William Alfred Cakebread known as Bill died peacefully at home in East Sussex on 17 October 2024 at the age of 82. He was born on 9 November 1941 in New Cross S E London and leaves behind his devoted wife Valerie, brother Bob, son Stephen, daughter Alison and grandchildren.
He was educated at Wilsons Grammar school, Camberwell and gained an HNC in mechanical engineering while undertaking an apprenticeship at Associated Motorcycles in Plumstead S E London and started a career as a design draughtsman. From there he moved to St Leonards in East Sussex and after a few jobs he found his feet at Wylie Weighload in Hastings where he quickly rose to chief draughtsman and then to director where he stayed for much of his working life.
Historic motorcycles and cars were always a hobby, restoring them and researching their history gradually building up a fine collection. His thirst for knowledge and his experiences drove him to write two books “Motorcycle Apprentice” and “The Matchless Colliers” both well received by the motorcycle fraternity
