Mortons chairman, Philip Sharpe, commenting upon Ian’s knowledge of the industry and commercial acumen, comments: “I have no doubt whatsoever that he is the right man to lead Mortons Print into the future.
Ian Fisher responded that he was enthused by the wider challenges presented by the appointment and was looking forward to working with the Group Board and all at Mortons Print in further building on the company’s considerable achievements.