Contact details
Email: president[at]wimagb.co.uk
Website: www.wimagb.co.uk
Facebook: WIMA GB & Friends/WIMA GB Members
Instagram: @wima.gb
About WIMA GB
There were British members of WIMA in the early 1950s, and the first WIMA National Rally in England is recorded to have taken place in 1956, organised by the then Captain, Muriel Scott.
The Division took its current form when Anne Gale was Captain when, in 1980 at the AGM, the membership voted to accept its own Constitution. The decision was made to have a committee to help keep the British Division “on the road to success”. The committee members each have specific responsibilities and are jointly responsible for the management of the division.
WIMA GB membership peaked near 400 in the early 2000s, and then dipped to around 150 members. With a fresh committee membership well supported by long-standing members we started growing again to over 350 members by 2024, and exceeding 500 in 2026, and we continue to grow, ensuring the future success of the division with our pioneering members who are passionate not only about motorcycling but also uniting, uplifting, and empowering other women riders.
The monthly WIMA GB Newsletter remains the key method of communication and record for WIMA GB members, and social media is increasingly being used to share experiences, keep in touch, and organise meet-ups. An annual National Rally, group rides, ad hoc weekends or days away, and representing WIMA at motorcycle events remain the most enjoyed activities for members.
Captains/Presidents from the 60s onwards: Maureen Willis (1965-1973), Sheila Whittingham (1973-1975), Anne Gale (1976-1981), Frances Popley (author/editor of first History of WIMA in 1980. Captain (1981-1983), Mandy Hoare (now Pratley,1983-1987), Vanessa Bretton (1987-1992), Sheonagh Ravensdale (1992-1998), Caroline Clarke (July 1998-February 2000), Sue Charnock (now Chadwick, 2000-2005), Tyne Henney (now Henney-Scrafton 2005-2010), Val Newman (2010-2020), Caroline Lunnon (2020-2022), Siân Davis since 2022.
There are other WIMA GB members listed in the international presidents, international officers, and Ellen Pfeiffer award sections, including: Anne Gale, Anna Zee, Janet Cox, Maureen Willis, Sheonagh Ravensdale & Pat Thomson, and Zara Strange.
In addition, Sheonagh Ravensdale led the work on the WIMA History Book Diamond Jubilee edition and was joined in this effort by fellow GB members Louise Hiller for design and Caroline Lunnon for design and editing as well as Åsa Öhqvist from WIMA Sweden. Read about them and the book here.
International Rallies held in Great Britain: 2019 (Castleton, Derbyshire), 2011 (Lancaster), 2003 (Dorset), 1994 (Usk, Wales), 1987 (Ashbourne, Derbyshire), 1982 (Fort William, Scotland), 1978 (Llanfelte Farm, Wales)
Notable members
Siân Davies, president since 2022
Siân had not long taken her test when she discovered WIMA through the WRWR event. She signed up and pretty quickly got involved on the committee, working her way up to eventually become president. Siân is also International Graphic Designer.
“That sense of pride I felt from the start has grown, as have our member numbers, our involvement in eventsand our presence in the Motorcycle community as a whole. I want to help WIMA continue to grow and develop as a support network, for women wanting to ride, to travel and to participate in motor sports.
Caroline Lunnon, president 2020-2022
Caroline joined WIMA in 2019, whilst in Malaysia during her ride around the world. “WIMA is an inspiring network of women with a strong history, and I am excited to have the chance to be a part of ensuring its future. We are here to support and encourage all women who want to ride.” Caroline Lunnon stood down to become Vice President in 2022, and was succeeded by Siân Davis. Caroline is serving as International Historian and is featured in the Officers section.
Val Newman, president 2010-2020
Val joined WIMA in 2002 as a novice rider because she wanted supportive company to ride with. “I love all the friends I’ve made, both in the UK and outside of it. The International Rallies ensured I visited places I may not have gone to. For the future, I hope that WIMA continues to grow, and represents female motorcyclists from all walks of life, all over the world.”
Ann Weir, regional contact for Wales, and rally officer 1987-1993
Ann has been a WIMA member since 1979. She loves WIMA for the camaraderie of all female bikers and attended her first International Rally in Fort William in 1982, along with her chocolate labrador, Deno, in the sidecar. “I took over as rally officer doing everything on my own; booking rally sites, marquees, disco, BBQ, organizing quizzes, raffle prizes, tea, coffee etc. Even bringing a rally bike pulled by my sidecar for rallyists to take part in a gymkhana. I have attended at least 15 International Rallies travelling on my own.”
Tiffany Coates, regional contact for Cornwall
Tiffany is the world’s foremost female motorbike adventurer, having explored six continents by motorcycle, riding hundreds of thousands of miles in more than 20 years of adventurous journeys. She joined WIMA in 2013 to be part of an organisation that supports and promotes riding for women. “I love the sisterhood and the enthusiasm, the acceptance of everyone for all women riders. Let’s get more younger women involved, and make WIMA relevant for the next 70 years.”
