OLD BIKE AUSTRALASIA: 49he always made sure I was given interesting jobs,
such as cold extrusion of axles and machining
engine valves. Jack also worked for Pyrotek where
again I was employed machining high temperature
ceramics again learning more engineering aspects.”
During the 15 years he owned the Squirrel hotel
in conjunction with his wife Gladys, Eric Biddle
welcomed many famous names to his little
museum, including John Surtees. The pub became a
popular ‘pint stop’ for motorcyclists, and to add to
the attraction, Eric would mount one of the museum
bikes on the bar. In a journal a few years back,
Eric was quoted thus. “A big “Hello!” to all
motorbike enthusiasts out there. My name is Eric
Biddle and I’ve never been without a bike since
acquiring a Sidney Gleaves Special in 1936 when I
was 16. Over the years I’ve been the proud owner
of many bikes – some of you may remember “The
Squirrel Collection” of over 50 racing machines
when I was landlord of “The Squirrel Hotel” at
Horwich, Lancashire, England.
“One of my all-time favourites was a 350ccoutside flywheel Manx Norton ridden by Ray Amm
in 1954, the last time Norton entered a factory team
in the TT. This is the last complete, totally original
machine of four that were built and was sold to
John Surtees. Although I only have room for one or
two bikes now I haven’t lost any of my enthusiasm
for them and still have a large collection of pictures
and information. I would love to hear from anyone
else who is mad about classic British bikes.”
Eric Biddle passed away in 2008 aged 87. Jack
Crowhust died in Sydney in 2009, aged 79. SQUIRREL HOTEL
1961 7R AJS, final form of the famous 350cc racer. First of the plunger frame International Nortons
supplied in ‘Manx Racing Trim’ to a customer in
Germany.
Peter Scaysbrook (7) on the 350 Manx at Amaroo Park.