Biker twins are still on the road (From Gazette Series)

Biker twins are still on the road

A PAIR of motorbike-loving twins from Dursley celebrated their 80th birthdays this week with leather-clad enthusiasts from all over the world.

Jack and Tom Barker, who were born on May 3 1926, marked the occasion by holding a party at the Newport Towers Hotel, in Newport on the A38, with members of the Vincent Owners Club from as far away as Australia and California.

Jack said: "It was fantastic, we had 69 guests from throughout the world and most importantly our families at the top table with us.

"We had a saxophonist too, which everyone enjoyed dancing to."

The twins moved to Dursley in 1930 and attended Cam Hopton Boys' School before joining Listers at the age of 14.

They joined the war effort in 1941 but were honourably discharged a few weeks later having lied about their ages. They finally signed up in 1944, meeting only once during the war - a photo of which was published in the Gazette in 1946.

When peace was announced, both returned to their jobs at Listers, married and pursued their love of motorbikes.

In the late 1940s, Tom started scrambling and trial riding and became South West area champion joining the Cotswold section of the Vincent Motor Cycle Club.

Jack, who sadly lost his wife in 1976, took up early retirement from his job at Listers and became social secretary of the Vincent Owners Club.

He has ridden across Australia several times and still rides to continental Europe at least three times a year.

It seems that the love for motorbikes runs in the family. Jack's 28-year-old grandson is keeping up the trend and he hopes his three great-grandchildren will follow suit.

Added Jack: "They'll have to get a move on if they expect to keep up with us though."