A Short History of the Club

The Club was formed in 1944 by members of the Signals Platoon of the local Home Guard who wanted to continue riding motor cycles after the Home Guard was dis-banded.  The platoon was part of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment so the new club adopted the regiment's badge and mascot as its own.

The first Club Headquarters was in the Garrison Cookery School in Barkers Butts Lane, Coventry.   There was a complete programme of sporting activities including Motor Cycle Football, Scrambles, Grass Track races, Trials and Road Rallies.  Road Racing was organised at Ansty, the site of the Rolls Royce factory.   In those early post-war years large crowds turned out to see riders who were later to become world famous such as Geoff Duke and John Surtees.

In 1952 the Club moved to Whitefriars Lane and became a Limited Company, owned by its members and run by an elected board of directors.
We remained there until 1967 when the land was required for the City's Inner Ring Road. 
As well as a seven-days-a week social programme the Club ran all the usual sporting events  Road Racing petered out following the loss of the track when the Rolls Royce (or Armstong Siddley as it then was) expanded.   There were a number of Road Racers in the Club competing in a variety of events such as the Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix.  Several riders specialised in long distance events eg. the BEMSEE 1000 Km and the Thruxton 500.  The Boxing Day Scramble was an annual event in aid of the Paybody Children's Hospital attracting riders from all over the Midlands and further afield.  

The Club became strong in Grass Track organising the Warwickshire Championships and once had the honour of running a round of the British Championships.   There was a large contingent of Trials riders who competed in the Club, Centre and National events including the Scottish Six Days Trial and the Scott Trial  The Club National Rally Team won the Midland Centre Trophy (The Lycett Shield) so many times that it was given to the Club and a replacement presented to the Centre.  The Club became well known for thr Antelope Camping Rally attracting riders from all over the UK and several European Countries.  The Rally is still held every year.

By 1969 the Club had progressed from wood and concrete huts to  purpose designed premises in Hertford Place near the City Centre.  The HQ  featured a Lounge, two bars and a Dance/Concert Room as well as committee rooms etc.  The late  Dennis Howell (later Lord Howell), Minister of Sport, officially opened the building on the 24th October 1969, the Club's 25th Anniversary.

For the next fifteen years the Club continued with its Sporting programme and expanded the Social activities.  "The Rocking Goose Disco"  held up to four times a week became a magnet for the young people of the City.  Live music was also a feature and "Jazz at the Antelope" was a strong favourite.  Other entertainment included Film Shows, Dances and Folk Nights.  Jasper Carrott appeared at the Club -  it cost 3/- (15p) to get in  -  Those were the days!

As more and more places of entertainment opened nearby during the 80's membership declined and the Club was unable to maintain the premises as a going business.  In 1985 the Clubhouse was sold.

The Antelope is still alive and well with the highest percentage of road riders for many years.  Now running as most Motor Cycle Clubs in the country in a local pub. There is always a welcome for members old and new, young and not so young.