TODD DAGWELL
theherald.com.au
CRANKY: Denis Paulin with the
offending Herald column. -
Picture by Phil Hearne
AN army of ageing motorcycle devotees has declared war on Newcastle Herald columnist Jeff Corbett, labelling him a "bitter little man".
Corbett infuriated up to 3000 members of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, in town for an annual general meeting, when he wrote an article yesterday describing them as "fat, old fools".
Club national president Denis Paulin said the article had tainted the meeting, which was five years in the planning.
He said it was lazy journalism.
"He made no effort to find out what we do or what we stand for and he's written an uninformed and offensive article," Mr Paulin said.
The club supported three charities, devoted $150,000 a year to arthritis research, sponsored motorcycle apprentices and was heavily involved in road safety, Mr Paulin said.
"But all he can see is we've got fat arses and we walk around the street holding hands. He's a bitter little man."
Some members have challenged Corbett to visit the Newcastle Harness Racing Club, the event camp site, to discuss the column.
Event director Chris Garrod said Corbett should "come down and speak to some Ulysseans and then consider the fact he's called us fat and old boilers, we'd all love to speak with him about it".
Corbett believed the article had had a positive effect on the club.
"Ulysseans have been thanking me all day for being such a unifying influence," he said.
"I hope they have a wonderful open day on Saturday, I'll be the man in the wig."