The Solent City Scooter Club-Taking the Mick

the solent city scooter club dave tooley mallory park 1970

Tales of adventure, stupidness, teenage sex desires, friendships a great time was had by all and I remember it just

Taking the Mick

Hands up all those who remember the two Micks from Rafferty Newman's Stores.
There was Mick Challon, the rather dour Supervisor and original Storeman when the shop first started. Then there was Mick Pantling, the blonde haired 'prima donna'. The two of them had an ongoing love affair with MG Sports Cars. One green MGB was owned by Mick C, and one Blue MGC 3500 V8 was owned by Mick P. As soon as one of them had any extras fitted to their car, the other had to have it as well.

To be fair, Mick Challon did have a pleasant way about him, and a very dry sense of humour. But he carried the full responsibility of running the Stores, and with the huge increase in postal merchandise fed by the success of the Wildcat performance parts it was a big weight on his shoulders. With Rafferty Newmans becoming the Hampshire Yamaha main dealer Mick C had lots to do, and had his own little section built in the stores, and Kenny and Marten took over the Wildcat mail order duties.

Mick Pantling was a colourful fellow, an ex lift service engineer. Quite often in the early days Marten and I would hang around Raffs on a Saturday morning and get chatting to the 2 Micks during quiet spells in the shop.

I always remember above the old Stores there were some offices with a gaggle of nice young lovelys. The two Micks were taken by these girlys and would often be found having a coffee break upstairs.

Another guy we would talk to would be Richard Holmes. (who was tragically killed right in front of me.)

See:- http://www.davesplace.co.uk/Richard_Holmes_Tribute.htm

Here is a message from Mick Challon who has found out little site.

Hi Marten & Dave.

I have just been referred to your website by a customer who was trying to catch up with me and somehow managed to get to your website.

It brings back very interesting and amusing memories,of the various characters of so long ago.I didn't realize i was 'dour' must try to improve my image!

I am still involved with Rafferty Newman at Petersfield where we sell ATV's/Quad bikes/Utility Vehicles and small tractors,Ned still owns Rafferty Newman at Fareham but is virtually retired these days and lives in Old Portsmouth.I have been on the phone to him today and told him about your site and sends his regards.

I don' know what happened to Mick Pantling,i believe he moved to South Africa.I certainly remember some of the *'wind ups' that happened with Kenny Erridge,again have not seen him for years.

If you are ever this way it would be good to see you,we are on Petersfield Industrial Estate,Bedford Road.

Kind regards and best wishes Mick Challen.

*note from Marten.

What ever you do don't mention Blue Unction to Kenny.

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